The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, contributing to environmental degradation through unsustainable practices. One of the most significant contributors to this pollution is garment finishing, which involves treating and finishing garments using harsh chemicals, large amounts of water, and high energy consumption.
However, sustainable garment finishing services aim to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact by adopting eco-friendly practices. In this blog, we will explore the impact of sustainable garment finishing services on the environment, including reducing chemical and water usage, decreasing energy consumption, and improving social sustainability.
What is Sustainable Garment Finishing?
Sustainable garment finishing is treating and finishing garments using environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. Traditional garment finishing methods often involve harsh chemicals, large amounts of water, and high energy consumption, contributing to environmental degradation. Sustainable garment finishing aims to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact by adopting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Sustainable garment finishing includes a range of methods, such as laser finishing, ozone treatments, and natural and eco-friendly products, such as enzymes. Laser finishing is a non-contact, non-destructive finishing method that uses a beam of light to alter the surface of a fabric.
Ozone treatments use ozone gas to bleach and brighten garments, reducing the need for harsh chemicals such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide. Enzymes are biodegradable, non-toxic, and renewable and are used in the process of enzymatic washing to produce a soft and vintage-like look for denim.
The fashion industry can reduce environmental impact by adopting sustainable garment finishing methods while producing high-quality garments.
The Impact of Sustainable Garment Finishing Services on the Environment
Reduction in Water Usage
Sustainable garment finishing services use significantly less water than traditional finishing methods. Conventional textile finishing involves multiple stages of wet processing, which requires large amounts of water and is often contaminated with chemicals and dyes. Sustainable garment streaming services, such as laser finishing and ozone treatments, require minimal water, resulting in significant water savings.
For example, laser finishing is a non-contact, non-destructive finishing method that uses a beam of light to alter the surface of a fabric. This method eliminates the need for water, reducing the finishing process’s environmental impact. In addition, sustainable garment finishing services that use water have incorporated closed-loop systems, which help to recycle and reuse water, further reducing water usage.
Reduced Chemical Usage
Traditional garment finishing methods often involve using hazardous chemicals that harm the environment and human health. Sustainable garment finishing services use natural and eco-friendly products that are safer for the environment and workers in the fashion industry. For example, enzymes, which are biodegradable, non-toxic, and renewable, are used in the process of enzymatic washing to produce a soft and vintage-like look for denim.
The use of enzymes reduces the need for harsh chemicals, which results in a reduction of chemical waste and less toxic pollution. Similarly, ozone finishing is another sustainable service that uses ozone gas to bleach and brighten garments, reducing the need for harsh chemicals such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Garment finishing services in Australia require less energy than traditional finishing methods. It is due to the adoption of new technologies, such as laser finishing and ozone treatments, which require minimal energy. For example, laser finishing uses minimal energy, as it is a non-contact and non-destructive finishing method that requires only a small amount of electricity to power the laser.
In addition, ozone treatments require less energy than conventional bleaching methods, as ozone is produced using electricity instead of chemicals. By reducing energy consumption, sustainable garment finishing services decrease the carbon footprint of the finishing process, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved Durability of Garments
Sustainable garment finishing services enhance garments’ durability, reducing consumers’ need to purchase new clothes frequently. In turn, it reduces the amount of textile waste in landfills. Sustainable garment finishing services, such as enzyme washes and laser finishes, produce a soft and vintage-like look on denim, which improves its durability.
In addition, ozone treatments bleach and brighten garments, giving them a new look without causing damage to the fabric. The improved durability of garments helps reduce the demand for new clothes, reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact.
Better Working Conditions
Sustainable garment finishing services use natural and eco-friendly products that are safer for workers in the fashion industry. Traditional garment finishing methods often involve using harmful chemicals that can harm workers’ health. Sustainable garment finishing services use natural and eco-friendly products, such as enzymes and ozone gas, which are safer for workers as they do not expose them to toxic chemicals. In addition, using new technologies reduces the need for manual labour, reducing the risk of injury to workers.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Sustainable garment finishing services also help reduce the fashion industry’s carbon footprint. The production of textiles and clothing is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional finishing methods that use large amounts of water and chemicals contribute to the industry’s carbon footprint.
Sustainable garment finishing methods, such as laser finishing and ozone treatments, require less energy and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional methods. Reducing carbon emissions benefits the environment and helps mitigate climate change’s impact.
Reduced Water Pollution
Traditional garment finishing methods often discharge polluted water into water bodies, harming aquatic life and the environment. Sustainable garment finishing services use less water and incorporate closed-loop systems to recycle and reuse water, reducing the amount of polluted water discharged into the environment. It helps to preserve water resources and reduce water pollution, thereby contributing to the sustainable use of water.
Conclusion
Sustainable garment finishing services have a positive impact on the environment. They reduce water usage, chemical usage, energy consumption, and textile waste while improving the durability of garments and creating better working conditions for workers. Fashion brands can reduce the industry’s environmental impact by choosing sustainable garment finishing services from reputed companies like Efficient Services Group. Contact their expert for bespoke service packages today!