The challenge of choosing between sustainable materials for textiles
January 16, 2025 – The textile industry has long been known as a significant polluter. According to the European Union, producing a single cotton T-shirt requires 2,700 liters of fresh water. In 2020, the textile sector was the third-largest contributor to water pollution and land use. Approximately 20 procent of global clean water pollution is attributed to the dyes and finishing agents used in textile manufacturing.
The question is: can we make the industry more sustainable, perhaps by utilizing renewable, carbon-based materials? According to TNO, the answer is yes.
However, identifying the best sustainable material is a complex challenge. With countless options available – from bio-based polymers to plastics synthesized from captured CO2 – determining the most sustainable and economically viable choice can be daunting.
That is why TNO has developed an innovative three-step plan that allows brand owners to find an optimal route to sustainable production.