Editorial: Technologies at ITMA 2019 for reducing water consumption in textile and apparel production

摘要

Surveys show that a large proportion of consumers believe that cotton is more”environmentally friendly”than synthetic fibres.But the reality is that the cultivation of cotton causes immense damage to the environment as it involves huge amounts of pesticides, artificial fertilisers and water.In particular, it has been estimated that 2,565 litres of water are consumed in the growing of the cotton used in the manufacture of one pair of jeans.A further 20 litres are consumed during fabric production, and another 70 litres are consumed in garment laundering.Even more water is consumed during rinsing and washing operations in fabric dyeing or finishing processes, and a vast amount is consumed in consumer care during the lifetime of the jeans.In order to address the damage which is being caused to the environment by the textile industry, a great deal of work is being done to improve product and process sustainability.Some of the efforts are voluntary.But others are being forced by regulatory changes, and the expectation is that regulations will become more intense and widespread in the years to come.