Aligned with this season’s Focus Topic: Nothing to Waste - Closing the Loop
We are all aware that the textile industry, as the second largest polluter in the world, must take responsibility for making the best possible contribution to a sustainable circular economy in the value chain.
Why nothing to waste?
Despite the well-aired public mantra of ‘reduce, re-use, recycle’, it’s estimated that the fashion industry creates around 13 kilograms of fashion waste for every person on the planet every year. That waste is equivalent to a landmass larger than the size of France. To combat this, the industry must adopt a ‘circular economy’ approach: rethinking and redesigning the way products are made, used and disposed of.
What are ‘closed loop’ systems?
A closed loop system is one in which products are designed, manufactured, used and handled so as to circulate within society for as long as possible, with maximum usability, minimum adverse environmental impacts, minimum waste generation, and with the most efficient use of water, energy, and other resources throughout their lifecycles. This includes recycling of waste back into production systems, as well as making products reusable or repairable.
What does circular mean?
The circular economy works best with mono-component materials per one garment (100% made from one material), which can be recycled completely. Products that are not compostable need to return their raw materials.
No waste because biodegradable – Back to nature
Recycling is one approach to minimizing waste, but there are also options that protect soil, air, water from the tons of waste and even some of the toxic components. Materials that decompose or biodegrade in soil or in a landfill are already available. Some fibers can even biodegrade in marine water which is good news as the laundering process suspends tiny fiber particles that flow into the rivers and oceans.
In this first newsletter story we want to not only inspire you, but also inform you about the newest fabric and material developments concerning biodegradability from Functional Fabric Fair powered by Performance Days exhibitors. Check out biodegradable recycled Polyester or biodegradable Spandex, as well as Wool, Tencel or Cupro:
