A survey by an NPO reveals an appalling fact: approximately 8000 chemicals are used in the process of textile manufacturing, causing irreparable damage to the environment and living beings. Even after the apparel is purchased, it is responsible for two-thirds of a garment's carbon footprint.

The textile industry is now more focused on efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions. Achieving this requires adding innovation and intensifying focus on current practices. Innovation is the core factor in creating a sustainable environment. Innovative technologies are being designed, developed, and marketed worldwide. The pace of innovation has increased, and the technological landscape is undergoing rapid changes. Innovation and technology work hand in hand to reverse the negative effects of the textile industry.

How does innovation support sustainability?

Sustainability addresses the trends adopted by countries to ensure that the needs of their people are met without causing significant damage to the environment. In recent years, especially with the effects of global warming becoming more pronounced, sustainability has gained increased importance among businesses. New methods are being applied in business practices to reduce pollution through better utilization of raw materials and to improve financial results. Technological advancements help foster sustainable business practices.

Sustainable Innovations:

Biotechnology:

Biotechnology facilitates the production of cotton with enhanced fiber features. Genetically engineered cotton is produced through biotechnology, generating a polyester-like substance that provides the texture of cotton along with the warmth of polyester. Traditional methods of stonewashing on denim were accomplished using pumice stone and enzymes. Nowadays, the biostoning process is used for denim finishing, which has a lesser environmental impact.

Sustainable Enzymes:


Enzymes are proteins catalyzing chemical reactions. They are applied during the preparation, after dyeing and finishing stages of textile manufacturing to facilitate modification of textiles. Repeated water washes, or chemical reducing agents were traditionally used which leaves behind harsh chemicals. New sustainable enzyme technology facilitates in shorter process time, milder process conditions, improving the finishing of textiles, results in cost-effective innovation and most importantly is environmentally friendly. Application of sustainable enzymes offer sustainable advantages for eco-scouring in the pretreatment of cotton fabrics. This process results in 30% of water saving, and 60% of energy saving compared with the standard processes. It also enhances the quality and brightness of fabrics after dyeing.


Natural Dyes:


More chemicals are used in the making of textiles which are carcinogenic in nature. Textile industry is currently concerned about the use of natural dyes sourced from plants, minerals, and animals. Vegetable dyes are found in most of the plant tissues. Litchens are rich source of vegetable dyes. Other plants such as onion, mango, pomegranate, etc are also rich in dye content. Secretions of insects such as lucca, cochineal, and kermes are used for dye extracts. As far as mineral dyes are concerned, oxides of iron, tin, and antimony are used along with vegetable or insect dyes. Natural dyes not only release medicinal properties but also improve the aesthetic value of the product. They are unique, and eco-friendly.


 

Smart polymers for textiles:


Manmade fibres are made using polymerization of various chemicals. Many small molecules are combined into a large molecule to make a polymer. They are used in making synthetic fibres. Synthetic fibres account for 50% of fibre usage in textile industry applications. Biopolymers are biodegradable, and their inherent properties make them suitable for protecting from moisture, increasing shelf life, and easier to dispense.


Organic Cotton:


Growing cotton without chemicals, defoliants and harmful pesticides is now considered environment friendly and biodynamic. Organic cotton is grown from plants that are not genetically modified. Organic cotton farming is done without using pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, chemical fertilizers or any other chemicals. Conventional cotton uses up to 10% of all agricultural chemicals, and 25% of all insecticides consumed in the planet while using only 3% of the farming land. Organic farming involves using natural resources like compost. Compost is derived by mixing the waste of plants & animal refuse. The process also involves adding Nitrogen & water & letting it decompose.

 

It is a positive solution to all the health hazards caused by conventional cotton cultivation. It is earning a greater respect in the global market today. It is also known as green cotton, environmentally friendly cotton and bio-logical cotton for its virtues. Organic cotton products are likely to sustain a stronger place in the clothing market providing unprecedented opportunities for the companies engaged in this business. Initial cost is a bit expensive, but is more beneficial in the long run.


Organic Wool:


Despite the fact that wool is a natural fibre, its processing is far from being eco friendly. Conservative wool making process creates adverse results in the environment and livestock health. Animals are subjected to synthetic pesticides, synthetic hormones, or genetic engineering. Organic wool has been produced using eco-friendly methods. It comes from sheep bred under holistic environment, in natural and healthy conditions. Organic wool is cleaned using biodegradable cleaning agents. Processing of raw wool and converting them into fabric is done without exposure to harsh chemicals. Organic woolen clothes are non allergenic, and hence can be worn by people with chemical sensitivities.


Adopting sustainable options in the entire value chain is one of the driving forces of the textile sector today. Smart innovations are the main influencing factor for the development of sustainablse textiles.