USA
It is believed
that the textile industry is a major source of waste and pollution.
Overproduction and overconsumption of low-cost clothes are produced under poor
conditions and end up in landfills. This not only causes environmental
pollution but also represents missed economic opportunities. Opting for a
circular economy is the best way to make the textile sector more efficient and
less polluting.
If the textiles
are made circular, then it can have a great impact on the environment.
According to a report published by Henrique Pacini, Economist, UNCTAD, 33% of
the carbon dioxide emissions embedded in textile products can be reduced by
opting for the policy of reuse, repurpose, and recycle. It can also reduce
land, soil, and air pollution which is linked to the production of textiles.
Another point
that was highlighted was that whenever circularity is been discussed, the
entire focus is on the environmental gains and less on the social consequences
of transition. The hardship faced by workers at the bottom of the textiles
supply chain is represented by the tragedy of the Rana Plaza factory collapse
in Bangladesh. There is a need for more social equity in the industry. Another
concern for developing countries is that the trade-in second-hand clothes
restrict the growth of the local textile industries.
One more social
dimension for a circular industry is the jobs. Many sectors experience job
losses because cotton and polyester, which is the main source of textiles and
apparel, come from agricultural sources. As agriculture meets automation,
textile industries face long-term decreases in employment levels. End-of-life
garment sorting and an unhealthy work environment are other social
concerns.
At present many
companies focus on sustainability. For these companies and businesses, stepping
into circular textiles involve three main aspects naming business model,
technology, and understanding how to get buy-in from customers. With the help
of technology, recycling and upcycling of rural and synthetic materials that
are used in textiles like wool, rayon, cotton, and polyester can be done.
Companies like Renewcell and TreetoTextile are working to reduce the
environmental impacts of conventional rayon by using new generations of
semi-synthetic fibers. Many companies work on lease and rental approaches,
while multinational companies like Levis and H&M operate on a linear model
and are trailing upcycling and second-hand businesses.
In developing
countries like Brazil, Bangladesh, India, China, Pakistan, and Turkey, the
global textiles market is estimated at around $1.4 trillion. It employs around
300 million people. The need of the hour is to understand what exactly the
consumers want and to deliver a suitable circular solution.
Source – UNCTAD
Also Read:
https://unctad.org/news/seizing-opportunities-circular-economy-textiles