Clothing consumption in the future can only be sustained when resources are conserved and workers in the clothing industry are respected. Sustaining fibre and fabric production for the future of the apparel industry requires the designer to fully understand the components that support the fibre and fabric industries. Some of the top fashion design colleges in Maharashtra train students in understanding the future of fabric production through a robust and cutting-edge curriculum.
An increasing global population demands more apparel. Therefore, the designer must choose fibre and fabrics that are more efficient in production and that reduce environmental impact: ( For many designers and consumers alike,-organic fibre is the solution to the complex environmental issues that surround fibre and fabric production. In the future, the choice between natural fibre and manufactured fibre, and how the fabrics are produced must be carefully considered.
Natural Fibre
Occurring in nature, natural fibre is perceived as the best option when considering the impact on the environment of fibre and fabric production. Originating in the 1960s ‘hippie’ movement, which rejected manufactured fibre in favour of natural fibres such as cotton or wool, this thinking continues today among designers However, innovations in fibre, driven by the demand for high-performance fabrics, and the need to find additional raw material supplies, have complicated fibre choices.
Manufactured Fibre
Manufactured fibre is produced using a variety of raw materials. Fibres produced from oil (polyester, nylon, Lycra, acrylic and olefin) were developed between the 1950s and the 1970s. Fibres produced from plant raw materials (rayon and acetate) were developed over a century ago, and since the late 1990s they are becoming more popular again, with the introduction of PLA (corn) fibre, bamboo rayon and others. Manufactured fibre consumes large amounts of energy and produces chemical emissions and chemical waste. Many innovations have now made some fibre production methods more efficient and produce fewer emissions and less waste than ever before.
Soaking cocoons in water is an important step when separating silk fibre from the cocoon, The energy and water used to process the silk fibre involves a labour-intensive process and has yet to be measured in terms of its environmental impact.
Manufactured Fibre: Positives & Negatives
Positives: Oil-based fibres (polyester and nylon) can now be recycled into new, high-quality fibre and can be manipulated for high-function fabrics. Plant-based manufactured fibres generally feel good against the skin. New fibres have been developed that nearly eliminate chemical pollution. There is often less fibre waste before fabric production than with natural fibre production
Negatives: Both types of manufactured fibre produce chemical emissions and chemical waste that is expensive to neutralise and bad for the environment Oil-based fibres use a nonrenewable raw material. Generally, these fibres don’t feel good against the skin unless they are manipulated to address moisture control. Large quantities of fibre and fabric are discarded before garment production.
Considering sustainability Regardless of the designer’s point of view about the fibre selected, always consider its future sustainability. Assumptions regarding traditional fibre choices must be challenged, and it is the designer’s role to forge new paths to show how emerging fibre and fabric innovations can be adopted rather than resisted.
Land, Water & Energy Resources
Designers need to understand the consequences of creating garments that require large amounts of land, water and energy to make the fabrics and produce the garments. The designer must also inform the target market about how they can conserve water and energy during the care of the product.
Land
Renewable fibres and renewable raw materials for fibre can occupy arable land that could be used for food or energy production. Traditional natural fibres need large land areas for its production. New renewable raw materials for manufactured fibre, such as corn, soy and bamboo, are competing with biomass energy-production resources Therefore, the efficient use of land for fibre production must be considered. And we need to think of an option by which we can reduce land use.
Water
Designers must consider water use in fabric selection and garment finishing. For example cotton fibre, produced in large quantities and accounting for nearly half of global fibre production, requires 5,300-7,950 litres (1,400-2,100 gallons) of water per 454 grams (1 |b) of fibre, whether conventionally or organically grown.
Energy
Greenhouse gas emissions, usually in the form of carbon dioxide created during the generation of energy, are a major concern for global warming. Designers need to be aware of innovations in the textile field that will reduce energy use. Recycling fibre, particularly polyester and nylon fibres, can greatly reduce the energy) required in production and create a new ‘closed loop’ supply chain. Designers can now create products that, at the end of their lives, can be recycled into new, high- quality fibre, using substantially less energy than in the production of virgin fibre. It is your responsibility to know about these energy-saving innovations and translate them into your designs.
Passive solar air-drying (or ‘line- drying’) should be encouraged by the designer to reduce energy used during consumer care. Avoiding the dryer not only conserves energy but extends the wearing life of a garment.
Denim Use & Its Impact
In addition, garment producers now regularly garment-wash finished products for a softer, worn look that the consumer expects, denim garment washing uses large quantities of water mixed with chemicals to achieve the desired colour, softness, and appearance.
Denim jean producers are often located in developing countries, where clean drinking water is at a premium. The vast amount of wastewater from denim jean washing is not always cleaned before it is returned to the water system, making safe drinking water less available to the local population. Designers must consider how water is being used to create their designs, you should also be aware of innovations in fibre, fabric and garment washing that will reduce water consumption.
In addition to the water used for clothing production, 80 per cent of water used in the lifetime of a garment is devoted to consumer care. Designers can inspire consumers to conserve water in the care of their clothing through creative care labels and marketing.
Conclusion
The future of the textile industry depends upon what designers and consumers will use or will choose. Both the fibres have environmental impacts: natural fibres and manufactured fibres. The impact includes land use, water consumption recycling and reduced resource use. By conserving resources, minimising waste, and respective workers, the appeal industry can reduce its environmental footprint and move towards a more sustainable future. Pursuing a B.Des in Fashion and Lifestyle Design can help you further understand the future of fabric production in the fashion industry.