Sustainable Yarns and Carbon Footprint

The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries, being responsible for approximately 10% of global CO2 emissions. This is due to numerous factors, such as the high energy consumption required for fibre production, dyeing processes and transport.

In addition, the sector is water-intensive, uses polluting chemicals and contributes to microplastic pollution.

Against this backdrop, fashion and textile brands are challenged to reduce their carbon footprint in order to operate more responsibly for the planet.

One of the solutions would be the adoption of sustainable yarns, materials that reduce the environmental impact without compromising the quality and aesthetics of the garments.

In this article, we explore what sustainable yarns are, their benefits and strategies for their implementation in the industry.

WHAT ARE SUSTAINABLE YARNS?

Sustainable yarns are characterised by requiring fewer natural resources for their production, using recycled or biodegradable materials and using responsible manufacturing processes.

Unlike conventional yarns, which are often derived from synthetic fibres such as polyester or intensively grown crops such as cotton, sustainable yarns come from more responsible production methods and therefore have a lower carbon footprint.

Examples of sustainable fibres include:

• Organic cotton: Grown without pesticides and chemical fertilisers, reducing soil and water pollution.
• Hemp: Requires less water and pesticides than cotton and is a highly resistant fibre.
• Linen: A biodegradable and durable material, with a more eco-friendly production, in which almost the entire flax plant is used.
• Sustainable wool: Sourced from sheep raised under animal welfare standards and regenerative management to reduce environmental impact. Certifications such as RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) guarantee its ethical and sustainable production.
• Recycled fibres: Those made from the reuse of textiles or made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles and other waste.
• Tencel (lyocell): Made from eucalyptus, pine or spruce wood pulp, with a low environmental impact production process.

BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLE YARNS IN REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT

Making the transition to more sustainable yarns in textile production not only contributes to environmental protection, but also offers economic and competitive advantages for brands. Here are some of the main benefits:

• Lower water and energy consumption: sustainable yarns require less water and minimise the use of fossil fuels, compared to the high consumption of resources needed to obtain synthetic fibres or to grow and process conventional cotton. This decreases the use of natural resources and reduces long-term operating costs.
• Reduction of CO2 emissions: By using more efficient production processes, as well as biodegradable and/or recycled materials, the carbon footprint of the textile industry is significantly reduced.
• Promotion of the circular economy: The use of recycled materials, such as disused garments and recovered plastics, together with the biodegradability of certain fibres, promotes a more sustainable and regenerative production model.
• Improved brand perception: Sustainability is currently a key factor in purchasing decisions. Brands that adopt sustainable yarns strengthen their reputation, generate trust and attract environmentally-aware consumers. They can also differentiate themselves in the market and access new segments of customers interested in ethical fashion.

Strategies for brands to integrate sustainable yarns into their production

To integrate sustainable yarns into the textile industry, brands can follow various strategies that optimise their environmental impact and reinforce their commitment to sustainability:

• Assessment of current impact: Measuring the carbon footprint of the materials used allows us to identify areas for improvement and establish objectives for the reduction of emissions and the consumption of resources.
  Collaboration with certified suppliers: Working with suppliers that comply with international sustainability standards such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), OEKO-TEX (STANDARD 100, STeP, DETOX TO ZERO) or Fair Trade guarantees the use of responsible and ethical materials, while improving consumer perception of the brand.
• Innovation in design and production: Incorporating practices such as upcycling, which reuses discarded materials to give them a second life in new garments, and on-demand production, which reduces overproduction and minimises the waste of resources, allows for a more sustainable model.
• Transparency and communication with the consumer: Informing and educating customers about the benefits of sustainable yarns through product labelling, marketing campaigns and visible certifications helps to strengthen brand confidence and encourages responsible consumption. In addition, sharing advances in sustainability through environmental impact reports can consolidate brand credibility.

The adoption of sustainable yarns is a necessary strategy for fashion and textile brands to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more environmentally responsible future.

From the selection of materials to the implementation of cleaner production practices, brands can benefit in different ways.

In a world where sustainability is increasingly valued, committing to sustainable yarns is not only an ethical decision, but also a competitive advantage. Now is the time to evaluate processes and take the next step towards more sustainable fashion.

 You may also be interested in:

• Benefits of Recycled Yarn for Sustainable Fashion
• Regenerated Yarns Vs. Traditional Yarns
• Uses of Recycled Yarn
• Yarn Trends
• How to Choose a Recycled Yarn Manufacturer