A More Sustainable Textile Supply Chain

The word “sustainability” implies simply that something can be continued. From the textile industry perspective, sustainability refers to environmental and social responsibility. In other words, the textile industry must not harm the natural environment or the people who produce, or use, its products. If the industry doesn’t take responsibility for its impact on these areas, it probably won’t be economically sustainable either. This has been summarised as: “people, planet, profit.” It also has been referred to, in corporate finance and accounting, as “triple bottom line.” Some of the key issues for textile and apparel companies include: • animal welfare • biodegradability • carbon neutrality • chemicals • circular economy • fiber particulate “microfiber” pollution • secondhand clothing • recycling • transparency • water consumption