The global environment is undergoing rapid change and is steadily worsening. In this context, terms like "sustainable" and "upcycle" have gained prominence. Recently, more products labeled as "eco-friendly" can be seen on store shelves. In this article, we’ll explore eco-friendly initiatives, the materials companies can use for manufacturing, and the steps individuals can take as consumers.
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The term "eco" comes from "ecology," meaning the study of living organisms and their environment. "Eco-friendly" refers to practices that are kind to the environment, people, and animals. Additionally, it’s connected to "economy," highlighting the idea of addressing environmental issues economically.
The apparel and fashion industry has often been criticized for its significant environmental impact. Previously, the industry relied heavily on a business model of mass production and disposal. However, it is now undergoing a transformation. Keywords such as "sustainable," "SDGs," and "eco-friendly" have come to the forefront.
Fashion items often demand cost efficiency in their materials, production, and wages. This has led to poor labor conditions, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that harm the environment, and other adverse effects. Additionally, materials produced cheaply in developing countries are often transported to other factories for manufacturing, and the finished products are shipped worldwide, releasing significant amounts of greenhouse gases in the process.
SDG Goal 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production," emphasizes creating products with respect for the environment, human rights, and society, while raising awareness among consumers. For more on sustainable initiatives in the fashion industry, check out the following article.
The term "sustainable" has become increasingly common in our everyday lives. Numerous initiatives in various industries are underway for achieving a sustainable society, and the fashion industry is no exception.
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Let’s take a closer look at some real-life examples of apparel companies actively pursuing eco-friendly initiatives.
Fast Retailing, the company behind UNIQLO, is working to minimize its environmental impact in various ways.
For example, producing a single T-shirt requires 2,720 liters of water, while making a pair of jeans uses 10,850 liters. UNIQLO has developed a technology that reduces water usage by up to 99% during jeans production.
Additionally, the "RE:UNIQLO" project focuses on recycling all its products to create new clothing and materials. The company collects its products in stores for recycling, and some items are repurposed as humanitarian aid.
UNIQLO Official Website (https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/en/contents/sustainability/planet/clothes_recycling/re-uniqlo/)
For instance, by reusing down filling from jackets to produce new products, UNIQLO has managed to cut CO₂ emissions during the manufacturing process by 20%.
In 2019, Prada revamped its backpack material to regenerated nylon called "Econyl." Products made with Econyl are part of the "Prada Re-Nylon" collection. Econyl is made from recycled ocean plastics, textile waste, and fishing nets. This regenerated nylon can be recycled repeatedly, reducing its environmental impact by 80%. Producing 10,000 tons of Econyl saves approximately 12 million liters of petroleum.
Prada Official Website (https://www.prada.com/us/en/womens/womens-collection/the-re-nylon-project/c/10549US)
Chloé is the first luxury brand to receive "B Corp Certification." This certification evaluates over 300 criteria, including labor conditions and environmental impact. Chloé’s standout products include sneakers made with recycled materials in their soles and laces and sandals crafted from recycled ocean waste.
Chloé Official Website (https://www.chloe.com/us/chloe/shop-online/women/the-nama-sneaker/)
Shima Seiki operates "BLUEKNIT," an online shopping mall specializing in sustainable knitwear. The platform offers a wide range of knit products made from eco-friendly materials. Shima Seiki also buys back unwanted products, repairs them if necessary, and resells them. Products unsuitable for resale are recycled responsibly into raw materials.
BLUEKNIT aims to promote resource circulation through four key principles: environmental care, well-being, support for producers, and ethical practices. By focusing on knitwear with high natural material content, the platform contributes to the circular economy.
Additionally, Shima Seiki supports knitwear manufacturers in their direct-to-consumer (D2C) efforts and aims to increase domestic production in Japan.
Shima Seiki Official Website (https://www.shimaseiki.com/company/other/bulueknit/)
An online shopping mall operated by SHIMA SEIKI, featuring knit products designed with the planet’s future in mind. BLUEKNIT is a platform committed to "circulating resources" based on four principles: caring for the environment, being gentle on the mind and body, supporting producers, and striving for an ethical society.
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So far, we have explored eco-friendly initiatives by companies. But what steps can individuals take in their daily lives to contribute to a more sustainable environment?
The foundation of an eco-friendly lifestyle is the "3Rs":
Examples: Choose durable clothing and take care of them properly, avoid over-purchasing food to reduce food waste.
Examples: Don’t discard usable items; instead, reuse them. Sell old clothes at thrift shops or online marketplaces.
Examples: Use products made from recycled materials, and ensure recyclables like bottles, cans, and paper are properly sorted for recycling.
When it comes to clothing and fashion items, how can consumers determine whether a product is eco-friendly? A simple way is to check for certification labels. There are three main types of certifications:
Type I (ISO14024) Third-Party Certification : These certifications are awarded after rigorous evaluation by independent organizations.
Type II (ISO14021) Self-Declaration : Manufacturers declare their products as eco-friendly based on their own standards.
Type III (ISO14025) Environmental Information Labeling : These provide quantitative data about a product’s environmental impact.
Here are some examples of Type I (ISO 14024) third-party certification.
For more information, visit the OEKO-TEX website.
For more information, visit the BLUESIGN website.
For more information, visit the Associazione Tessile e Salute website.
For more information, visit the EU Ecolabel website.
The Woolmark Certification Program provides assurance to both the supply chain and consumers that the product has been rigorously tested for quality.
For more information, visit the Woolmark website.
"Greenwashing" is a term combining "green," which implies eco-friendliness, and "whitewashing," which refers to concealing flaws or exaggerating claims. It describes practices where products or companies appear environmentally friendly but, in reality, are not.
For instance, materials might seem sustainable but may contribute to deforestation or ecological disruption in production areas. Similarly, a company might offer eco-friendly products while engaging in harmful practices in other operations. To identify greenwashing, look for third-party certifications as a reliable benchmark for genuine eco-friendliness.
Eco-friendly manufacturing and product selection heavily depend on the materials used. Natural fibers, plant-based synthetic fibers, and recycled fibers are gaining significant attention today.
Lyocell is a regenerated fiber made from eucalyptus wood pulp. Its production process involves dissolving the pulp in a recyclable solvent, resulting in minimal environmental impact. Compared to cotton, Lyocell reduces water usage during cultivation by up to 90%, conserving valuable water resources.
Made from beechwood pulp, Modal is a regenerated fiber that produces no harmful waste, earning it the title of a sustainable synthetic fiber. It is highly durable, with excellent moisture absorption and release properties, while its silky texture and softness surpass even cotton.
Cupro is a regenerated fiber made from the short fibers surrounding cotton seeds, known as cotton linters, which are usually unused. This fiber is soft, drapable, and highly dyeable, making it a valuable eco-friendly material.
Recycled polyester is created by crushing and reprocessing plastic bottles into fibers and fabrics. Compared to conventional polyester production, it significantly reduces petroleum usage and CO₂ emissions. Lightweight, durable, and with a smooth texture, it is a sustainable choice.
Fibers made from recycled milk cartons are another innovative option. For instance, the sustainable material brand ReMateri® produces a yarn called REPAC® that reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 233 grams per kilogram of yarn produced. In addition to being eco-friendly, these paper-based fibers offer a unique, dry texture with moisture-absorbing and deodorizing properties.
ReMateri® is a sustainable materials brand. It features products made with "REPAC®," a yarn derived from recycled milk cartons. These products are not only environmentally friendly but also offer excellent functionality and comfort.
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For companies and manufacturers aiming to produce apparel using eco-friendly materials, services like yarnbank® are invaluable. yarnbank® is a web-based platform that allows users to search and browse yarns from around the world. It enables searches based on various environmental criteria, including certifications, which provide detailed information such as certification numbers and validity periods.
yarnbank® supports 10 types of third-party certifications, which can be used as search filters. (*Some search criteria may not result in a hit.)
Once you find a preferred yarn, you can download its data and use design software like APEXFiz® to create realistic virtual samples. This enables not just the use of sustainable materials but also promotes eco-friendly production processes.
For a detailed explanation of yarnbank®, refer to this article.
4 Reasons Why You Should Sign Up with the yarnbank® Digital Yarn Sourcing Website Today
Have you heard of yarnbank®? It's a web service that allows you to search and view yarns from all over the world. Launched in September 2020, yarnbank® is a specialized online platform for searching yarns, designed to be an invaluable digital tool for professionals involved in product planning and material sourcing in the fashion and apparel industry.
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As you can see, building an eco-friendly society requires both businesses and individuals—the former to adopt environmentally conscious practices in their products and services, and the latter to make sustainable choices in their daily life. By focusing on eco-friendly materials from product planning to consumption, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.