In the modern era, when awareness of environmental protection is increasing, the issue of fabric decomposition life cycle has become extremely important and of concern. With the continued growth of the fashion industry and the increase in clothing production and consumption, it is invaluable to understand how post-use textiles can impact the environment.
Current status of the fashion and textile industry
The fashion and textile industry is facing many challenges and opportunities in today’s era. In the context of global economic growth and the development of e-commerce channels, consumer demand for clothing and fashion products is increasing. However, this also means an increase in resource consumption and negative impact on the environment.
The fashion industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Competition between brands and manufacturers accelerates production processes, promoting the search for cheap raw materials and more efficient production processes. In addition, textile production requires large use of energy, water and chemicals, creating problems of resource consumption and environmental pollution, and the increase in clothing production and consumption leads to The amount of waste from used clothes is increasing.
Decomposition process of fabrics
The decomposition life cycle of textiles is the process from the time the fabric is produced until it is processed or decomposed after its expiration date. This process includes stages such as production, use and final disposal of the product.
Production stage: Fabric production often requires large amounts of water and energy, along with the use of chemicals and natural raw materials such as cotton, wool, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from plastic bottles. These processes pollute the air, water and soil, and produce large amounts of greenhouse gases.
Use phase: During use, washing and caring for clothes also increases water and energy consumption, as well as causing water pollution due to the removal of chemicals from laundry products. Additionally, if the fabric is made from plastic materials, such as polyester, washing can create microplastics, which negatively affect the aquatic environment.
Decomposition stage: Once clothes or fabrics reach their end of life, the way they are disposed of also causes environmental problems. For natural fabrics, the decomposition process can be slow and produce methane gas, one of the most powerful greenhouse gases. Meanwhile, synthetic fabrics like polyester can take hundreds of years to completely decompose.
The process of fabric decomposition affects the environment
The process of decomposing textiles has a significant impact on the environment in several ways:
CO2 and methane emissions: During natural decomposition or combustion, fabrics emit CO2 gas, one of the main greenhouse gases. In addition, in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, the decomposition process can also produce methane, a more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2.
Water pollution: If fabrics are decomposed in an aquatic environment, the water can be contaminated with organic substances and chemicals from the fabrics. This can affect organisms living in aquatic environments and cause a decline in biodiversity.
Generates toxins and pollutants: During the decomposition process, fabrics can create toxic substances such as dioxins and furans, causing environmental pollution. In particular, when fabrics contain chemicals or additives, the decomposition process can create dangerous chemical pollutants.
Effects on soil: The process of decomposing textiles can affect soil quality through the release of organic matter and chemicals, reducing soil fertility and affecting plant growth.
Long-term impact: Some synthetic fabrics like polyester can take hundreds of years to completely decompose. Generating large amounts of waste from non-degradable textiles can cause long-term environmental problems and increase the risk of environmental pollution.
The process of decomposing textiles has a negative impact on the environment through greenhouse gas emissions, water and soil pollution, creation of toxins and pollutants, as well as long-term effects on ecosystems and organisms. living. To minimize this impact, the application of appropriate treatment and recycling methods is essential.
In the current situation, the fashion and textile manufacturing industry is facing many challenges while also bringing with it opportunities to transform and develop in a more sustainable direction. A focus on promoting sustainability and recycling will give wings to a fashion industry that thrives in harmony with the environment and society.