Climate & Environment

The garment and textile sector in relation to the environment in certain segments, is a serious issue. The interconnective industries of textiles and tanneries have the some of the highest use of chemicals in any industrialised sector and, along with cotton growing, have the most water intensive processes such as dyeing/printing and finishing, where critical decisions are made about the temperature and frequency that fabric is washed.  The impacts of climate change further obstruct the handling of environmental issues in the textile and garment industry. Impacts include business interruption due to flooding in premises, knock on effects in trade and commerce including missing deadlines and orders, impacts and disruptions to water supply and water treatment, damage to utilities cause power outages, damage to transportation and economic exchange networks are all relevant here. Responses to these issues are occurring and need to effect change in the face of these global issues. While these impacts are not just restricted to the textile and garment industries, it highlights vulnerabilities in the garment and textile supply chain in relation to climate change impacts.