Carbon footprint of textiles 

news

03 April 2009

The Indian textile industry will need to cover a lot of ground on crucial environmental issues that
will impact both competitiveness and bottom line in a regime driven by environmental and
sustainability concerns, writes Vivek Dev

The term 'carbon footprint' has emerged the latest

environment terminology to be used frequently in the
media. Whether you are environmentally challenged or
environmentally savvy, chances are you would probably
not be aware that unlike footprints of a more mundane
variety a carbon footprint is rather weighty stuff. For
instance, the 'carbon footprint' of that fancy T-shirt you
are wearing is estimated to be around 6kg i.e. around 20
times its own weight!

But what exactly is 'carbon footprint'? Carbon footprint is a measure of the severity of the impact
our activities have on the environment, and particularly on climate change. It measures the impact
by the amount of greenhouse emissions, produced through the burning of fossil fuels for electricity,
heating etc in our every day lives. Activities that have a large carbon footprint produce large
amounts of greenhouse gases and therefore have a large impact on the environment.

Greenhouse gases and global warming

As greenhouse gases produced by human activities accumulate and their concentration increases in
the atmosphere, it causes global warming. The main contributor to global warming is carbon
dioxide, which accounts for nearly 80 per cent of emissions from the industrialised countries. The
gas is released from burning of fossil fuels: oil, petrol and natural gas. With the rising population
and increasing demands on transport and energy the rate at which carbon dioxide is being released is
also accelerating.

Other greenhouse gases that originate from industrial and agricultural processes are:

 Methane
 Nitrous oxide
 Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
 Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
 Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)

As these gases accumulate, they absorb infrared radiation in the atmosphere, thus changing the
dynamic balance between the energy received from the sun and the energy escaping.

The net result of these changes is a rise in temperature. Climate models predict a global temperature
rise in the range of 1.4 - 5.80 C by 2100, if current warming trends continue unchecked. This is
expected to trigger catastrophic events including:

 Flooding of low lying coastal areas

 Seasonal changes in the Northern hemisphere with wetter, warmer winters and hotter dryer
summers
 World wide extreme weather conditions with frequent storms, drought and heavy rainfall.

Gloal warming and the textile industry

Everything that we do has a direct or indirect impact on the environment, because all our activities
right from commuting to work to flying on a vacation involves burning fossil fuels that  causes the
production of green house gases. The impact of our activities is not limited to commuting but
extends to everything we consume right down to the food we eat and the clothes we wear.

In fact, the modern textile industry is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases, given the
myriad processes and products that go into the making of any item of clothing.

Primary and Secondary Footprint

Human activity impacts the environment in two ways - directly through processes that burn fossil
fuels and indirectly through the products that we use. The carbon footprint is therefore, made up of
the sum of two parts, the primary footprint and the secondary footprint.

 The primary footprint is a measure of the direct emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil
fuels we burn including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and
plane). We have direct control over these emissions. 
 The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect carbon dioxide emissions over the
entire lifecycle of the products we use - emissions associated with their manufacture and
eventual breakdown. Simply put - the more we buy the more emissions will be caused will
be caused on our behalf.

The primary footprint of your commute to the office and back is pretty straightforward to calculate
or estimate, but the secondary footprint concept is a little more involved and tricky. To understand
the concept you need to understand what is meant by the lifecycle of a product. The lifecycle of a
product spans the entire period from the time the raw materials are farmed, produced etc. to the time
the product is finally disposed.

If that is not complicated enough, there is no universally accepted way to measure the carbon
footprint. For example retailers in the UK might only consider the emissions in the UK distribution
of the T shirt, accounting for only part of the supply chain. But if the entire process - from cotton
growing and mass production in India and delivery to UK retailers is considered the footprint would
rise significantly.

But that is not all, research has shown that the size of your T-shirt's carbon footprint also depends on
how frequently it is washed, and the manner in which it is washed and dried. Over the lifecycle,
around 75 per cent of the T-shirt's carbon footprint will be caused by machine washing and drying.
However, if you dry the T-shirt on a clothesline instead of frequently tumble drying it, the figure
falls significantly.

Carbon footprint and the textile industry

According to estimates, textiles and clothing typically account for around four per cent of the
secondary carbon foot print of an individual in the developed world. Thanks to a number of factors
including the growing awareness of environmental concerns, and perhaps more importantly, the
benefits the textiles industry hopes to reap from reducing its carbon footprint, the industry has taken
several initiatives in the direction of reducing its carbon footprint.

If the textile industry is now seeking to align more closely with the goals of reducing its carbon foot
print it is because of a growing realisation that a smaller carbon foot print is not only
environmentally friendly it also makes good business sense on a number of counts. 

 For starters there is the low-cost - a low carbon foot print means lower consumption of
energy which often means more efficient use of energy. Low carbon foot print processes cut
costs by reducing waste of raw materials and energy.
 Many companies have read the writing on the wall - the future is green and 
tough environmental regulation will be a part and parcel of the new green paradigm. Not
taking the right measures now could jeopardize operations a few years down the line.
Instead of running the risk of supply chain disruptions at a future date, are increasingly
aligning with the green concerns and environmental regulations.
 Another important factor in the switch to greener alternatives is consumer pressure and
demand. Informed consumers are now demanding products that comply with environmental
regulations and in an age of growing competition and consumer assertiveness it is the
consumer who drives sales and profitability. Which company can today afford to deny the
consumer what he demands?

Strategies for reducing carbon footprint

Spurred by these factors, the textile industry and players across the value chain have adopted various
strategies for reducing the carbon footprint. Besides the textile industry's switch to more energy
efficient processes, companies across the supply chain have also pitched in with innovative products
with smaller carbon footprints: 

DuPont, the US based chemicals major, that revolutionised the fiber industry with the introduction
of man-made fibers like nylon, rayon and spandex now offers Sorona, a polymer which is made with
agricultural feedstocks instead of petrochemicals. Sorona has high renewable ingredients content -
37 per cent by weight. Fabrics made with Sorona provide a 30-per cent carbon dioxide reduction
while the Sorona  manufacturing process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 63 per cent,
compared to conventional nylon made from petroleum.

BASF, the German chemicals major has launched a number of eco-efficient solutions that are
environmentally friendly and contribute to saving resources. Two of these were compared against
the conventional systems used in textile mills: BASF's aftersoaping agent Cyclanon XC-W for
dyeing and BASF Color Fast Finish system that is an intelligent colouration system. The former can
reduce the processing time and water consumption compared to the conventional system. BASF
Color Fast Finish, an intelligent coloration system, is a one-step-process of textile dyeing and
finishing, combining the dyeing, washing and finishing steps into one step, which can reduce the
processing time and carbon dioxide emissions.

Novozymes, Denmark, the world's largest producer of industrial enzymes, which are basically
proteins has developed products for textile applications. These enzymes replace harsh chemicals
used to remove impurities from the fiber or fabric which reduces energy costs, water consumption
and also improves the feel of the fabric. Vijayeswari Textiles, Coimbatore which switched over
from chemicals to enzymes reports good results following with the replacement. Says R.
Parameswaran, General Manager, ''We started using enzymes which have given us good results
compared to the feel of the fabric, and also the output of the effluent.''

US-based Gaston Systems, has developed an innovative machine that applies finishes to fabrics
using foam, which conserves water.

Huntsman, a Swiss company is a leading supplier of dyes. The company has developed  inks from
the dyes which can be used in a digital printer for printing on fabrics just like the inks in an office
printer.  Digital printing wastes neither fabric nor ink and does not use harmful salts and
significantly reduces the environmental footprint.

Revolutionary dyeing technologies: Conventional dyeing uses water to transport the fabric through
the machine, a new technique uses air which significantly reduces water consumption. With
conventional dyeing methods it takes 200 liters of water to make a T shirt. With the revolutionary
air technology the same T-shirt can be made using 50 liters of water, which also reduces energy and
chemicals consumption.

Innovative denim mill: Lucky Textiles in China has recently built a new denim facility, the size of
11 football fields. Designed with the environment in mind the facility uses natural light to serve
most of its illumination needs. Thanks to the hi-tech systems it uses, Lucky can accurately use fewer
chemicals and dyestuffs with absolutely no waste. With less chemical on the fabric, washing can be
light which reduces the impact on the state-of-the art water treatment. The company even built a
new canal for the facility with connection to the Environment Protection Bureau which can monitor
the quality of the waste water in real time.

The global textile industry has taken several strides towards reducing its carbon footprint and
meeting the challenges of building a more sustainable future. At the same time there is a growing
awareness of environmental issues among consumers who are increasingly now increasingly
insisting on textile products complying with environmental standards. These complementary trends
will hopefully continue to drive the industry toward offering the consumer products that are not only
red, blue, white etc. but also green.

Indian textile industry oblivious 

The Indian textile industry however seems to be oblivious to the writing on the wall. At a two-day
national seminar organized by the Institution of Engineers (India), Shahi Group, Lakvinsar Projects
and Infrastructure, held in Bangalore in February 2008, GS Nadiger, director (laboratories) textiles
committee, in the ministry of textiles said that a large number of textile industries and units,
particularly those in the processing sector across the country have failed to meet many
environmental laws and regulations. He added that despite stringent environmental laws and
regulations, the compliance level by the textile industry has not been very satisfactory.

In November 2008, addressing an international conference, 'Sustainability of Textile Fashion

Industry Chain: Crop to Shop', in New Delhi, minister of state for textiles, EKVS Elangovan called
upon the industry to use cost-effective and energy-efficient technologies for encouraging sustainable
development. He added that the industry's size and extensive use of raw materials and chemicals
makes it mandatory for the industry to adopt technologies that are environmentally sustainable.

Speaking on the occasion, chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Rakesh Vaid
said that the industry needed to proactively work towards evolving a sustainable supply chain. He
added that cotton waste recycling, low-carbon manufacturing programmes and carbon accounting in
factories, carbon footprint calculation projects, benchmarking energy consumption across the textile
and apparel supply chain are some issues that need to be addressed on a private-partnership mode.

Vaid, said that production strategies have not addressed sustainable production systems or
alternatives so far.

However, an important initiative was taken when, on the sidelines of the conference, the AEPC
joined hands with a global industry group led by retail major Marks and Spencer and the University
of Leeds under a programme called 'Reducing the Impact of Textiles on Environment (RITE).
Under the programme, Pearl Academy of Fashion (PAF) which organised the conference will set up
a joint apparel and garment coordination committee for sustainability.

PAF intends to prepare a manual of best practice for sustainability for the fashion value chain.
According to AKG Nair group director at PAF, the initiative is a significant step as India is a
developing country with an aspiring consumption drive and vast untapped markets, but seems to be
largely unaware of the emerging sensitivities related to sustainability.

The Indian textile industry will need to cover a lot of ground on crucial environmental issues that
will impact both competitiveness and bottom line in a regime driven by environmental and
sustainability concerns. A world-wide paradigm shift toward cleaner and greener processes is
already underway and it can no longer afford to remain a mute spectator if wants to emerge as a
significant player in the globalised market.

Carbon footprint of the textile industry

25052009
We’re starting a series of blogs on the carbon footprint of textiles.    Because it’s such a complex
subject we’re breaking it into smaller portions, beginning with looking at the textile industry as a
whole.   In other words, why the fuss over textiles?

Fabrics, believe it or not, have a large carbon footprint.  In other words, it takes a lot of energy to
produce fabrics.  According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. textile industry is
the 5th largest contributor to CO2 emissioins in the United States (after primary metals, nonmetallic
mineral products, petroleum and chemicals).  In the developing world, where the textile industry
represents a larger percentage of GDP and mills are often antiquated, the CO2 emissions are greater.

In fact, today’s textile industry is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gasses on Earth, due to the
huge size and scope of the industry as well as the many processes and products that go into the
making of textiles and finished textile products. (See Vivek Dev, “Carbon Footprint of Textiles”, April 3,
2009, http://www.domain-b.com/environment/20090403_carbon_footprint.html)

Based on estimated annual global textile production of 60 billion kilogrms (KG) 0f fabric, the
estimated energy and water needed to produce that 60 billion KG of fabrics boggles the mind:   1,074
billion KWh of electricity (or 132 million metric tons of coal) and between 6 – 9 trillion liters of water.

Fabrics have been the elephant in the room for too long.  Do we overlook them because they are
almost always used as a part of a finished product, such as sheets, blankets, sofas, curtains, and of
course clothing?  It’s estimated that clothing and textiles account for about one ton of the 19.8 tons of
total CO2 emissions produced by each person in the U.S. in 2006 (see Jurg Rupp, “Ecology and
Economy in Textile Finishing”, Textile World, Nov/Dec 2008).

In the U.K., the Carbon Trust, working with Continental Clothing, has developed the world’s first
carbon label for clothing(http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/03/27/uk-launches-first-
carbon-footprint-label-for-retail-clothing/)  The new label will provide the carbon footprint of the
garment, from raw materials and  manufacture to use and disposal.
 carbon footprint label

The first point we want you to keep in mind is that the industry is huge, and because of its size it’s
impacts are profound.  There is more to think about when buying a fabric than thread counts or
abrasion ratings.

UK Launches First Carbon Footprint Label for Retail

Clothing

The UK fashion retail market has claimed the world’s first carbon footprint label for
clothing. Continental Clothing, described as an ethical and eco-chic manufacturer, working
with Carbon Trust, is launching the world’s first Carbon Reduction Label for textile products.

The project is part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra)
sustainable clothing action plan launched at London Fashion Week in February by
Sustainability Minister Lord Hunt. The new label will provide the carbon footprint of the entire
lifecycle of the clothes, from raw materials and manufacturing, through to consumer use and
disposal.

BSI British Standards, the Carbon Trust and Defra launched a newstandard last year to help
businesses assess the carbon footprint of their goods and services. The standard measures the
GHG emissions in goods and services throughout their entire life cycle.
The Carbon Reduction Label for textiles will be displayed on a range of printed T-shirts and
sweatshirts, and will inform the consumer of the total lifecycle footprint as well as their own
contribution through washing, tumble-drying and ironing. Carbon labeled clothing is available in
the UK at Adili.com.

Continental Clothing played a key role in the footprinting of textile products in the Carbon
Trust’s pilot program, which is aimed at a low carbon economy. The footprinting study,
conducted by Continental Clothing, reveals that as much as half of the total footprint of clothing
can come from consumers’ home laundry activities. It also provides information on impacts
throughout the entire supply chain.

Playing its part in a low carbon economy, the clothing company has reduced its CO2 emissions in
its manufacturing operation by 90 percent through the use of renewable energy and a low-
footprint production approach.
Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a major challenge. It is widely accepted that the
greenhouse gas emissions caused by humans are having a negative impact on the environment. The
most important greenhouse gas, arising from human activity is carbon dioxide (CO 2). A way to track
ones greenhouse gas emissions is to be aware of your carbon footprint. Carbon footprint is the total
amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a process or product.
Carbon footprints are typically calculated to include all green house gases and are expressed as
CO2 equivalent measured in kilograms or tonnes.

Environmental impacts occur at every stage of the life cycle of garment. The garment industry has
contributed to the global warming from the stage of growing of the fibers, raw material acquisition, to
the manufacturing of the product, its distribution and transportation to stores and customers, then its
use by the consumers and finally the disposal of the product after use. Thus one of the important
aspects of the life cycle of the product that is garment manufacturing is being considered in this
study. In the present study, the assessment of carbon footprints of a selected garment manufacturing
unit was carried out by identifying the personnel and processes and calculating the carbon footprints
generated by them. The personnel of the selected unit were also made aware of the factors
contributing to carbon footprints during product manufacture and methods were recommended to
reduce them.

Sample Selection

An ISO certified, government recognized export house, manufacturing knitted garments located in
Faridabad was selected for the study and is one of the members of Okhla Garment and Textile
Cluster (OGTC).

Tools for Data Collection

This study is an initiative taken in the area of textile industry. Thus an exhaustive review of literature
was carried out for the understanding of the subject as a first step. Sample size of 10 people from
different departments of the unit was selected by purposive sampling technique and the data was
collected through the interview schedule and observation technique. GTZ consultancy firms experts
were also approached to gather more information regarding carbon footprint.

Results and Discussion

Processes and their contribution to carbon footprints in a garment manufacturing unit

Administrative department includes accounts, documentation and personnel departments. Their work
involved use of computers and stationery

Design and line development department included designing, merchandising and sampling sections,
were responsible for working with the textile and trims, sourcing, scheduling production, controlling
product flow and presentation of line and making of prototypes. It consumed electricity in running of
machines like electric cutters, sewing machines and generated garbage like fabric scarps, pattern
papers etc.

Production department undertook spreading, cutting and sewing responsibility. Power operated
machines like cutters, sewing machines, fusing machines and steam iron sets were used for the
purpose. Fabric samples were sent outside to reputed labs for testing .This department generated
large amount of waste in form of cardboard boxes, labels, tapes, thread cones, fusing rolls, fabric
scraps and stickers. However, most of the fabric waste and polythene bags are reused.
Assessment in Carbon Footprint in Textile Sector.

Assessment in Carbon Footprint in Textile Sector.

Posted On : January 19, 2010 | Posted By : Harshita Chaudhary

 Download  Print   Email  Comment

1.1 ABSTRACT

Green house effect is caused by greenhouse gases (GHG) that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere, – a natural phenomena that keeps
the earth warm.A high concentration of GHGs affects the earth’s equilibrium making it out of balance, creating a dangerous rise in
temperatures, which can result in severe and extreme weather conditions.In effect, earth’s blanket thickens and our atmosphere
absorbs and holds more heat than it radiates back.This could directly affect rainfall, flooding and droughts, agriculture, economies,
health and biosecurity.These changes can be caused by dynamic processes on Earth, external forces including variations in sunlight
intensity, and more recently by human activities.As people burn more fossil fuel for energy they add more carbon dioxide to the
atmosphere.Carbon dioxide contributes more to the recent increase in greenhouse warming than any other gas as it persists in the
atmosphere longer, as concentrations continue to rise.The increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration is likely the most
significant cause of the current warming.

A way to track one’s greenhouse gas emissions is to be aware of your carbon footprint.Carbon footprint is a measure of the impact
human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases produced, expressed as
CO2 equivalent, measured in kilograms (kg) or tonnes.

Environmental impacts occur at every stage of the life cycle of garment.The garment industry has contributed to the global warming
from the stage of growing of the fibers, raw material acquisition, to the manufacturing of the product, its distribution and transportation to
stores and customers, then its use by the consumers and finally the disposal of the product after use.One aspect in the life cycle of the
garment, have been focused on this study, that is, garment manufacturing industry.It consumes large quantities of energy, water and
use different chemicals in different processes like, cutting, sewing, washing, spot cleaning, finishing, etc and thus also produce large
volumes of wastewater.Wastewater that is generated, contains residues that require appropriate treatment before being released into
the environment.The economical and ecological benefits of environmentally sustainable processes would help business operations run
in an environmentally friendly way, lead to conservation of energy and reduction of waste.

In the present study, the assessment of carbon footprints of the selected garment manufacturing unit (GMU) was carried out by
identifying their processes and personnel contributing to GHG emissions and calculating the carbon footprints generated by them.The
personnel were also made aware of the factors contributing to carbon footprints during garment manufacture by conducting a workshop
and methods were recommended to reduce them.

1.2 SAMPLE SELECTION

An ISO certified, government recognized export house, manufacturing knitted garments located in Faridabad were selected for the
study.The export house is one of the members of Okhla Garment and Textile Cluster (OGTC).

1.3 TOOLS FOR DATA COLLECTION

This study is an initiative taken in the area of textile industry.Thus an exhaustive review of literature was carried out for the
understanding of the subject as a first step.A sample size of 10 people from different departments of the unit was selected by purposive
sampling technique and the data was collected through the interview schedule and observation technique.GTZ consultancy firm’s
experts were also approached to gather more information regarding carbon footprint.

1.4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

1.4.1. Processes and their contribution to carbon footprints in a garment manufacturing unit
 - Administrative department includes accounts, documentation and personnel departments.Their work involved use of computers and
stationery
- Design and line development department included designing, merchandising and sampling sections, were responsible for working with
the textile and trims, sourcing, scheduling production, controlling product flow and presentation of line and making of prototypes.It
consumed electricity in running of machines like electric cutters, sewing machines and generated garbage like fabric scarps, pattern
papers etc.
- Production department undertook spreading, cutting and sewing responsibility.Power operated machines like cutters, sewing
machines, fusing machines and steam iron sets were used for the purpose.Fabric samples were sent outside to reputed labs for
testing .This department generated large amount of waste in form of cardboard boxes, labels, tapes, thread cones, fusing rolls, fabric
scraps and stickers.However, most of the fabric waste and polythene bags are reused.

Carbon Footprint
POSTED BY FLAINOX ON AGO 9, 2010 IN RESOURCES, SUSTAINABILITY MISSION | 0 COMMENTS
Home » Resources » Carbon Footprint

Known as ‘the elephant in the room‘ the textile industry has a heavy impact on the environment. As current practices are unsustainable,

companies, environmentalists, and consumers are looking at strategies for reducing the textile carbon footprint.

According to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, industrial manufacturing accounted for 18.5 percent of carbon

dioxide emissions in 2004. The textile industry, which outputs 60 billion kg of fabric annually around the globe, is responsible for a

significant portion of the industrial carbon footprint. Through the production of fibers, both natural and synthetic, dying, bleaching, and

finishing, 132 million metric tons of coal are burned every year and six to nine trillion liters of water are used.

The textile carbon footprint is as enormous and overbearing. In the United States, textiles are the fifth largest contributor of CO2

emissions. In the rest of the world it is even worse. It is estimated that on average each person is responsible for 19.8 tons of carbon

dioxide emissions during their lifetime. One of those tons is because of the clothes you wear. There are many factors contributing to this

disastrous lack of efficiency, and just as many solutions.

Factors Behind Textile CO2 Emissions

There are many reasons that the environmental impact of the textile industry is such a problem.
 The vast majority of fibers produced are synthetic. These materials, such as petrochemical-based nylon and polyester, and
chemical-treated rayon, use massive amounts of energy to create. Not only that, but the chemicals used during the manufacture of
these materials end up as toxins polluting the air, soil, and water.
 Conventional cotton, which makes up the next largest percentage of worldwide fiber production, is also heavily detrimental to
the environment. Cotton growth requires intensive use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and water. Cotton manufacturing also
requires the heavy use of chemicals and energy.
 The dyeing and bleaching of fabrics involves chemicals, energy, and huge amounts of water. Approximately one million tons
of chemical dyes are used every year.
 The wet finishing process uses huge amounts of water and energy.

Eco-Friendly Textile Progress

There is no question that the current state of the worldwide textile industry is unsustainable. Accounting for almost one-third of water

usage and 4.3 percent of energy consumption, the present global production of fabrics needs to evolve. No one is more aware of this

than the industry itself.

Environmental groups such as Ecotextile and Carbon Neutral Clothing are trying to raise awareness about the eco-effects of this

industry. Ecotextile has a calculator for finding the carbon footprint of your wardrobe. Carbon Neutral Clothing is working with clothing

companies to develop environmental certification standards. In 2009 the first carbon footprint label for clothing and other textile goods

was released in the UK, giving consumers a way to compare not only the prices of different products, but the environmental impact as

well.

Aside from the strides towards greater efficiency in the industry and the awareness-raising efforts of environmental groups, what can

individuals do for the textile carbon footprint? As a consumer, you can make a difference by choosing eco-friendly textiles. Buy hemp,

bamboo, and flax-based clothing and linens. Choose organic cotton over conventional cotton. Don’t buy products made from synthetic

fibers. As the demand for sustainable, environmentally-sound textiles grows, the organic textile farmers, eco-friendly dye companies,

and responsible producers will be able to thrive.

The carbon footprint of the textile industry is just as suffocating. This is a worldwide problem, that only a worldwide effort can solve.
World’s First Carbon Footprint Label For Clothing
by T OM PANE  on DECEMBER 18, 2009

For over four hundred years Denmark provided the backdrop for Hamlet.  The

great theme of the play involved a willingness to act to seek to undo past harms despite the risk and cost. Modern

day Denmark again paints a background where action is demanded by those who may not wish to go against the

status quo.

Instead of a howling ghost screaming for action, delegates attending the United Nations Climate Change

Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark face a haunting presence in the form of humanity’s Global impact.  Unlike

easing the burden of Hamlet’s dead father, the scientists and politicians meeting in today’s Copenhagen must lift

the burdens from the shoulders of our children.

Like Hamlet, they must move beyond merely talking about wrongs; delegates and all of us must “Take arms

against a sea of trouble.”  Countries must act as individuals must act. Whether it be grand or puny, we owe a duty

to the future.
Our ghost is the carbon footprint as measured through our carbon usage and the carbon consumed in the

production of products we use.  From energy production and usage to the clothes we wear, everything we do

leaves its mark (footprint) on our planet.

Shakespeare would be pleased to know that England has acted – launching a program to help businesses assess

the carbon footprint of their goods and services.  One area where England focused its attention is the textile

industry.

They have launched the world’s first carbon footprint label for clothing. The project is part of the Department for

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) sustainable clothing action plan, that was piloted with the help of

Continental Clothing and Carbon Trust.

The standard measures the GHG emissions in goods and services through

their entire lifecycle. The Carbon Reduction Label for textiles displayed on T-shirts and sweatshirts will inform

the consumer of the total lifecycle footprint as well as their own contribution through washing, tumble-drying and

ironing. A huge portion of the environmental impact from clothing actually comes from the consumers usage and

laundering.

Textiles might seem like an odd industry to pick on what with coal and cars, but the textile industry is one of the

biggest sources of greenhouse gasses on Earth.  Remember pesticides and fertilizers used in growing have

multiple carbon prints. Harvesting machines increase that print.  They began working with people around the

world: Romanian farmers; a Japanese mill owner committed to “green” processes, an Italian mill that produces

no wastewater.  They’ve even found an Italian dye house that produces biodegradable, heavy-metal free textiles.

Of course we believe bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly sources for textiles currently in production, due to

the fact that it is the world’s fastest growing woody plant, requires no pesticides or toxic chemicalsthroughout the

growth and harvesting process, and requires less laundering than other garments due to its non odiferous

qualities.

We also believe that unlike Hamlet, we don’t have to be princes in order to leave our marks on the planet.  We

don’t have to be ambassadors or science wizards to have a positive impact on our world.  Each of us creates a

Global footprint, and each of us can minimize the size and impact of that print. Wouldn’t it be great if the U.S.

could come up with a similar program for the labeling of our textiles?
Here is a terrific selection of bamboo clothing  you may want to give a try for its unique characteristics; super

absorbent, wicks sweat away, odor-free keeping you fresh, ultra soft, and most importantly – it comes from an

eco-friendly source – bamboo.

EarthPositive – The Low Carbon Footprinting The Carbon Reduction Label

Carbon Footprint Apparel
EarthPositive Apparel is 100%
organic with 90% Reduced CO2
The carbon footprint has been
calculated in accordance with BSI
PAS2050 methodology, and
certified by the Carbon Trust.
The 90% reduction has been
achieved by a combination of low-
impact organic farming, efficiency
in manufacturing and
transportation, and the use of
renewable energy instead of the
fossil fuel based grid electricity.
It has been calculated that a single
EarthPositive T-shirt saves around
7 kilograms of CO2, whereas a
hooded sweatshirt saves up to 28
kgs of greenhouse gases.
These are actual reductions
achieved in the manufacturing,
without any carbon offsetting.
Click here to see the CO2 values
of all our products.
The Carbon Footprint of a
product is the total the amount
of CO2 and other greenhouse
gases emitted as part of a
product's manufacture,
distribution, use and disposal.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are
so called because they trap
heat in the Earth's atmosphere
and keep the planet warm. The
main gases are carbon dioxide
(CO2), methane and nitrous
oxide.
In January 2008, Continental
Clothing Co. became the first
brand in the world to calculate
the carbon footprint and place
the Carbon Reduction Label
on textile products.
As a Business-to-Business
supplier of ready-to-print
apparel, we have calculated
the carbon footprint of all the
products in the EarthPositive
range from the cotton field,
through processing,
manufacturing, transport, up to
the point of our distribution
warehouses.
In March 2009 Continental Clothing Co. launched
the world’s first Carbon Reduction Label in retail
fashion. The EarthPositive footprint labelled clothes
went on sale through ethical retailer Ascension
decorated with organic print designs.
This was the culmination of two years of work with
the Carbon Trust to develop a methodology for
assessing the carbon footprint of a cotton product
from the field through manufacturing, screen-
printing, retail distribution, consumer use to the
disposal of the garment at the end of its useful life.
Lord Hunt, Minister for Sustainable Development
and Energy Innovation and Deputy Leader of the
House of Lords said: "Continental Clothing's
Carbon Footprint label is an innovative idea as part
of the Defra-coordinated Sustainable Clothing
Action Plan. The label is a great way to give
consumers clear information about the
environmental impact of their clothes throughout
their lifecycle - from manufacturing right through to
washing and disposal - so they can be confident in
the sustainability of their clothing choices."

Our Carbon Footprint A Single Standard The Carbon Trust Case Study
Increased consumer To ensure that the The Carbon Trust have recognised Continental
awareness of  measurement of the Clothing as a pioneer in carbon footprinting, and
climate change has embodied GHG emissions in November 2008 published a Case Study
catalysed demand  from products and which can be downloaded by clicking on the
for low carbon footprint services is consistent the cover below.
products.  Carbon Trust is working
 with Defra andBSI British
EarthPositive® apparel Standards to develop a
introduces the  single universal standard.
Carbon Trust’s first carbon
reduction  The aim is to develop an
label for textile agreed method for
products . . . measuring embodied
Greenhouse gas (GHG)
  emissions which can be
applied across a wide
range of product and
service categories and
their supply chains to
enable companies to
measure the GHG related
impacts of their products
and reduce them. BSI
British Standards will
oversee the development
one of the first of its kind in
of the standard, known as
the world.
the Publicly Available
Specification (PAS) 2050
The purpose of using the Carbon Trust
EarthPositive® apparel is  pilot methodology as a
to pass forward starting point. Through the
competitive advantage  work of the Steering
to companies looking for  
Group and a broad two
ways to act  stage stakeholder
on climate change using consultation, new and Carbon Footprinting Pioneers
real products. existing best practice
The Carbon Trust have recognised Continental
work in this area will also
  Clothing as a pioneer in apparel carbon
be considered in the PAS
footprinting in a  published Case Study.
development. This
Continental along with many other major
Philip Charles process is designed to
corporate brands received this unique
develop a credible, usable
Gamett, Director, method through an open
accreditation in November 2008.
Continental and consultative forum.
Clothing Company: 
  
"We will use the
Carbon Trust’s first
carbon reduction
label for textile
products to pass
forward the
competitive The Carbon Trust carbon
advantage we have reduction label is
gained to corporate envisaged to act as the
communication bridge
business leaders between carbon-
looking to act on conscious companies and
climate change. their consumers,
enabling a powerful
Within twelve corporate message to be
months, we will delivered. The label would
ensure that every not only provide a carbon
measure but will
industry leader in demonstrate a corporate
Europe and the US commitment
will have been to manage and reduce the
greenhouse gas
presented with the emissions of the product
opportunity to over a set two year period.
benefit from Displaying the carbon
dioxide equivalent content
EarthPositive of products,
apparel, using it to and a commitment to
reduce, will empower
communicate CSR consumers to make
to shareholders, informed choices and
employees and drive company behaviour
to deliver low carbon
customers. products. The
Furthermore, we Carbon Trust believes that
will show carbon has the potential to
become a new currency
sustainability to be and that a carbon labelling
profitable and to scheme for products can
have competitive induce sustained
behavioural change by
advantage, and so consumers and drive
encourage copycat investment in the
behaviour and thus development of low and
lower carbon products.
movement towards
a brand new Carbon Reduction Label
industry in low-
The carbon product label
carbon clothing and meets a consumer need.
textiles”. Recent research shows
that consumers
  increasingly understand
  the issue of climate
change and want to
Over the last three years participate in carbon
the Carbon Trust has been emissions reduction
working to develop a initiatives by buying low
process that will help carbon products from
companies to reduce the companies that are
emissions from their showing leadership on
supply chains and drive climate change. For
investment in new low example approximately
carbon products and 67% of consumers said
services. that they are more likely to
buy a product with a low
To achieve this aim the carbon footprint.
Carbon Trust is working Consumers respect an
with the UK Government independent
Department for verification process and
Environment, Food and label, over the claims of
Rural Affairs (Defra) and individual companies. This
BSI British scheme seeks to address
Standards to develop a that consumer need.
universal standard to
measure the embodied
greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions from products
and services.
The Carbon Trust is also
developing a separate
carbon reduction labelling
scheme to help companies
to communicate the carbon
footprint of the products as
well as a commitment to
reduce the emissions over
time. your carbon footprint
In March 2007, the Carbon
Trust announced the
development of these two
projects including a broad
two stage public
consultation process and a
range of pilot projects with
companies to test the draft
standard and the carbon
reduction label. These pilot
projects will run until the
final standard is completed
in 2008. These companies
will help to test and
develop the draft standard
to measure the embodied
GHG emissions of
products and services and
its communication through
a carbon label,
empowering consumers by
giving them choice.
Both the development of
the standard and the
carbon reduction label will
be overseen by
independent Steering
Groups, who members
have been drawn from
NGOs, government,
academia and industry.
This aims to ensure that
the final products are both
scientifically rigorous and
yet applicable to ensure
their widespread usage
and positive impact.
 
From the corporate
perspective, recent
findings from Opinion
Leader Research
conclude that opinion
leaders see climate
change as the primary
issue likely
to impact upon corporate
reputation during 2007.
The carbon label is
expected to enhance the
reputation of companies
and their products and
provide broader Corporate
Social Responsibility and
Public Relations benefits.
The Carbon Trust’s
experience with
companies in optimising
supply chain emissions
has shown that this can
deliver significant cost
savings. In addition,
companies will have the
ability to differentiate their
products on the basis of
carbon content. There is a
clear first mover
advantage.
The Carbon Trust is an
independent company set
up by government in
response to the threat of
climate change, to
accelerate the move to a
low carbon economy by
helping organisations
reduce their carbon
emissions and developing
commercial low carbon
technologies. The Carbon
Trust works with UK
business and the public
sector through its work in
five complementary areas:
insights, solutions,
innovations, enterprises
and investments.
Together these help to
explain, deliver, develop,
create and finance low
carbon enterprise. The
Carbon Trust is funded by
the Department for
Environment, Food and
For more information on Rural Affairs (Defra), the
the Carbon Trust Department for Business,
visit www.carbontrust.co.u Enterprise and Regulatory
k Reform (BERR), the
Scottish Government, the
Welsh Assembly
Government and Invest
Northern Ireland.

We embarked on an
ambitious programme that
has now been shown to
have reduced the carbon
footprint of
EarthPositive® apparel by
up to 90%.

The carbon reduction

label provides the carbon
measure, and
demonstrates our
commitment to manage
and reduce the
greenhouse gas
emissions of this product
over a set two year
period. 

The carbon reduction

label is expected to
enhance the reputation of
companies and their
products and provide
broader corporate social
responsibility and public
relations benefits. The
purpose of
EarthPositive® apparel is
to pass forward this
competitive advantage to
companies committed to
finding ways to act on
climate change using real
products. There is a clear
first mover advantage.

Measuring the Eco Foot-print in Textiles

By  : Fibre2fashion.com 

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Technology has come up with a new web tool to measure, and calculate the eco foot print in
textiles
 
The world of textiles is more or less complicated with
numerous processes involved right from the stage of
making yarns till manufacturing the complete product. All
textiles have a harmful impact on the environment. With the
current alarm of global warming, and making of
environmentally friendly textiles, the process has become
all the more convoluted. There is an industry need for
identifying, and comparing the environmental impact of
textile products, and processes. EcoMetrics is a simple
web based tool that can be used for this process.
 
Every textile item releases effluents that are harmful to the
environment. Fabrics made in eco-friendly way replaces the normal products. If not otherwise,
replacing them with low impact products can also attempt to improve the situation. EcoMetrics, the
web tool makes objective assessments of the products, and processes involved in textile making. It
is a web-based interface, which makes results accessible.
 
Generally, there are four major environmental key factors associated with the making of textiles;
Water, Energy, Pollution, and Use of non-renewable resources. Assessment is done based on the
four key issues. Units called Environmental Damage Units are developed which allows calculation of
the total effect of textiles or the process used. High scores are given to processes that have a
colossal impact (such as using non-renewable resources for polyester), and similarly low scores are
given to processes with less or no impact (like water in yarn spinning).
 
Results are shown in a coded grid showing the
result of energy, water, pollution, and use of
other non-renewable resources during the
process. Results are shown in a visual snapshot
of the product, highlighting the high impact areas
requiring attention. The chosen garment gets the
scores; per kilogram of selected textile, per
garment, and Environmental Damage Unit
(EDU) for laundry during the lifetime of the
apparel. The tool further calculates sub optimal
durability for every selected apparel. This is a
measure showing the effect of having to replace
the non-durable merchandise. The tool will also
calculate high SODU (Sub-Optimal Durability
Unit) scores for low durability merchandise. 1 SODU = 1 EDU.
 
EcoMetrics tool is based on science that gives concrete figures from the beginning till the end; of all
processes involved in a textile industry, which is normally not possible. Results generated by this
tool are good indications of the textile foot prints in highlighting the areas of concern. The tool is very
objective, and looks at the entire life-cycle of the product. It is simple and easy to understand and
use it.
 
EcoMetrics is for pro environment people, and businesses. It is a powerful tool for buyers, and
producers highlighting the benefits of eco-initiatives, and also motivating people to think about the
impacts caused throughout the production process.