We have all heard from various written and online media sources about the negative impact of the textile industry on the environment, as well as incidents in garment factories that have resulted in thousands of deaths. The International Safety Accord
Innovation and Technology in the Textile Industry to Protect the Environment
Companies have become aware of textiles' danger and harmful environmental impact and have begun implementing innovative technological methods to combat the damage they cause. One thing noted is that certain companies, such as Adidas, together with organisations that protect the ocean environment, such as Parley, collaborate to use polluting waste, such as plastic collected from the ocean, in its transformation with the help of technological innovation into consumer products. The most frequently used material in Adidas products is polyester, and by 2024, they want to replace all virgin polyester with recycled polyester in all products. Since 2015, Adidas has collaborated with the environmental group Parley and substituted "Parley Ocean Plastic" for pure polyester. In 2021, they kept introducing Parley Ocean Plastic in significant product categories, including items for clothing, footwear, accessories, and gear. Sustainability
An encouraging aspect is that more and more companies like Dior are changing their technological methods of producing textile materials to reduce environmental damage. Parley and the House of Dior presented a Capsule Collection where quality threads and fabrics created from Parley Ocean Plastic were implemented, transforming them into a collection of wearable luxury clothes. Dior
Furthermore, the Parley organisation has initiated an educational programme involving communities worldwide to clean up plastic waste from coastal and island communities and turn it into raw material. Parley teams, collaborators and volunteers share the same vision for solutions and support the Parley AIR Strategy: Avoid. Intercept. Redesign. Parley
"WITH THE LATEST SCIENCE HIGHLIGHTING THE DIRE URGENCY OF ACTION, WE NEED TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE IN EVERY SECTOR OF SOCIETY TO END THE RAPIDLY UNFOLDING IMPACTS ON BOTH HUMANS AND NATURE AND PROTECT OUR FUTURE ON THIS MAGICAL BLUE PLANET. CREATING THIS FIRST COLLECTION WITH DIOR IS A CALL FOR THE FASHION INDUSTRY TO REVOLUTIONIZE ITS PRODUCTION METHODS."
CYRILL GUTSCH — FOUNDER, PARLEY FOR THE OCEANS
By transforming the harm caused by textiles into an excellent and wearable commercial product and initiating direct anti-pollution programmes with people’s involvement, we can reduce the danger produced by the textile industry in the long term and help create a sustainable and friendly environment.