• To be considered sustainable, a business must assess and improve its environmental footprint, social impact, and economic practices.
• The textile industry has made some great strides, but it must further develop eco-friendly inks and substrates to achieve greater sustainability.
• Digital printing enables on-demand manufacturing in the textile and apparel industry. Products are made only after they are sold, reducing waste and excess inventory.

By Johnny Shell

Introduction

The global textile industry has long been scrutinized for its enormous environmental impact. As the world continues to prioritize sustainability and “green” practices, the textile industry is experiencing a significant transformation to meet eco-friendly standards and government regulations. This article explores what sustainability means for textile and apparel companies, the metrics and certifications that define it, the current state of sustainability in these industries, and how digital printing is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Sustainability Defined

At its core, sustainability can be defined as the ability to maintain or improve systems and processes without depleting natural resources or harming the environment for future generations. In the context of the textile industry, sustainability encompasses several key aspects, including:

• Minimizing pollution, waste, and resource consumption
• Ensuring fair labor practices and supporting communities
• Creating long-term value without compromising future resources

For a business to be considered sustainable, it must integrate these principles into its business model. This involves assessing and improving its environmental footprint, social impact, and economic practices. Many companies perform sustainability audits to identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time. Several metrics are central for companies that are aiming to achieve sustainability, including:

• Measuring greenhouse gas emissions (their carbon footprint)
• Monitoring and reducing water consumption
• Tracking and minimizing waste production
• Optimizing energy use
• Incorporating renewable sources
• Ensuring ethical sourcing and production practices through supply chain transparency

Measuring Sustainability

Various certifications and programs help textile manufacturers, printers, and apparel decorators measure and achieve sustainability. Notably, several European Union (EU) initiatives play a pivotal role. The European Green Deal is a comprehensive plan that aims to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050. It encompasses policies to reduce carbon emissions, promote clean energy, and foster circular economies. The Eco-Design for Sustainable Product Regulation sets criteria for designing products with minimal environmental impact—focusing on durability, repairability, and recyclability. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandates that producers are responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including take-back, recycling, and disposal. The Digital Product Passport initiative provides detailed information about a product's sustainability, helping consumers make informed choices and promoting transparency in supply chains.

Other widely recognized certifications include the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), OEKO-TEX, Cradle to Cradle (C2C), and the Higg Index. Each of these address various aspects of sustainability in the textile and apparel industry. Cascale (formerly “Sustainable Apparel Coalition,” or SAC) provides a suite of tools that enables brands, retailers, and facilities to accurately measure and score a company’s or product’s sustainability.

Sustainability in Textiles & Apparel

The textile industry has made some great strides in sustainability—notably with digital printing, which reduces waste and energy consumption in relation to traditional methods. At the same time, however, the industry must further develop eco-friendly inks and substrates to achieve greater sustainability. Sustainable materials and production processes are becoming increasingly popular in the home décor sector, but widespread adoption is still hindered by higher costs and limited consumer awareness. In the decorated apparel industry, fast fashion remains a major challenge to sustainability. While some brands are shifting toward on-demand production, overproduction and waste are still prevalent.

Businesses in the textile and apparel industry can take a number of steps to help enhance sustainability. These include:

• Investing in research and development to develop more sustainable materials and production technologies
• Adopting circular economy practices through recycling and upcycling initiatives
• Providing consumers with clear information about the sustainability of products
• Encouraging industry collaboration to set and achieve higher sustainability standards

The Role of Digital Printing

On average, traditional high-volume fashion production involves an 18-month lead time. Digital printing enables on-demand manufacturing, where products are made only after they are sold—reducing waste and excess inventory. In addition, digital printing significantly cuts down on water and energy consumption. Traditional textile production is water-intensive by comparison, which is an important consideration with so many regions facing water scarcity. Digital printing methods also reduce CO₂ emissions by streamlining production processes compared to traditional methods. On-demand production eliminates the need for large inventories, reducing storage costs and financial risks associated with unsold stock. With limited water resources and rising labor costs, the need for sustainable practices is higher than ever. In addition to addressing these issues, digital printing aligns with consumers’ growing demand for eco-friendly products.

The Bottom Line

The journey toward sustainability in the textile and apparel industry is well underway, and digital printing is leading the charge. There is no question that significant progress has been made, but ongoing efforts to innovate, collaborate, and adopt sustainable practices are still essential. By embracing sustainability, the textile and apparel industry can reduce its environmental impact while also meeting the evolving demands of eco-conscious consumers. The future of this industry depends on its ability to create a balanced, sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.

Johnny Shell is the Principal Analyst of Keypoint Intelligence’s Textile and Apparel Printing Service. He is a printing expert and recognized leader with over 35 years of industry experience. His solid commitment to organizational advancement and strategy-driven growth enable him to design and execute revenue-based strategies with his comprehensive knowledge of printing techniques and technology platforms.