Learn how to apply sustainability and circularity principles to your textile cost analysis and design process. Find out how to measure, improve, and communicate your environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Future Technologies like Plasma Treatment before Dyeing can be incorporated which not only increases the Dye Uptake but there is also reduction is consumption of Dyes. In some application usage of water is reduced considerably and waste water treatment is also reduced. Apart from this Plasma Treated Substrates especially Khadi gives excellent results with Natural Dyes. Major Companies should start taking On Line Trials with Plasma Treaters whereby they can truly be sustainable in their process.

How do you incorporate sustainability and circularity principles into textile cost analysis and design?

Sustainability and circularity are two key principles that can help textile designers and manufacturers reduce their environmental impact and create more value from their resources. But how do you apply these principles to your textile cost analysis and design process? In this article, you will learn some practical tips and tools to help you incorporate sustainability and circularity into your textile projects.

1 What are sustainability and circularity in textiles?

Sustainability and circularity are related but distinct concepts that aim to improve the environmental, social, and economic performance of textile production and consumption. Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Circularity means designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. In textiles, this means using renewable, recycled, or biodegradable materials, minimizing energy and water use, avoiding harmful chemicals, extending the lifespan and functionality of products, and recovering and reusing materials at the end of their life.

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Mohammed Aslam Moolji

Managing Director @ Arshad Electronics | PG FMB | Corona Treater | Induction Cap Sealers | Plasma for Textiles and Grains | Ozone for Extrusion Lamination
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Future Technologies like Plasma Treatment before Dyeing can be incorporated which not only increases the Dye Uptake but there is also reduction is consumption of Dyes. In some application usage of water is reduced considerably and waste water treatment is also reduced. Apart from this Plasma Treated Substrates especially Khadi gives excellent results with Natural Dyes. Major Companies should start taking On Line Trials with Plasma Treaters whereby they can truly be sustainable in their process.

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Yarrow Aiko Koontz

Indigo Tails
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And with sustainability and circularity, we need to change our behaviors to Making and mending as a valuable skill rather than a necessity based on an idea of poverty. Rather than value new and cheap, we need to encourage reuse and slow - as is very time consumptive production. Our extractive attitude toward the planet as resource has a cost that is affecting all living beings including humans.

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2 Why are sustainability and circularity important for textile cost analysis and design?

Sustainability and circularity are not only good for the planet, but also for your business and your customers. By adopting these principles, you can reduce costs by saving on raw materials, energy, water, and waste management. Additionally, you can increase revenue by creating new markets and products that meet the growing demand for sustainable and circular textiles. Demonstrating a commitment to social and environmental responsibility can also enhance your reputation and brand loyalty. Moreover, you can innovate and differentiate yourself from competitors by offering unique solutions that solve customer problems and create positive impacts.

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Yarrow Aiko Koontz

Indigo Tails
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Something that needs to be included in cost analysis and design is fair wages and treatment of producers. The costs 'saved' needs to go back to the Makers because we value their time and skills. Value can also be added to a product if it uses natural dyes, fibres and traditional knowledge that has been replaced by mechanization and technology.

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3 How do you measure sustainability and circularity in textiles?

To incorporate sustainability and circularity into your textile cost analysis and design, you need to measure and evaluate your environmental, social, and economic impacts across the entire life cycle of your products. There are various tools and methods that can assist you in this process, such as life cycle assessment (LCA) which quantifies emissions, resource use, land use, water use, and biodiversity. Material flow analysis (MFA) tracks the flows and stocks of materials in your production system to identify sources of waste and losses. Social life cycle assessment (SLCA) assesses the social impacts of your products on stakeholders such as workers, communities, and consumers. Additionally, life cycle costing (LCC) calculates the total costs of your products over their life span including acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal costs.

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4 How do you improve sustainability and circularity in textiles?

Based on your measurement and evaluation results, you can identify areas for improvement in your sustainability and circularity performance and implement strategies accordingly. Consider material selection that is renewable, recycled, or biodegradable with low environmental and social impacts. Design products that are durable, repairable, and adaptable, as well as products that can be reused in their original or modified form. Additionally, design products that can be recycled into new products or materials or composted/biodegraded at the end of their life. Lastly, consider designing products as a service rather than a product, such as leasing and renting models, or providing additional benefits/functions to customers.

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5 How do you communicate sustainability and circularity in textiles?

To effectively communicate your sustainability and circularity achievements and benefits to customers and stakeholders, you need to use clear, credible, and consistent messages and channels. Labels and certifications, such as organic, fair trade, recycled, or circular labels, can verify your sustainability and circularity claims and standards. Additionally, stories and narratives that showcase your sustainability and circularity journey and values can be used to engage customers. Furthermore, you can use transparency and traceability tools like QR codes, blockchain, or digital passports to provide information about your products and processes. By utilizing these methods of communication, you can ensure that your customers and stakeholders are informed of your sustainability and circularity efforts.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you incorporate sustainability and circularity principles into textile cost analysis and design?

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1 What are sustainability and circularity in textiles?

2 Why are sustainability and circularity important for textile cost analysis and design?

3 How do you measure sustainability and circularity in textiles?

4 How do you improve sustainability and circularity in textiles?

5 How do you communicate sustainability and circularity in textiles?

6 Here’s what else to consider

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