Ensuring the Sustainability of Textile and Apparel Raw MaterialsEnsuring that raw material sourcing is environmentally friendly and sustainable has become a critical step in driving the industry's green transformation. Starting with eco-friendly raw materials at the source can effectively promote the sustainable development of the entire supply chain. Currently, the following materials and innovative fabrics are widely adopted and are becoming key trends in sustainable development:

1. Environmental Characteristics of Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is grown without chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which can save up to 91% water, reduce soil acidification and erosion, avoid adverse effects on human health and environmental pollution, and ultimately enhance sustainability.

2. Sustainability of Hemp Fiber: Hemp is natural and sustainable, requiring no pesticides or fertilizers and using less water. Its deep root system helps improve soil quality and prevent soil erosion. At the same time, it offers excellent durability for wear.

3. Resource Conservation and Environmental Benefits of Recycled Polyester Fiber: By recycling discarded plastic bottles into new fiber materials, petroleum resources are conserved, and air pollution is significantly reduced. These fabrics are widely used in making quick-dry clothing, UV-protective garments, and polar fleece products.

These innovative raw materials and fabrics not only showcase the textile and apparel industry’s efforts in environmental protection and resource conservation but also pave new paths for sustainable development, while meeting consumers’ growing demand for green, low-carbon products.

A full life-cycle circular approach is one of the important strategies for achieving environmental sustainability in the textile and apparel industry.

The concept of a circular economy generally holds that taking sustainable measures at every stage—from design and production to consumption (durability) and recycling—can effectively reduce waste, conserve resources, and mitigate environmental impact.

In particular, the success of green design at the planning stage directly affects the overall degree of sustainability across the entire product life cycle. A good start is half the battle—if the design phase fully considers the environmental friendliness of materials, low energy consumption in production, and waste management, the subsequent production and consumption stages will be more eco-friendly and sustainable, extending even to the recycling and repurposing of discarded clothing.

Through green design, companies can lay a solid foundation for the entire product life cycle, ensuring that environmental burdens during use and recycling are minimized.

Editor: HT0601 Reference: Southern+ESG Insights｜ESG Core Issues in the Textile and Apparel Industry