Ethical Fabrics And Why We Need To Use Them

A short video on what to expect in this month's Masterclass, including a roundup of the issues that conventional textiles cause.

Did you know that an estimated 20,000 litres of water are required to produce just 1kg of cotton fabric – that’s enough for just one t-shirt and a pair of jeans? Or that an estimated 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used worldwide to turn raw materials into textiles, many of which will be released into freshwater sources? Staggering! 

In this video, we take a look at the jaw-dropping effects that irresponsible fashion production has on our planet. Once you have the knowledge, you can empower yourself to make more informed decisions on the best textiles to choose for your products.

In this video, you'll learn about the social cost of textile production; from raw material to end product, how does it affect the people who produce it? Social impact also encompasses animal welfare. So the animals that create or contribute to the raw materials, how have they been treated? In the second half of the video, we take a look at how fabrics can affect your health and your customers' health as the wearer too. We'll discuss some of the nasty chemicals to avoid. We'll also take a look at some the companies and organisations doing amazing things (full list below).

Now you're aware of the environmental and social impacts of textile manufacture, it’s time to choose your fabrics - but where to start?

Did you know, extending the life-cycle of a garment by nine months, can reduce their carbon, waste and water footprint by 5-10%? Here, we share our tips for extending the life cycle of your products, both at the manufacturing level, and tips to share with customer to help at the consumer level.

Understanding the chemicals used in clothing manufacturing and in the production of textiles is central in the debate around sustainable fashion. In this downloadable, we list the toxins to watch out for in your production. 

Don't forget to watch the amazing live webinar with Chemsec, for advice on how to approach your producers to ask them for the list of chemicals they're using to manufacture your products.

I'm so delighted to present The Big Eco Fabric Supplier List! This ethical textile matrix contains my personal research spanning over a decade. I'm sharing this research because I am totally committed to helping members source all the ethical fabrics they require. Please read and respect the terms of use before contacting these producers. 

We were joined by Raaja Rajan, Chief of Operations for Natural Dye House, to learn more about the environmental and social impacts of using chemical dyes for textiles and fashion as opposed to natural, plant-based dyes. In an honest and eye-opening interview, Raaja explains how designers, brands, and consumers can all contribute to a less-polluting and more socially engaged fashion industry in India.