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12 Step Guide on How can clothing company & clothing factory be more sustainable? To facilitate sustainable clothing production. - Synerg

12 Step Guide on How can clothing company & factory be more sustainable?

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Published in: Clothing Information

12 Step Guide on How can clothing company be more sustainable: Practical Strategies

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. 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.

  5. 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).

  6. 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).

  7. 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

  1. 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.

  2. Switch to Sustainable Packaging

    • Use compostable mailers (e.g., NoIssue) or reusable totes.

    • Eliminate plastic polybags; opt for recycled paper tags and digital invoices.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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!

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