There is another pressing issue that is recently causing some controversy in the apparel industry: the debate of whether natural or synthetic materials are better for the environment. Natural fibers include; cotton, linen, hemp and silk and synthetic fibers include a wide range of materials like nylon, polyester and acrylic.
The first chapter from the book Sustainable Fashion and Trade by Kate Fletcher focuses on the sustainable idea of material diversity. The chapter discusses that the apparel industry is dominated by the use of similar products and thus using similar materials in order to produce products in large quantities. Right now, there is a big push for “all natural” products which include 100% cotton or linen or even hemp products. There is a misconception that “all natural” products are better for the environment. According to Fletcher, producing natural products can be just as harmful as producing synthetic ones. For every one kilogram of cotton, 8,000 liters of water is used and when producing the same weight of polyester products, very little water is used but it takes twice the energy to produce polyester products than cotton.
This is where the concept of material diversity comes into play. Apparel manufacturers and designers should use a wide range of materials in order to not deplete one fiber. Fletcher states, the choice of fiber “is central to what a textile or garment is; only that it is one amid many interconnected factors influencing overall product sustainability.” I find this quote to hold a lot of weight in considering whether or not all natural is the right decision for the environment. I think it is important to diversify one’s closet with the materials and fibers used as to not over use one product and essentially run out of the product or the materials used in order to produce said fiber.
Diversity does not just pertain to the fibers used but also the way they are produced.Textile Eschange’s Charline Ducas discusses a few interesting trends that are currently being addressed along with the harmful effects on the environment. The topic of the use of chemicals to manufacture apparel products was especially interesting to me. There are so many steps and products used to produce one article of clothing and each of these factors can have a huge impact on the environment.
This debate has two very strong sides that contain both positive and negative impacts on the consumer and the environment. The material and fiber choice is the first stepping stone in the production of apparel products and could possibly be the most important choice a designer will make.
You did a good job explaining the materials we were assigned to read--I felt that even if I hadn't read the chapter I would understand what you are talking about. I really liked that the topic you chose to focus on was the diversity of fibers. I definitely think that the diversity of fibers is a great solution to elongate the lifespan of all fibers and materials. Since you were researching this, did you come across any additional examples of fibers that can be used as a replacement or in addition to current fibers to make the garment more sustainable? And I know that there are pros and cons to using both natural and synthetic fibers, have you found any negatives to using diverse fibers?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Caroline. I like that you compared both of these and how you worded it. I too would like to know if you found anything negative about using diverse fibers? I also think that apparel manufacturers and designers should use more diverse material and we should buy different materials as consumers.
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