Textile Insight

H owever, if you shi your perspec- tive and reflect on the trajectory of sustainability within our industry then maybe the answer "too long" doesn't give the textile commu- nity its due. Indeed, the needle has moved significantly; conversation now revolves around universal issues of climate and circularity along with an escalation of highly sophisticated technologies like carbon capture that level up the sustainability factor of materials for activewear and athletic foot- wear made from an ever-widening range of eco-alternatives without downgrading performance. Traceability and transparency via blockchain and digital product passport concepts once unthinkable are now being adopted throughout the supply chain. Of course, there is still much to be done. A quick internet search brings a flood of statistics. For example: e apparel industry's global emissions will increase by 50 percent by 2030 according to Earth.org; e most recent EPA data reveals that in America, 66 percent of all unwanted clothes and textiles are landfilled, with individuals generating over 17 million tons of textile MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) per year. e fashion industry is responsible for 1.8 percent of global greenhouse gas emis- sions, the Apparel Impact Institute recently reported. And on it goes. Faced with these obstacles, today's textile leadership is realizing that a collective effort is critical to reaching sustainability goals. For an industry that has long put up silos, this idea of breaking down barriers and coming together to problem solve for shared solutions is radical. As such, nowadays textile execs find themselves in fields discussing regenerative practices with farmers and nowadays it's not surprising that suppliers form bonds with competitors in a spirit of cooperation for the greater good. It is often stated that sustainability is a journey not a destination. With eco-respon- sible targets fast approaching and milestone ESG goals in 2030 and 2050 on the agenda, textile execs are laser-focused on achieving a deeper shade of green for product, profits and the planet. Power in Partnership is Fall Hyosung is presenting expanded bio-based, recycled and multi-function of- ferings, building on its established strong traceable sustainability story. e company's new Bio-Based elastane range includes a variety of options for the yarn to be made with a higher content of renewable resources. Hyosung was the first company to commercially introduce USDA and SGS-certified creora Bio-Based elastane made with 30 percent renewable resources in 2021. e manufacture of 1kg creora Bio-Based elastane reduces its carbon footprint by 20 percent as compared to the production of 1kg of conventional spandex, according to an independent third party LCA performed for the company. "We are very excited to follow the success of our creora Bio-Based elastane with a second phase of third-party certified fibers made with a higher content of renewable resources to meet consumer demand for traceable, bio-based products," said Simon Whitmarsh-Knight, Hyosung global marketing director - textiles. In addition, Hyosung is presenting new WITH A COLLECTIVE EFFORT, INDUSTRY ACHIEVES A DEEPER SHADE OF GREEN. BY EMILY WALZER COVER STORY / SUSTAINABILITY PLANET-POSITIVE 26 • Textile Insight ~ Fall 2023 textileinsight.com How long does it take for the textile industry to move the needle forward on sustainability? Some would say "too long," and depending on your sense of time, that response rings true, especially when you consider that it was 30 years ago when Polartec, in partnership with Patagonia, first launched recycled fleece, with fabric made from discarded plastic bottles in a color described as "soda-bottle green." And it was the early 2000s when an idea started to form among leaders in the outdoor community for an OIA Sustainability Working Group and sparked the development of the Eco-Index in 2006. Another turning point in sustainability momentum within textiles came over a decade ago back in 2011 when Greenpeace announced its Detox campaign, taking aim at the industry to reduce hazardous toxins and motivating a new era of materials based on green chemistry.

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