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| Image credit: Kevin Limbri /unsplash.com |
The global textile industry has witnessed significant growth over the years, fueled by the demand for apparel. The US, under the leadership of President Trump, is pushing for its revival. Since his election, Trump has made efforts to infuse a new life into the textile manufacturing sector.
However, growth is not the only thing manufacturers should aspire to. As global awareness grows around sustainability and ethical practices, they must look for ways to reshape the industry for the better. Making responsible decisions can benefit the environment and society, and strengthen brand reputation and long-term profitability.
In this article, we will share a few strategies for garment manufacturers looking to lead the change.
Steer Clear of Fast Fashion
Fast fashion emphasizes mass-producing inexpensive clothing that follows fleeting trends. However, this is often at the expense of both people and the planet.
According to Earth.org, the UN Environment Programme highlights the impact of the industry on the environment. Besides being the second-biggest consumer of water, fast fashion accounts for about 10% of global carbon emissions. That is more than all maritime shipping and international flights combined.
Distancing from fast fashion is the first responsible choice garment manufacturers should make. It starts with focusing on quality over quantity. Producing durable, timeless garments reduces overconsumption and waste. Further, they should encourage brands and consumers to select classic styles that last through seasonal changes.
Working with brands that value slow fashion principles, such as limited runs and mindful design, is another good decision. Avoiding fast fashion helps curb environmental damage and prevents labor exploitation associated with speed-driven production models.
Choose Eco-Friendly Fibers
The fiber choice determines a garment's sustainability. Manufacturers can make a major impact by sourcing eco-friendly fibers as raw materials. For example, organic cotton requires less water and no harmful pesticides. Use of recycled polyester, nylon, or reclaimed cotton reduces virgin resource extraction.
Innovative materials like bamboo and hemp are gaining traction for their low-impact cultivation and biodegradability. Adopting eco-friendly dyes and less water-intensive finishing processes takes responsible choices to the next level.
Consider the example of PFAS, the notorious forever chemicals, being used in garment manufacturing. According to the European Environment Agency, polymeric PFAS is widely used, constituting over 75% of PFAS in textiles. This complicates things because the reuse and recycling of PFAS-laden products causes contamination.
The PFAS lawsuit highlights the concern as it represents communities battling with the health issues caused by PFAS exposure. These chemicals contaminate the water supplies and pose the risk of deadly diseases like cancer in the population of the surrounding areas.
TorHoerman Law notes that the US Environmental Protection Agency has implemented steps to regulate these chemicals. Eliminating them from industrial processes may actually become essential for manufacturers.
Reduce Wastage
Textile production is an inherently resource-heavy process. There is wastage at every stage, from processing to dyeing and finishing. Manufacturers seeking a responsible approach can tackle this by fine-tuning their operations with certain measures.
Optimizing pattern layouts with digital tools to minimize fabric offcuts is a good start. They can convert production waste into accessories, patches, or insulation materials. The best thing about this measure is that upcycled materials may create a new revenue stream.
Lean manufacturing streamlines workflows to minimize excess inventory and energy use. Recycling water and energy is another good move. They can adopt innovative ideas like using closed-loop water recycling and renewable energy sources to cut operational waste.
Adopt Ethical Labor Practices
The garment industry has long been scrutinized for unethical labor practices. According to Anti-Slavery International, the fast-fashion model is particularly notorious as it focuses on lowering costs. This downward pressure on labor costs increases exploitation. Manufacturers must bear responsibility to ensure ethical labor practices.
Fair wages in line with or above legal minimums should be a priority for manufacturers. Additionally, they must ensure safe working conditions with health and safety training, clean environments, and adequate breaks. Exploitative labor should be prohibited, and regular audits should be conducted.
Workers should be empowered with opportunities for skill development, gender equality initiatives, and grievance redressal. Respecting workers’ rights has several benefits. It boosts morale, reduces turnover, and enhances a company's standing among discerning global customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to control quality in the garment industry?
Quality control defines success in the garment industry. Manufacturers can ensure it by implementing detailed standard operating procedures for each production stage. Regular staff training on quality checkpoints and defect identification can also help. They must employ in-line and end-of-line inspections, random sampling, and use technologies like barcoding or RFID for traceability.
How to improve production efficiency in the garment industry?
Efficiency in the industry optimizes resource use and profitability. To maximize it, manufacturers must clearly outline every production step to identify bottlenecks. Lean manufacturing techniques such as 5S, Kaizen, and Just-In-Time inventory can also improve production efficiency. Additionally, technologies like automated cutting, sewing, and data analytics tools streamline workflows. Read these 20 ways of productivity improvement.
How can we be more responsible as textile consumers?
Consumers have significant power to influence the industry. Responsible steps include supporting ethical brands that prioritize responsible and sustainable operations. Also, consumers should ditch fast fashion and choose quality over quantity. Recycling and donating clothing are small steps that go a long way.
Manufacturers, brands, and consumers together wield the collective influence to build a more sustainable and equitable future for fashion. Responsible garment manufacturing is the need of the hour. Beyond being just a moral obligation, it is a strategic imperative shaping the industry’s next chapter.