OEKO-TEX®’s Post

Advancing sustainable chemistry in the textile industry 🌱 In an important move for sustainable practices in the textile industry, bluesign and Sustainable Chemistry for Textiles Initiative (SCTI) donate the Sustainable Chemistry Index (SCI) Methodology to ZDHC. The collaborative venture is intended to innovate chemical management in the textile, leather, and fashion sectors whilst addressing environmental impacts in a comprehensive fashion. https://ow.ly/EEiJ50SmXnF #SustainableChemistry #LeatherIndustry #SustainableFashion #textiletechnology

📣 World Textile Information Network (WTiN)- "Investigating Textile Sizing Polymers," by Jalal Mahly   In today's world, consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their choices. The textile industry, a significant consumer of water and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is undergoing a profound transformation to meet the demands of environmentally aware consumers. The article explores the pressing need for sustainable practices, focusing on the textile sizing process—a crucial but often overlooked step in production. SNF's sizing polymers enhance technical performance and contribute significantly to environmental and economic sustainability. The article provides insightful trials and case studies demonstrating the superior efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and economic viability of FLOSIZE™ polymers compared to conventional sizing agents.   Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d_V8HbjB   #TextileIndustry #Sustainability #Innovation #SNFPolymers #EnvironmentallyFriendly #TextileSizing

How does dyeing jeans impact the environment? The chemical process for dyeing blue jeans has persisted for the last century. The denim industry uses about 50,000 tons of synthetic indigo a year, along with over 84,000 tons of sodium hydrosulfite as a reducing agent. Textile workers are exposed to these chemicals, which can be poisonous and carcinogenic. Lots of indigo alternatives research happening. According to Ditte Hededam Welner, biologist at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for #Biosustainability and lead researcher on a new study, their newly engineered enzyme is extremely stable, so it can withstand the industrial manufacturing process better that previous methods for using indican. https://lnkd.in/eg9WC6Aa

It is widely acknowledged that the production of jeans contributes significantly to environmental pollution within the fashion industry. 👖👖👖👖👖 However, there is optimism for the future. This article explores innovative techniques for dyeing indigo jeans using enzymes rather than traditional chemicals. It is conceivable that such advancements could be extended to other dyeing processes, offering promise for a more sustainable future in fashion manufacturing."

Workers’ safety in the textile industry gets less focus than the environmental impact from waste, water pollution, and chemical use.  As the textile industry shifts towards sustainability and circular fashion, worker safety has to be a big part of the equation.  Novonesis biosolutions for textiles can play a huge role in making mills and laundries safer. With advanced granular technology, you can eliminate the allergy hazards caused by airborne particles and drastically reduce the use of harsh chemicals in dyeing, printing, finishing and other textile production processes.  It’s time to start down a sustainable path that’s safe for your workers and the environment, while also improving product quality. Explore Novonesis textile biosolutions today 👇 https://lnkd.in/d3pcC_my #Novonesis #Biosolutions #Sustainability #Enzymes #Textiles

Textile World magazine talk about us!! Check the full article here below:

Stay up-to-date with all things bluesign on our News page! Curious about how we're growing, evolving, and setting new standards in the textile industry? Our news page is your go-to destination for: 📢 Press Releases: Big announcements on our growth, progress, and how we're shaping the future of the industry. 🧪 Academy News: Expert insights on chemical safety, the latest legislation, and everything impacting the textile industry. Explore all the latest updates 👇 #ChemicalSafety #Textiles #ResponsiblePractices #Innovation #IndustryUpdates

The definition of a rational consumer now includes the desire to consume consciously, and the UK textile industry is taking a step forward to fulfil their needs. I am often asked about the reporting requirements a textile manufacturer needs to adhere to for various stakeholders of their business, as well as about identifying widely accepted certifications that help prove they are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. Here is my overview of compliances for a textile manufacturer: Regulatory Compliance: REACH: Regulates use of harmful chemicals, crucial for market entry. GPSR: Mandatory for safety, especially for children's products like those with cords or drawstrings. Labelling: Must include fibre content and care instructions, clearly in the local language. Key Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Validates products are free from harmful substances. Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Certifies eco-friendly and ethically produced organic textiles. SA8000: Focuses on fair and ethical treatment of workers. Bluesign: Ensures minimal environmental impact and responsible resource use. ZDHC: Aims to eliminate hazardous chemicals in production. Staying compliant and obtaining these certifications elevates a manufacturer’s appeal to major apparel brands, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and ethical goods by the end-user. Many countries such as the EU and the US, are clamping down on importing polyester yarn produced by toxic chemical-heavy processes along with harmful disposal of waste from the production. There are various reporting requirements to be fulfilled by the manufacturer especially when it is operating globally including regulators, investors, suppliers, clients and internal stakeholders along with managing internal data for efficient project management & decision-making. Optimising the data collection process to be able to manage volumes of data is key to drive data-enabled decision making. Dash #sustainability #ESG #greenbusiness #data #textiles #apparel

📢 Textile Exchange has just released its Materials Matter Standard Pilot V.10. 📝 Formerly known as the unified standard, this pilot version is currently undergoing a testing phase - voluntary #certification and audit are not expected before 2026. 🤔 Yet, to know more about the standard (ambition, scope, requirements, implementation...) and make up your own mind, you should definitely deep dive through the document, available right below: https://lnkd.in/d-tvuJUv #sustainablesourcing #rawmaterials

It's a rainy Monday here in London and I'm wearing the £3.27(!) perfect pair of GAP jeans that I snatched last week at my favourite charity shop. Today I am putting aside any musing on AI and marketing content and actually write about the environmental stressors behind a pair of new jeans. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 We all love our blue jeans. They're comfortable, versatile, and a staple in wardrobes worldwide. But have you ever stopped to consider the environmental impact of that favorite pair of denim? Specifically, the amount of water it takes to produce a single pair of jeans? The numbers might surprise you. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻s 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 It's estimated that producing one pair of jeans requires an astonishing 2,000 gallons (7,570 liters) of water. That's enough to fill a modest-sized swimming pool! But where does all this water go? 𝟭. 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The journey begins with growing cotton, a notoriously thirsty crop. Cotton fields require extensive irrigation, especially in drier climates. 𝟮. 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Turning raw cotton into denim fabric involves several water-intensive processes, including cleaning, dyeing, and finishing. 𝟯. 𝗗𝘆𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴: The iconic blue color of denim comes from indigo dye, which requires multiple dye baths and rinse cycles. 𝟰. 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴: To achieve that perfectly worn look, jeans often undergo multiple washes and treatments, each consuming more water. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 With billions of jeans produced annually, the water footprint of this industry is staggering. In many cases, this production occurs in water-stressed regions, exacerbating local water scarcity issues. So...𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗲 𝗗𝗼? 𝟭. 𝗕𝘂𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱-𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱: Purchasing pre-loved jeans extends their lifecycle and reduces demand for new production. 𝟮. 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀: Support companies investing in water-saving technologies and sustainable practices. 𝟯. 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: Extend the time between washes and air out your jeans instead. 𝟰. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲: Fix minor damages and get creative with old jeans instead of discarding them. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 The denim industry is making strides in reducing its water footprint. Innovations in dyeing techniques, water recycling systems, and even waterless jeans are emerging. As consumers, our choices can drive this change further. Next time you pull on your favorite pair of jeans, remember the hidden water story behind them. By making mindful choices, we can save money and even the Earth all along. What steps will you take to reduce the water footprint of your wardrobe? Comment and let me know! In the meantime, read this NG article for some hopeful news. #SustainableFashion #WaterConservation #DenimIndustry #NationalGeographic