Killer threads! Fast-Fashion’s impact on the environment.
The Environmental Chemistry Group’s 2024 Distinguished Guest Lecture and symposium, held on 18th March at Burlington House, focused on environmental concerns surrounding fast fashion – from the pollution problems posed by the overproduction of clothing to ways of mitigating the environmental consequences of textile waste. Dr Thomas Stanton, Professor Will Wise, and our ECG Distinguished Guest Lecturer, Dr Raquel Prado, shared their invaluable insights on these environmental challenges.
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The textile industry plays a significant role in global manufacturing, providing clothing and textiles for billions of people worldwide. However, the environmental impacts associated with textile production, particularly in the context of fast fashion, which refers to the rapid production and consumption of inexpensive clothing, have raised concerns regarding resource depletion, pollution, and waste generation.
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Figure 1. Effect of the textile industry on the
environment.
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To explore the current situation, this RSC meeting began with a talk by Dr Thomas Stanton about fibre pollution and microplastics. Dr Stanton (Loughborough University), a lecturer in Environmental Science and a freshwater scientist, discussed his research on the prevalence and impacts of plastic and microplastic fibres in the environment, particularly from synthetic fibres used in fast fashion. His findings reveal that textile fibres originating from washing machines and direct washing in water bodies are a significant source of environmental pollution. While natural fibres make up a large proportion of those found in rivers and the atmosphere, the addition of chemicals and dyes to garments can have ecotoxicological effects similar to those of typical pollutants. Dr Tom Stanton emphasised the importance of improved wastewater treatment and sustainable manufacturing practices to mitigate fibre pollution. Tom highlighted the environmental implications of chemicals used in textile production, including dyeing, and tanning processes. This provided a great transition to our next speaker, Professor Will Wise, who focused on the leather industry’s sustainability efforts.
Will from Northampton Leather provided insights into the leather industry's efforts to reduce its environmental impact. These include examining the discharge of harmful chemicals into waterways, which contributes to water pollution and ecosystem degradation. Efforts to reduce chemical usage and adopt eco-friendly alternatives are essential for minimising the environmental footprint of the textile industry.
He also addressed that, despite leather's reputation as a durable and potentially "green" material, the tanning process involves numerous environmental challenges, including water consumption, effluent contamination, and worker safety concerns. Will highlighted ongoing research into alternative tanning methods, such as the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and polymer beads, to minimize water usage and reduce environmental impact.
Will from Northampton Leather provided insights into the leather industry's efforts to reduce its environmental impact. These include examining the discharge of harmful chemicals into waterways, which contributes to water pollution and ecosystem degradation. Efforts to reduce chemical usage and adopt eco-friendly alternatives are essential for minimising the environmental footprint of the textile industry.
He also addressed that, despite leather's reputation as a durable and potentially "green" material, the tanning process involves numerous environmental challenges, including water consumption, effluent contamination, and worker safety concerns. Will highlighted ongoing research into alternative tanning methods, such as the use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and polymer beads, to minimize water usage and reduce environmental impact.
Dr Thomas Stanton from Loughborough University
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Professor Will Wise from Northampton Leather.
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After a networking lunch, the conference continued with a presentation from our distinguished guest lecturer, Dr Raquel Prado (Ananas Anam) discussing natural fibres and innovative solutions. She highlighted the potential of natural fibres as a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibres. Ananas Anam is a company producing sustainable textiles from pineapple leaf fibres. Dr Prado highlighted the environmental impacts this industry can have, from a water, waste and land use perspective (Figure 1). She also discussed the Ananas Anam’s innovative process of transforming agricultural waste into a pioneering, low-impact textile called Piñatex®. This approach not only reduces waste but also provides employment opportunities in rural farming communities.
Rewarding discussions followed between guests and the experts summarising textile waste and recycling challenges. The experts emphasised the pressing issue of textile waste generation, which is projected to increase by 62% by 2030, exacerbating water pollution, landfill usage, and climate change. While recycling offers a solution, only 8% of textile waste is currently recycled. Manufacturers face challenges in separating and recycling mixed materials, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure and collaboration between industry, researchers, and policymakers.
The insights shared by these experts highlight the complex environmental challenges posed by textile fibres and the need for innovative solutions. By embracing sustainable practices, promoting natural fibres, and developing effective recycling methods, the textile industry can contribute to a more circular economy and reduce its environmental footprint.
Rewarding discussions followed between guests and the experts summarising textile waste and recycling challenges. The experts emphasised the pressing issue of textile waste generation, which is projected to increase by 62% by 2030, exacerbating water pollution, landfill usage, and climate change. While recycling offers a solution, only 8% of textile waste is currently recycled. Manufacturers face challenges in separating and recycling mixed materials, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure and collaboration between industry, researchers, and policymakers.
The insights shared by these experts highlight the complex environmental challenges posed by textile fibres and the need for innovative solutions. By embracing sustainable practices, promoting natural fibres, and developing effective recycling methods, the textile industry can contribute to a more circular economy and reduce its environmental footprint.
Dr Raquel Prado is presented with the 2024 DGL medal by ECG
committee’s outgoing Chair, Dr Rowena Fletcher-Wood.
Royal Society of Chemistry Environmental Chemistry Group
Burlington House
Piccadilly London W1J 0BA |
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