Sustainability in performance apparel: meeting the demands of an eco-conscious marketplace

43 pages, published in Issue 31, 4th quarter 2009   Report price: Euro 600.00; US$ 785.00

The performance apparel industry has often been singled out for the damage its operations cause to the environment, and for the poor working conditions in some of the factories it uses. However, many of the leading brand companies and their suppliers have responded positively to such criticism in a bid to satisfy the demands of an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace. Some firms have gone even further and have shown a genuine commitment to protecting the planet by reducing their carbon footprint and pursuing socially responsible policies in every aspect of their businesses.

Many companies have sought to minimise the impact of their operations on the environment by using recycled materials and offering recyclable products. Some are trying out new materials, processes and technologies which hold the promise of reducing pollution, increasing energy efficiency and minimising waste. A growing number are incorporating less conventional eco-friendly fibres such as bamboo and organic cotton—as well as materials made from biopolymers rather than polymers derived from petrochemicals. Greater attention is being paid to the safety of dyestuffs used in coloration, while emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and plasma technology are providing opportunities for the industry to use more sustainable methods of manufacture.

Consumers are playing their part in reducing the carbon footprint of performance apparel by buying increasing quantities organic clothing, using more eco-friendly clothing care methods, and recycling unwanted garments. Governments, too, are playing an active role in steering the performance apparel industry away from unsustainable practices, while environmental groups and lobbyists are working to ensure that such practices are highly publicised and condemned.

Companies are acknowledging that sustainability has become a necessity rather than an option, given the threat of climate change. Also, they are recognising that they can gain a competitive edge by showing that they are committed to environmentally and socially responsible practices. However, a major challenge is to ensure that such commitment is echoed throughout the industry’s long and highly complex supply chains. Good progress has been made in cleaning up the industry, and the future is bright for those companies which put sustainability high on their agendas. But greater efforts are needed to increase awareness among consumers about the green credentials of the products they buy. Better and more comprehensive labelling could play a greater role in providing such information.

Sustainability in performance apparel: meeting the demands of an eco-conscious marketplace

• Summary
• Introduction
• Challenges to sustainability in the performance apparel industry
• Environmental impact of fibre production and textile processing by fibre type
• Environmental impact of chemical usage in the performance apparel industry
• Environmental impact of water and energy usage in the performance apparel industry
• Environmental impact of water and energy usage in the transportation and retailing of performance apparel
• Water and energy use in clothing care
• Environmental impact of waste generation
• Working conditions and sustainability in the performance apparel industry
• Key drivers of sustainability initiatives
• Ways of achieving sustainability in the performance apparel industry
• Fibres and fabrics with eco-friendly properties
• Dyes with eco-friendly properties
• Eco-friendly fabric treatments
• Sustainable clothing care
• Recycling of performance apparel
• Ethical social standards
• Certification and labelling of sustainable performance apparel
• Sustainability programmes maintained by key performance apparel suppliers: Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, Patagonia and Wal-Mart
• Examples of sustainable products and technologies from Asics, Colorep, Dow Corning and Devan Chemicals, Nilit, Optimer Brands, Cornell University, Henri Lloyd, Swany America, Teijin Fibers and Unifi

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• Profile of Anvil Knitwear: an environmentally responsible apparel supplier, (4th quarter 2009)
• Talking strategy: new ideas on sustainability, managing waste and technological innovation, (1st Quarter 2009)

Four times a year, Performance Apparel Markets provides intelligence, expert analysis and insight on the performance apparel industry. Performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing markets in the global textile and clothing industry--and market growth is being fuelled by an emergence of new fibres, fabrics and innovative materials. The market's growth prospects are also being spurred by increasing demand for performance properties in mainstream fashion.

What's in Performance Apparel Markets? Each issue provides an authoritative source of information on key industry topics, including: antimicrobial textiles; biomaterials; biomimicry; chemical protective clothing; circularity; compression and shapewear; cosmetotextiles; environmental sustainability; finishes; flame resistant clothing; footwear; graphene; insect repellent apparel; insulation materials; medical protective clothing; military clothing and equipment; moisture management; mono materials; outdoor apparel; personal protective equipment (PPE); smart textiles; sportswear; thermoregulation; waterproof breathable textiles; wearable technology; and workwear. A single issue of Performance Apparel Markets includes: an editorial think-piece on a topical issue from an industry expert a round-up of the latest product innovations a main feature on a new or established market insight and analysis of a key market leader or fast-growing start-up a round-up of the latest business developments An annual subscription to Performance Apparel Markets is a cost-effective way to keep informed about trends and developments in the global performance apparel industry. Subscriptions are available in printed and/or digital formats. Printed and digital subscribers receive each issue in printed format in addition to a digital PDF file, which is available immediately on publication. Subscribers also receive a complementary digital subscription to Performance Apparel Update, delivered directly by email once a month. This free supplement contains essential information on business news and the latest product developments. Like all Textiles Intelligence publications, Performance Apparel Markets is a reliable source of independently sourced business information, and it does not carry advertising. This is what our customers say: "I must congratulate your editorial team for the mammoth data collated from across the world, issue after issue; the data … is quite well researched and generally difficult to find." (Sanjay Chawla; Editor in Chief; DFU Publications)