The Toxic Footprint of Modern Textiles: What Can Companies Do About It?
If there is one human activity that is as old as human civilization itself, it is textile manufacturing. Over time, the methods may have evolved but the practice itself dates back to 5000 BC. America has been one of the major producers of fabrics, especially since the mid-1800s.
For instance – around 60% of the American exports in 1860 included raw cotton. Nearly 2,400 cotton and wool mills were erected within another decade across the country. Even today, the North American textile industry has a value of $99.82 billion. It is expected to become a massive $120.58 billion by 2029.
As the industry has grown to gargantuan proportions, so have concerns regarding its practices. Eyebrows have been raised at the manufacturing practices of this sector, especially in terms of the toxicity of fabrics and fast fashion. In this article, we will discuss the toxic footprint of the textile industry and share tips on how companies can produce safer fabrics.
Types of Dangers Associated With Today’s Textiles
Many consumers complain that contemporary textiles are less durable than their ancient counterparts. Historical fabrics may not have been available in a wide range of colors but they were woven to be tough, durable, and using non-toxic dyes.
The primary dangers associated with today’s fabrics are associated with the dyes and chemicals used during the production process. In general, even the fabrics in themselves can be irritating to the skin and harmful. A classic example would be that of polyester, which is essentially plastic derived from petroleum.
Even natural fibers like cotton and linen often end up toxic due to the addition of the following –
Azo Dyes
The primary type of dye used by the textile industry is the azo dye. It is a synthetic compound containing one or more intramolecular bonds. Many countries like Japan, China, and Vietnam have banned these dyes because they’re considered to be carcinogens.
In the United States, these dyes are still used by the textile industry. As of now, no clear restrictions are in place. Besides skin irritation, azo dyes can lead to cancer, brain damage, and gastrointestinal issues.
PFAS
Another chemical compound commonly found in textiles or fabrics is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS. These chemicals have a strong carbon-fluorine bond that is difficult to destroy.
They are mainly used in stain-resistant garments due to properties like oil and grease repellence. Even cotton garments may use PFAS to make them wrinkle-free. These chemicals are also known as carcinogens.
The firefighting industry also used them to produce Aqueous Film Forming Foam or AFFF. After decades of use, the ill effects began showing as firefighters filed the AFFF lawsuit. Thousands developed cancer of the kidneys, bladder, and testicles.
According to TruLaw, over 7,000 lawsuits are currently awaiting settlements. Even if PFAS exposure through textiles is not too strong, it can still lead to issues like hormonal imbalance, suppressed immune response, etc.
Heavy Metals
Did we just mention azo dyes? Well, there is another thing associated with dyeing agents that makes them dangerous. These are heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, etc.
They are often responsible for the coloration of clothes. Heavy metals may also be used during the fabric printing process. Several health risks are associated with these compounds as well, including organ damage, skin lesions, birth defects, and cancer.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a highly toxic flammable chemical. Besides being a major component of pigments and dyes, this chemical is used to make clothes wrinkle-free.
Not only that but some fabrics can also be made resistant to mildew, stains, and perspiration due to formaldehyde. Such benefits cannot take away from the chemical’s health risks.
It can lead to issues like skin irritation, eyelid spasms, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage. The fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned this chemical in hair relaxers should tell us all we need to know.
Best Practices to Manufacture Safer Textiles
The textile industry is growing at a tremendous pace. In 2023, the worldwide market was valued at $1840.12 billion. Since it is expanding at a rate of 7.43%, the industry is expected to become $3767.92 billion by 2033.
Are customers looking for sustainable options? Yes, as McKinsey & Company’s report shows consumer priorities are shifting. This means textile companies must focus on manufacturing safer textiles. Listed below are some best practices.
Managing Chemical Exposure
The first step is to manage chemical exposure by identifying which harmful chemicals are found. Once identified, the hazardous chemicals must be eliminated.
For instance – one way to manage chemical exposure is to allow natural fibers to thrive. This means avoiding heavy metals or formaldehyde in the wrinkle-resistance process.
This may require regular ironing on the customer’s part but the fabric will be safe. Another way to manage chemical exposure would involve using azo-free dyes.
Conducting Efficient Resource Management
Sourcing materials sustainably is a surefire way to produce safer textiles and reduce waste. This is where the importance of metaheuristics comes in. In mathematical optimization and computer science, metaheuristics refers to strategies that streamline the search process.
So, how would metaheuristics algorithms play out for the textile industry? Companies can manage their resources more efficiently, production processes become optimized, and carbon footprint is reduced.
It is carried out using advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI). This means you can find solutions for a wide range of optimization problems in a single go. It is even being used to optimize industrial ironing conditions for wool and woven cotton.
Utilizing Sustainable Energy Sources
The textiles produced in a unit cannot be called sustainable unless the energy used to produce them is so. Manufacturing facilities can rely on renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal power. Let’s see the ways this will come together –
- Use of solar panels in the production units
- Introducing solar reeling machines for faster yarn production
- Using heat exchangers that will indirectly heat or cool gas and liquids without chemical reactions
- Employing waste-heat recovery techniques
- Treating wash-wastewater
Using Safe Treatments
The next step to manufacturing safer textiles would include using safe treatments, fabrics are usually processed for dyeing and printing before the final product is packaged for sale.
Textile companies should gather all safety information from treatment suppliers. Any treatment must be done only after it has been determined that it is suitable for a particular fabric.
The supplier’s treatment instructions must be closely followed. In case any precautions are necessary based on the treatments used, the same should be duly conveyed to the customer.
In its current state, the textile industry is toxic. It exposes its workers to harmful chemicals. The synthetic fibers used to manufacture most garments release millions of microplastics into the water.
Around 20% of the world’s water pollution is due to textile production. If companies participate in some safe manufacturing practices, such sad statistics can be reversed.
