Recent Trends in Sustainable Clothing and Textile Manufacturing

Manufacturing of clothing and textiles are considered to be at odds when sustainability is considered. The three pillars of sustainability are breached in the supply chain process of clothing and textiles. Environmental pollution, excessive resource use, generation of large amount of waste, greenhouse gas generation, excessive chemical use, child labour and forced labour are some of the problems associated with the manufacturing of clothing and textiles. This chapter focuses on various approaches that can be implemented to become sustainable in the supply chain process of clothing and textiles. Some of these approaches include the use of newer technologies such as laser, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), carbon dioxide dyeing, air dyeing and ozone applications; use of eco-friendly processes; and waste management to reduce the environmental impacts. Furthermore, the use of lean principles to reduce in the process waste and materials waste will also be discussed in brief. Some examples from the global fashion brands are also included in this chapter. Finally, the approaches taken during sewing operations such as energy saving and waste management have also been discussed in detail.