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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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Peccary Pelt Certification Project

http://www.kent.ac.uk/dice/research/peccary/index....

The programme aims to 'certify' the peccary pelts that come from communities that manage their wildlife hunting sustainably. This provides economic incentives for rural people to convert unsustainable bush meat hunting to more sustainable hunting by establishing community-based wildlife management.
Global Organic Textile Standard

Global Organic Textile Standard

http://www.global-standard.org/

Produced by the International Working Group on GOTS, this international standard harmonises those of national and regional trade associations. Based on the IFOAM criteria, this standard defines requirements to ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of raw materials, through manufacture, to labelling.
Finance Alliance for Sustainable Trade (FAST)

Finance Alliance for Sustainable Trade (FAST)

http://www.fastinternational.org/

FAST is an internationally focused, member driven, non-profit association representing financial institutions and producers dedicated to the sustainable production and trade of products.

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Textile

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