It is crucial to gain essential knowledge about the fibres, dyes and other things used in the textile industry to make apparels that do not pose a threat to the environment in future. A sustainable future can start from knowing the properties of the materials used and their social and environmental impacts. Brands and designers should consider these factors and work towards a circular economy by utilising natural and renewable resources.
What is Circularity in Textile Industry?
Circularity in the textile industry is made possible by using regenerative materials. It will increase the reusability of the garments. It is possible to recycle these garments, and they are biodegradable also.
Using wool in the textile industry
The use of wool in the circular textile economy should be encouraged. There is no other fibre that matches the inherent benefits of wool. With wool, one can easily align to the circular economy. By nature, wool is a circular fibre. The use of wool in the textile industry will help brands enter into the production and distribution of circular products. Wool is renewable and biodegradable, thus the most used natural fibre among the apparel fibres.
It is a renewable resource.
Sheep’s wool is a completely renewable resource as they produce a new fleece every year. This renewable fibre is grown by the mix of sunshine, grass, water and fresh air, making wool a completely renewable fibre source. Lipids, proteins, and minerals absorbed through the sheep’s diet help in the growth of wool in the same way as hair growth in humans. Environmental factors such as climate, duration of the day, soil type, feed type, etc., influence and contribute to wool production.
Reduce Waste & Pollution
Wool is the most recycled and reused fibre in the world. Every part of the fleece is usable for various purposes, and there is nothing to waste. Also, it is better to shear sheep’s fleece seasonally as it negatively affects its health. Using wool helps in reducing waste and pollution; to produce 100 sweaters, it uses 70% less water than cotton and 18% less energy than polyester.
Extended Use Phase
Wool garments have a longer use phase as they need less maintenance. Wool garments do not need frequent laundering, thus reducing the use of energy and water for its maintenance. A wool sweater might need laundry after 14 times of use. One can use a wool sweater that is used at least 400 times across its lifespan, thus reducing the environmental impact up to 68%.
For designers attention
Brands and designers should take the first step to incorporate or use wool in the textile industry. Learn how sheep wool as a 100% natural fibre fits into a circular economy to create reusable and biodegradable products for a better future. Learn how to design a circular product with the help of natural and eco-friendly fibre and other materials. There are materials like dyes which are also a part of the textile industry. A designer who believes in circularity should promote natural dyes, which would help in developing a collection of clothing with sustainability as its core. Knitting on circular machines not only reduces the wastage of fabric but also reduce its environmental impact, which is the key to the circular economy.
