The global textile industry is a crucial factor in ecological and social transformation. Clothing billions of people requires huge amounts of raw materials, energy, water and chemicals – around 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to the textile industry. More than 60 million people work in the textile value chains. Their work and income opportunities have a significant impact on global social and economic development. Complex supply chains make control and change difficult: Up to 140 companies are involved in the production of a simple men’s shirt, from cotton farmers to weaving mills and sewing factories to button manufacturers and transporters.

Just a few of the starting points for transformation: good working conditions with fair wages, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient production without problematic chemicals and the fulfillment of eco-design requirements in as many product groups as possible. Also: Better durability, reusability, repairability, fiber-to-fiber recyclability and a higher proportion of organically grown or recycled fibers. The industry’s pioneers are inspiring the development of alternative, bio-based materials and the switch to a textile circular economy.

More direct collaborations and shorter supply chains have a social impact because less money ends up in intermediate stages and more goes to the workers. New small labels are taking on fast fashion: They design themselves, produce close to the market in Europe and consistently focus on sustainability and longevity with high-quality products. They use animal-free, circular materials, produce fairly and sell in their own stores and online. Innovative processes such as plant-based leather replacement materials or 3D printing of shoes raise further sustainability potential in production.

The industry includes, for example, the production of textiles, leather and leather substitute products, shoes and accessories. Functional clothing and tech wear are classified in the “sports goods” industry.