The textile industry, a cornerstone of global manufacturing, has been linked to various environmental challenges like water & air pollution, soil degradation, etc. As by-products of the widespread use of synthetic textile chemicals in production processes, these problems have taken root in our ecology.
In this blog, we will examine four key environmental issues caused by textile chemicals and discuss potential solutions that reduce their negative impact while driving innovation and sustainable growth within textile manufacturing.
1. Water Pollution from Textile Chemicals
Water pollution caused by fabric finishers is a major environmental challenge, significantly impacting ecosystems and communities worldwide. During manufacturing, large quantities of toxic dyes, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals are often released into water bodies, can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and pose serious health risks to communities relying on these water sources.
Some remedies are like:
- Wastewater treatment technologies (membrane filtration, biological Treatment)
- Wetland Treatment (artificial wetland construction)
- Advanced Oxidation Processes, Ozone treatment & UV Treatment (toxin decomposition)
2. Toxic Waste & Landfill Overflow
The fast-paced production of textiles generates toxic waste, including chemical residues and non-biodegradable materials. These wastes often end up in landfills, taking decades to decompose, releasing harmful substances into the soil and groundwater. The sheer volume of discarded textiles exacerbates landfill overflow, contributing to environmental degradation and the loss of usable land.
Below are a few ways to combat this:
- Closed Loop Systems & Zero Waste Designs (recycling & upcycling textile waste)
- Bio & Phytoremediation (using plants/enzymes to decompose toxins)
- Thermal Treatment (incineration/pyrolysis)
3. Air Pollution from VOCs
The release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during key processes such as dyeing, printing, and finishing mix in the atmosphere. Chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene, commonly found in these emissions, can lead to smog formation and pose significant risks to human health, including respiratory ailments. Such emissions impact AQI as they release greenhouse gases.
Practices to minimise these issues are:
- HEPA filters, Activated Carbon Filters to absorb VOCs
- Utilising Ozone Generators, Photocatalytic Oxidation techniques for effective VOC breakdown
- Adoption of Green Building Standards
4. Microplastic Pollution from Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres like polyester, nylon and acrylic shed tiny particles when washed, which often escape through wastewater systems and end up in oceans, rivers and soil. These microplastics harm marine life, as they are ingested by animals, leading to potential toxicity and disruptions in the food chain.
A few risk-minimising techniques are:
- Using natural fibres or biodegradable synthetic fibres
- Installing Fibre Filtering Systems
- Implementing Nanofiltration technologies (removing plastics from wastewater)
Reimagining the Textile Scenario: Fineotex Chemical Limited’s Commitment to Eco-Friendly Textile Chemicals
We are taking small steps to transform the global chemical industry’s trends into more congenial, dermatologically safe, eco-conscious practices. At Fineotex, our chemical solutions align with sustainable development goals while maintaining performance standards. Our company has shifted the focus on water conservation and elimination of hazardous residues while formulating biodegradable solutions to foster a greener, cleaner textile ecosystem.
Sources:
https://www.cikis.studio/en/article/fabric-dyeing-processes-and-their-impact-on-the-environment
https://www.hhc.earth/knowledge-base/the-environmental-impact-of-the-textile-sector