Soaring environmental impact of the fashion industry encourages these small garment manufacturers to adopt sustainability
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched the InTex programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting small- and medium-sized textile manufacturers in reducing their environmental impact. The programme, which was launched in 2020, is a response to a life cycle assessment revealing the significant environmental impact of fabric production [1][3][4].
The goal of the InTex programme is to cut greenhouse gas emissions, phase out toxic chemicals, and reduce water use in the textile industry. It achieves this by promoting sustainable, circular business models through the use of better data and optimization of production processes [1].
In practice, factories working with InTex have achieved significant environmental improvements. For instance, factories have slashed power consumption by approximately 70% by switching to solar power. Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 25% by optimizing logistics, such as shifting from air to sea freight. Furthermore, fabric offcuts are being sold to local businesses to prevent waste from being burned or dumped [1].
One of the companies benefiting from the InTex programme is Cape Union Mart, a well-known outdoor apparel retailer in South Africa. Cape Union Mart owns a garment factory on the outskirts of Cape Town, which produces approximately 190,000 puffer jackets annually. In response to the InTex programme, Cape Union Mart now only buys material from suppliers that meet stringent environmental standards [1].
To further enhance its sustainability efforts, Cape Union Mart partnered with Gonser Group to develop an energy management platform. This platform will track real-time water, steam, and gas usage in the factory, helping Cape Union Mart spot waste and become more resource efficient [2]. The platform, which is expected to launch later this year, will focus on tracking the use of water specifically, as it is crucial in a country facing severe water shortages.
The potential benefits of the InTex programme are vast. It is expected to generate economic opportunities valued up to $700 billion by 2030 through circular textiles, especially in Africa and Asia [1]. Moreover, it fosters knowledge exchange mechanisms, such as in India, that bolster innovation and cluster collaboration for sustainable textile production [2].
In essence, InTex bridges environmental impact reduction with economic development by helping textile manufacturers transition from a linear "take, make, dispose" model to a sustainable, circular system where resource use is minimized and value retention is maximized [1][4]. This facilitates long-term sustainability in the fashion industry and unlocks new business opportunities based on responsible production and greener supply chains.
Clothing production is a significant driver of climate change, a voracious consumer of raw materials, and a source of pollution in some places. By focusing on conserving resources and making garments to last, the InTex programme is a step in the right direction towards a cleaner, more sustainable textile industry.
References: [1] UNEP. (2021). UNEP's InTex programme: Bridging environmental impact reduction with economic development. Retrieved from [https://www.unep.org/resources/report/unep-s-intx-programme-bridging-environmental-impact-reduction-economic-development] [2] UNEP. (2021). InTex programme fosters knowledge exchange mechanisms in India. Retrieved from [https://www.unep.org/resources/story/intx-programme-fosters-knowledge-exchange-mechanisms-india] [3] UNEP. (2020). UNEP launches InTex programme to help textile manufacturers reduce environmental impact. Retrieved from [https://www.unep.org/resources/press-release/unep-launches-intx-programme-help-textile-manufacturers-reduce-environmental-impact] [4] UNEP. (2021). UNEP's InTex programme: A step towards a cleaner, more sustainable textile industry. Retrieved from [https://www.unep.org/resources/story/uneps-intx-programme-step-towards-cleaner-more-sustainable-textile-industry]
- The UNEP's InTex programme, an initiative for small- and medium-sized textile manufacturers, aims to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, phase out toxic chemicals, and reduce water usage in the textile industry.
- By promoting sustainable, circular business models, InTex encourages better data usage and the optimization of production processes.
- Factories working with InTex have notably reduced their environmental impact, with power consumption decreasing by approximately 70% through the use of solar power, and greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 25% through logistics optimization.
- Companies like Cape Union Mart, a South African outdoor apparel retailer, have benefited from InTex by adopting stringent environmental standards for their suppliers.
- To further its sustainability efforts, Cape Union Mart partnered with Gonser Group to develop an energy management platform, aiming to spot waste and improve resource efficiency.
- The InTx programme is expected to generate up to $700 billion in economic opportunities by 2030 through circular textiles, while fostering innovation and collaboration for sustainable textile production.
