12 Step Guide on How can clothing company be more sustainable: Practical Strategies
Use Sustainable Materials
Explore innovative fabrics: Beyond organic cotton and recycled polyester, adopt materials like Tencel (from wood pulp), Econyl (regenerated nylon), or Piñatex (pineapple fiber).
Prioritize certifications: Source materials certified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex, or Bluesign to ensure eco-friendly and ethical production.
Collaborate with suppliers: Work with mills to develop low-impact dyes, bio-based synthetics, or regenerative agriculture partnerships (e.g., cotton farms using carbon-capturing practices).
Design for longevity: Blend durable natural fibers with recycled synthetics to extend garment lifecycles.
Reduce Water Usage
Adopt waterless technologies: Invest in AirDye® (uses air instead of water) or DyeCoo (CO2-based dyeing systems), which reduce water use by up to 95%.
Implement closed-loop systems: Recycle 90–95% of water in dyeing processes, as pioneered by companies like Colorifix.
Harvest rainwater: Install catchment systems for non-production water needs (e.g., cleaning, irrigation).
Treat wastewater: Partner with NGOs like WaterAid or install on-site treatment plants to ensure discharged water is toxin-free.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Transition to renewables: Install solar panels or purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Join initiatives like RE100 to commit to 100% renewable energy.
Upgrade machinery: Replace old equipment with energy-efficient alternatives (e.g., heat pumps, LED lighting, automated systems that power down during idle times).
Optimize workflows: Use IoT sensors to monitor and reduce energy waste in real time (e.g., adjusting HVAC systems based on occupancy).
Minimize Waste
Adopt zero-waste design: Use pattern-cutting software to utilize 95%+ of fabric. Brands like Tonlé use scrap-only production.
Launch take-back programs: Partner with Circular.fashion or TerraCycle to recycle garments into new fibers.
Repurpose pre-consumer waste: Turn scraps into stuffing, insulation, or accessories (e.g., Patagonia’s “Scraps Collection”).
Design for disassembly: Use mono-materials (100% cotton) or biodegradable threads to simplify recycling.
Improve Supply Chain Transparency
Leverage blockchain: Use platforms like TextileGenesis to trace fibers from farm to finished product.
Conduct third-party audits: Partner with Fair Wear Foundation or Sedex to verify fair wages and safe working conditions.
Localize production: Source materials and labor regionally to cut emissions and support communities (e.g., MUD Jeans in Europe).
Educate Customers
Include care labels: Add symbols for cold washing, air drying, or repairing. Levi’s uses “Care for Our Planet” tags.
Offer repair guides: Host workshops or share YouTube tutorials to extend garment life.
Incentivize sustainability: Reward customers with discounts for recycling old clothes (e.g., H&M’s Garment Collecting Program).
Leverage CSR Funds
Use CSR funds to plant trees and support environmental projects. For example, Synerg, a Tirupur-based sustainable clothing manufacturer, donates to Cauvery Calling, a campaign revitalizing the Cauvery River by planting 2.42 billion trees.
Additional Doable Strategies for Factories
Adopt Circular Business Models
Launch rental/resale platforms: Brands like Rent the Runway or The Renewal Workshop keep clothes in use longer.
Offer modular designs: Create customizable garments (e.g., interchangeable sleeves) to reduce overproduction.
Switch to Sustainable Packaging
Use compostable mailers (e.g., NoIssue) or reusable totes.
Eliminate plastic polybags; opt for recycled paper tags and digital invoices.
Measure & Reduce Carbon Footprint
Calculate emissions via tools like Higg Index or Climate Neutral.
Set science-based targets (SBTi) to align with the Paris Agreement.
Invest in Employee Well-Being
Train workers on sustainable practices (e.g., efficient machine operation).
Provide PPE from recycled materials and ensure fair wages via Fair Trade Certification.
Collaborate for Industry Change
Join coalitions like Fashion Pact or Textile Exchange to share best practices.
Support policies for extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws.
By implementing these steps, brands and factories can reduce environmental harm while building customer trust and long-term resilience. Small, consistent changes often yield the most impactful results!
