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A report titled Sustainability in Textiles and Apparel has been produced by Johnny Shell, principal analyst at Keypoint Intelligence, in which he takes a look at digital printing’s role in the green revolution.
The global textile industry has long been scrutinised for its enormous environmental impact. In the report, Mr Shell states that as the world continues to prioritise sustainability, the textile industry is experiencing significant transformation to meet eco-friendly standards and government regulations.
Certificates and programs such as the European Green Deal and Eco-Design for Sustainable Product Regulation help textile manufacturers, printers, and apparel decorators measure and achieve sustainability.
Other widely recognised certifications include the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex, Cradle to Cradle (C2C), and the Higg Index – each address various aspects of sustainability in textiles and apparel.
Mr Shell adds that the textile industry has made some great strides in sustainability – notably with digital printing, which reduces waste and energy consumption compared to traditional methods. However, he continues that the industry must further develop eco-friendly inks and substrates to achieve greater sustainability. While some brands are shifting towards on-demand production, overproduction and waste remain prevalent.
Digital printing enables on-demand manufacturing, where products are made only after they are sold – reducing waste and excess inventory. Additionally, digital printing significantly cuts down on water and energy consumption, whereas traditional textile production is water-intensive and many regions are facing water scarcity. Digital printing methods also reduce CO2 emissions by streamlining production processes compared to traditional production. On-demand production eliminates the need for large inventories, reducing storage costs and financial risks associated with unsold stock.
Mr Shell explains that with limited water resources and rising labour costs, the urgency for sustainable practices is higher than ever. Digital printing not only addresses these issues, but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products.
He concludes that the journey towards sustainability in the textile industry is well underway, with digital printing leading the charge. While significant progress has been made, ongoing efforts to innovate, collaborate, and adopt sustainable practices are essential. By embracing sustainability, the textile industry can not only reduce its environmental impact, but also meet the evolving demands of conscious consumers.
