How can sustainable design help reduce water footprint in the textile industry?

1 Choose organic and recycled materials

One way to save water is to use organic and recycled materials that require less water to produce and process. For example, organic cotton uses 91% less water than conventional cotton, and recycled polyester uses 59% less water than virgin polyester. Sustainable design can also incorporate materials that are naturally dyed, biodegradable, or compostable, reducing the need for harmful chemicals and water treatment.

2 Optimize production processes

Another way to save water is to optimize production processes to use less water and energy, and to reuse and recycle water as much as possible. For example, sustainable design can adopt technologies such as air-dyeing, laser-finishing, digital-printing, or ultrasonic-welding, that eliminate or reduce the use of water and chemicals in fabric treatment. Sustainable design can also implement water management systems that collect, filter, and reuse water in the production cycle, or that treat wastewater before discharge.

3 Promote circular economy

A third way to save water is to promote circular economy, which means designing products that can be reused, repaired, refurbished, or recycled, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. For example, sustainable design can create products that are modular, adaptable, or multifunctional, that can be easily updated or customized, or that can be returned or exchanged for new products. Sustainable design can also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as consumers, retailers, or recyclers, to create closed-loop systems that recover and regenerate materials.

4 Educate consumers and stakeholders

A fourth way to save water is to educate consumers and stakeholders about the water footprint of the textile industry and the benefits of sustainable design. For example, sustainable design can communicate the environmental and social impacts of water consumption and pollution, and the solutions and alternatives that are available. Sustainable design can also encourage consumers and stakeholders to adopt more sustainable behaviors, such as buying less, choosing quality over quantity, washing less, or donating or recycling clothes.

5 Advocate for policy change

A fifth way to save water is to advocate for policy change that supports and incentivizes sustainable design in the textile industry. For example, sustainable design can engage with governments, regulators, NGOs, or industry associations to develop and implement standards, regulations, or certifications that address water issues and promote best practices. Sustainable design can also participate in initiatives, campaigns, or networks that raise awareness and mobilize action for water stewardship and corporate social responsibility.

6 Learn and innovate

A sixth way to save water is to learn and innovate, which means continuously researching, experimenting, and improving sustainable design practices and outcomes. For example, sustainable design can use data, tools, or methods to measure and monitor water footprint, identify gaps and opportunities, and evaluate performance and impact. Sustainable design can also collaborate with other disciplines, sectors, or communities to exchange knowledge, ideas, or resources, and to co-create solutions that address water challenges.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?