Sustainability in performance apparel: meeting the demands of an eco-conscious marketplace

43 pages, published in Issue 31, 4th quarter 2009   Report price: Euro 600.00; US$ 785.00

The performance apparel industry has often been singled out for the damage its operations cause to the environment, and for the poor working conditions in some of the factories it uses. However, many of the leading brand companies and their suppliers have responded positively to such criticism in a bid to satisfy the demands of an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace. Some firms have gone even further and have shown a genuine commitment to protecting the planet by reducing their carbon footprint and pursuing socially responsible policies in every aspect of their businesses.

Many companies have sought to minimise the impact of their operations on the environment by using recycled materials and offering recyclable products. Some are trying out new materials, processes and technologies which hold the promise of reducing pollution, increasing energy efficiency and minimising waste. A growing number are incorporating less conventional eco-friendly fibres such as bamboo and organic cotton?as well as materials made from biopolymers rather than polymers derived from petrochemicals. Greater attention is being paid to the safety of dyestuffs used in coloration, while emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and plasma technology are providing opportunities for the industry to use more sustainable methods of manufacture.

Consumers are playing their part in reducing the carbon footprint of performance apparel by buying increasing quantities organic clothing, using more eco-friendly clothing care methods, and recycling unwanted garments. Governments, too, are playing an active role in steering the performance apparel industry away from unsustainable practices, while environmental groups and lobbyists are working to ensure that such practices are highly publicised and condemned.

Companies are acknowledging that sustainability has become a necessity rather than an option, given the threat of climate change. Also, they are recognising that they can gain a competitive edge by showing that they are committed to environmentally and socially responsible practices. However, a major challenge is to ensure that such commitment is echoed throughout the industry?s long and highly complex supply chains. Good progress has been made in cleaning up the industry, and the future is bright for those companies which put sustainability high on their agendas. But greater efforts are needed to increase awareness among consumers about the green credentials of the products they buy. Better and more comprehensive labelling could play a greater role in providing such information.

Sustainability in performance apparel: meeting the demands of an eco-conscious marketplace

• Summary
• Introduction
• Challenges to sustainability in the performance apparel industry
• Environmental impact of fibre production and textile processing by fibre type
• Environmental impact of chemical usage in the performance apparel industry
• Environmental impact of water and energy usage in the performance apparel industry
• Environmental impact of water and energy usage in the transportation and retailing of performance apparel
• Water and energy use in clothing care
• Environmental impact of waste generation
• Working conditions and sustainability in the performance apparel industry
• Key drivers of sustainability initiatives
• Ways of achieving sustainability in the performance apparel industry
• Fibres and fabrics with eco-friendly properties
• Dyes with eco-friendly properties
• Eco-friendly fabric treatments
• Sustainable clothing care
• Recycling of performance apparel
• Ethical social standards
• Certification and labelling of sustainable performance apparel
• Sustainability programmes maintained by key performance apparel suppliers: Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, Patagonia and Wal-Mart
• Examples of sustainable products and technologies from Asics, Colorep, Dow Corning and Devan Chemicals, Nilit, Optimer Brands, Cornell University, Henri Lloyd, Swany America, Teijin Fibers and Unifi

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• Profile of Anvil Knitwear: an environmentally responsible apparel supplier, (4th quarter 2009)
• Talking strategy: new ideas on sustainability, managing waste and technological innovation, (1st Quarter 2009)

Four times a year, Performance Apparel Markets provides an overview of the sector for performance apparel and corporatewear. It provides market data and analysis of new and established markets for performance fibres, fabrics and clothing, and is essential reading for executives who are working in (or supplying) this fast growing sector. It is also an invaluable one-stop-shop where people who are not involved in the industry on a day-to-day basis can find an authoritative source of relevant information which helps them to quickly gain an understanding of the key issues facing the companies in this sector.
Reports in Performance Apparel Markets include:
	reports on major developments in the global performance apparel market, focusing on new products and technologies, innovative fibres and key players;
	detailed, independently-researched reports on one of the following topics: antimicrobial fibres and fabrics, anti-static technology, flame resistant fibres and fabrics, high strength fibres and fabrics, high visibility apparel, microencapsulation, moisture management fabrics, performance swimwear, seamless knitting and stitch-free seaming technologies, smart and interactive textiles, stain protective apparel, stretch fibres and fabrics, surfwear and surf-inspired clothing, temperature regulation, UV protective fibres and fabrics, and waterproof breathable fabrics;
	company profiles, outlining the business, product, market and manufacturing strategies employed by key players in the performance apparel industry; and
	business news and developments affecting global performance apparel markets, majoring on innovations, mergers and acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, and financial performances.
Performance apparel represents one of the fastest growing sectors of the international textile and clothing industry ? and market growth is being fuelled by the emergence of new fibres, new fabrics and innovative process technologies. The market is also being boosted by changes in consumer lifestyles. People are living longer and spending more time on leisure activities. New high-tech fabrics are being developed for a wide range of active sports such as aerobics, athletics, ballooning, cycling, hiking, mountaineering, parachuting, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, swimming, and windsurfing.
Exciting innovations are emerging in smart textiles and nanotechnology ? and the sector?s growth prospects are helped by the trend in increasing demand for performance features in mainstream fashion.
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