Welspun Living Inititavies in Envoirment Social & Governance

The Future of Sustainable Fabric Production and its Impact on the Environment

ADVANCED-TEXTILES

Sustainable Fabric and its Impact on the Environment

Despite the booming growth of the fashion sector, increasing attention has been drawn to the extensive and concerning environmental impacts it generates. Fashion production alone contributes to 10% of humanity's carbon emissions, leading to water source depletion and the pollution of rivers and streams. Shockingly, approximately 85% of all textiles are discarded each year, ending up in landfills. 

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, there is a growing movement towards sustainability in all aspects of production. Fabric production, in particular, has a significant impact on the environment due to the use of natural resources, hazardous chemicals, and pollution. Fortunately, sustainable fabric production techniques are being developed and implemented, including organic farming, recycled materials, and natural dyes. With advancements in technology and a shift towards sustainable practices, the future of fabric production is looking increasingly promising.

The Art of Crafting Sustainable Fabrics

Sustainable fabric production involves utilizing environmentally responsible methods to create fibers that minimize the impact on the planet. This process can involve the use of a variety of materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, wool, and recycled materials. For example, cotton, the primary raw material in the textile industry, is widely known for its comfort and texture, and as a natural fiber that can biodegrade at the end of its lifecycle. However, conventional cotton farming practices have a range of negative impacts, including reduced soil fertility, water pollution, biodiversity losses, land degradation, health concerns due to the heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, unfair payments to farmers, and human rights abuses. 

To address these issues, as the leading sustainable textile company in India, we have taken a sustainable approach to source raw materials, with a focus on the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) and Organic Cotton. By utilizing these materials, Welspun India can enable better water management, enhance biodiversity and soil health, and empower farmers by increasing harvests and reducing costs. Additionally, Welspun India has made significant efforts to increase the use of recycled cotton in its products to minimize the consumption of virgin cotton fibers, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable production practices.

Welspun India’s Sustainable Production Techniques and Innovations

By embracing a sustainable and circular approach in every operation, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, supply chain management, and waste recycling, we aim to balance the present needs with those of the future.

  • We launched a sustainable towel range, featuring recycled polyester blends. This eco-friendly product line garnered significant interest from several other retailers, resulting in the preservation of thousands of PET bottles from being discarded in landfills.
  • Embracing the use of recycled cotton, reduces the demand for virgin cotton and diverts textile waste from landfills. This innovative approach to sourcing raw materials has helped Welspun India to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainability.
  • Welspun India has made significant strides in implementing sustainable packaging solutions, including the use of FSC-certified paper packaging and the introduction of LDPE packaging that contains 30-50% of rLDPE content. The rLDPE is recovered from plastic packaging scrap generated in-house, thus minimizing waste and promoting circularity. 

Role of Welspun India in Sustainable Fabric Production

We recognize the need for sustainable fabric production and have taken significant steps toward this goal. Welspun India aims to set a new standard in the textile industry as a global leader in implementing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks and adhering to sustainable practices. 

By investing in innovative technologies, such as waterless dyeing and organic cotton cultivation, Welspun India is reducing its environmental impact while also improving the quality and durability of its products. The company's commitment to sustainable fabric production is not only good for the planet, but it also ensures that its customers receive high-quality products that are both environmentally friendly and socially responsible. As the demand for sustainable textiles continues to grow, Welspun India is well-positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the fashion industry.

Conclusion

Moving forward, we have created and redefined our sustainability roadmap for the next decade, with a clear set of goals and targets in place. By 2030, our objectives include relying entirely on renewable energy and sourcing 100% of our cotton from sustainable sources, among other ambitions.