Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam have joined hands to reduce chemical waste in textile chain. Clothing is a primary need for human survival. Yet, its production is still mostly harmful to our planet. Clothing production is massive & most likely bigger than it needs to be with used and unused items ending up in landfills. In 2019, it was responsible for 8% of global emissions.
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Vietnam command around 15 percent of global clothing exports, employing workforce exceeding 10 million. In the second week of this month they launched a joint program to reduce and manage hazardous chemicals in their textile sectors.
The textile industry is one of the world’s major users of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don’t break down; they accumulate in the environment and threaten the health of humans and ecosystems alike. Though use of POPs is banned in most countries, PFAS are used across the textile value chains.
Expressing concern on chemical pollution, a UNEP official said that textile sector is a major user of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ which pollute local and global ecosystems. A top bureaucrat in Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change observed that textile processing is an environmental hotspot. The water pollution caused by it damages the ecosystem, human and animal health.
Wet processing is a stage to turn materials into fabrics through bleaching, printing, dyeing, finishing, and laundering. For every 1kg of fabric produced, a wet processing factory typically uses 0.58 kg of chemicals. These substances then leak into the environment during the textile’s entire lifecycle.
The initiative by four nations that is expected to cost $43 million is funded by Global Environmental Facility. Other agencies working for a clean environment are supporting the initiative. A representative of Pakistan’s leading textile manufacturer Interloop Limited, said the processing mills lack awareness, knowledge, and expertise in managing chemical waste. Moreover, they are often wary about the financial cost and product quality in case they change to better chemicals.
The program will align textile industry public policy with international best practices. The four nations seek to phase out PFAS and other chemicals of concern. The program will focus on supply chain transparency, Investment in chemical management and eco-innovation, and occupational health and safety.
