Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 5 Satisfying the Fashion Market 93
Having ethical standards also makes the business more successful—with a
more profitable bottom line! fi
Environmental Sustainability
Fashion fi rms have also become very concerned about preserving and improv-
ing the environment. Sustainability refers to not harming the environment or
depleting natural resources. Companies try to be ecofriendly, with responsible
processes and minimum waste of resources. Some buildings have rooftop gar-
dens and/or solar panels. Companies are using less packaging and reducing
transportation emissions. Consumers like to buy products from green compa-
nies that are sensitive to environmental issues.
Since textile and apparel production processes have contributed to pollu-
tion in the past, strict policies have been implemented related to environmen-
tal issues. Employee green committees often lead local efforts on recycling,
waste minimization, planting trees, etc. Firms are using eco-dyes and fin-
ishes that replace old methods. Consumer concern for the environment often
affects the products they buy.
Internet catalogs replace the use of paper by many retail firms. Some mail-
order retailers plant trees to replenish what they use to produce their catalogs.
In textile production, Lyocell is a newer biodegradable, environmentally
friendly fi ber manufactured from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees. Its
manufacturer, Lenzing Fibers Inc., recycles all the organic solvents it uses in
its production process.
Cotton is grown organically and in various colors to avoid the use of
bleaches, dyes, and solvents in its fi nishing, Figure 5.15. Recycled textiles are
used in many ways, from diapers to mops to plastic wood to home insulation.
Some manufacturers recycle plastic bottles into a fi ber used in high-quality
gkuna/Shutterstock.com
Figure 5.15 An emphasis to preserve the environment is providing better processes
in all parts of the textile/apparel pipeline.
Having ethical standards also makes the business more successful—with a
more profitable bottom line! fi
Environmental Sustainability
Fashion fi rms have also become very concerned about preserving and improv-
ing the environment. Sustainability refers to not harming the environment or
depleting natural resources. Companies try to be ecofriendly, with responsible
processes and minimum waste of resources. Some buildings have rooftop gar-
dens and/or solar panels. Companies are using less packaging and reducing
transportation emissions. Consumers like to buy products from green compa-
nies that are sensitive to environmental issues.
Since textile and apparel production processes have contributed to pollu-
tion in the past, strict policies have been implemented related to environmen-
tal issues. Employee green committees often lead local efforts on recycling,
waste minimization, planting trees, etc. Firms are using eco-dyes and fin-
ishes that replace old methods. Consumer concern for the environment often
affects the products they buy.
Internet catalogs replace the use of paper by many retail firms. Some mail-
order retailers plant trees to replenish what they use to produce their catalogs.
In textile production, Lyocell is a newer biodegradable, environmentally
friendly fi ber manufactured from sustainably harvested eucalyptus trees. Its
manufacturer, Lenzing Fibers Inc., recycles all the organic solvents it uses in
its production process.
Cotton is grown organically and in various colors to avoid the use of
bleaches, dyes, and solvents in its fi nishing, Figure 5.15. Recycled textiles are
used in many ways, from diapers to mops to plastic wood to home insulation.
Some manufacturers recycle plastic bottles into a fi ber used in high-quality
gkuna/Shutterstock.com
Figure 5.15 An emphasis to preserve the environment is providing better processes
in all parts of the textile/apparel pipeline.