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Textile

About this sector

The textile and fashion industry can play a significant role in conserving biodiversity through innovation and new ideas. The industry makes extensive use of raw materials derived from biodiversity, such as natural fabrics and animal skins. In addition, textiles and clothing are a vital economic sector. They account for close to 7 per cent of global trade.

Impacts

  • Land conversion and degradation from the cultivation of crops and livestock for natural fibres and products, as well for the extraction of petrochemicals.
  • Over-harvesting of wild species such as crocodiles, snakes, seals, and shells for leather, fibres, dyestuffs, and accessories.
  • Pollution, excessive water use and CO2 release from the production of synthetic fibres, the manufacture of products, and the laundering of final products.

Opportunities/Risks

  • Consumer trends: The emerging trend for ecofashion creates opportunities to benefit from sustainable production methods.
  • Supply: Environmental degradation will compromise the supply and productivity of natural fibres and materials.
  • New designs: Biodiversity can provide inspiration for new and novel materials and designs.

Case Studies


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Supporting Pesticide-free Cotton Farms that Contribute to Greener Agriculture and a Better Environment

Supporting Pesticide-free Cotton Farms that Contribute to Greener Agriculture and a Better Environment

Tsubame Towel Corporation is encouraging the spread of environmentally friendly organic cotton and also supporting the work of organic farmers in India.


Tools and Mechanisms


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Ethical and Environmental Certification Institute

Ethical and Environmental Certification Institute

http://www.icea.info

ICEA is an inspection and certification body in the field of sustainable development that evaluates corporate respect for the environment, workers' dignity, and collective rights. ICEA's activities support a fair and socially sustainable development that extend from agriculture to other organic and ecological sectors.
 

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

The International Ecotourism Society (TIES)

http://www.ecotourism.org

TIES promotes the development of ecotourism by providing guidelines, standards, training, technical assistance, research, and publications on sustainable ecotourism. TIES' global network of ecotourism professionals and travelers contributes to making tourism a viable tool for conservation, the protection of bio-cultural diversity, and sustainable community development.
Uganda BioTrade

Uganda BioTrade

http://www.ugandaexportsonline.com/biotrade/

The Uganda BioTrade Programme was designed to facilitate and promote trade in biological goods and services.  Increased trade positively affects employment creation, the sustainable use of Uganda’s natural resources, and contributes to poverty alleviation.
Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT)

Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT)

http://www.ethicalbiotrade.org/

The Union for Ethical Biotrade is a non-profit association that promotes the “Sourcing with Respect” of ingredients that come from native biodiversity. Members commit to gradually ensuring that their sourcing practices promote the conservation of biodiversity, respect traditional knowledge and assure the equitable sharing of benefits all along the supply chain. As part of its strategic plan the UEBT targets key economic sectors such as the cosmetics, health, and beauty industry, and to a lesser extent the food industry.
Öko-Tex Standard 100

Öko-Tex Standard 100

http://www.oeko-tex.com/OekoTex100_PUBLIC/index.as...

The Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 for textile products provides a scientifically-founded evaluation standard for the human ecological safety of textiles, from the raw material to the finished product, against the background of the globalized and extremely fragmented nature of the textile manufacturing chain.

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Textile

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