When it comes to considering the carbon footprint of the fashion and textiles industry, most of us tend to focus on coal-powered factories in countries like China and Vietnam and the shipping of garments halfway around the world to western stores.
Others worry about the impact of synthetic fabrics derived from fossil fuels, such as polyester, which are said to account for up to a fifth of the sector’s emissions – but we must bear in mind that so-called natural fibres, such as cotton, also contribute to climate change.
Better Cotton – formerly the Better Cotton Initiative – is drawing up its own strategy on climate change in the hope of reducing the impact of cotton which has been estimated by the Carbon Trust at 220 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Already have an account? Log In
Recommended
Most Popular
Latest Magazine
Features
Why China’s new wastewater standard is only one part of a broader shift spanning environmental law
As Brussels switches on its product passport registry, fashion’s supply chain data gaps threaten a bumpy rollout
As green claims face closer regulatory scrutiny liability no longer sits solely with the brands
News
Preview of our Textile Standards & Legislation Guide
China’s strengthened rules make officials personally accountable for serious environmental damage
New process to strip reactive dyes from cotton could benefit textile-to-textile recycling
Opinion
European factory closures show costs, geography and demand decide which materials survive
Other publications from MCL News & Media
