The world views the fashion industry as this vibrant and creative industry, but it carries a heavy secret: it’s a major polluter. Starting from farming to exporting, this linear “take-make-waste” model has polluted the environment for too long. As the revolution and awareness brewed, circular textile manufacturing became a game changer that is changing the perception and narrative in the fashion industry. This shift is much needed for our environment and society in the aspects of design, production, and consumption of textiles. In this article, let’s see what is closed-loop system is, its facts and its impacts on environmental sustainability, textile recycling rate and strategy, technology, policy and regulators that aid in circular transformation. 

What are Closed Loop System

Many assume circular manufacturing and closed-loop systems are the same. Closed-loop system deals with the recycling and reuse of materials and bio-based alternatives in the production system, which is a part of circular manufacturing that is all about strategizing and innovating to achieve sustainability, starting from a resource approach to manufacturing. 

With this closed-loop system, you will get to wear clothing that will stay for years, then resell it, swap it or have it repaired. Simply put, you will buy a high-quality, timeless piece of clothing made from recycled materials. 

Madhusudan Rayons employed its closed-loop system in 1965 with mRec and mfireX yarning solutions.

Facts and Impact of Circular Manufacturing

Here are some mindblowing facts on the effects of the linear textile manufacturing model.

• Through dyeing and treatments, the textile industry has polluted 20% of global water, affecting the aquatic ecosystem and human health.
• Excessive greenhouse emissions like CO2, SO2, and other pollutants lead to a smog-like formation in the air, creating respiratory problems in nearby communities. 
• Textile waste, equal to garbage trucks, ends up in landfills every minute, which sums up to 1.6 million tons of textile waste annually.

After employing a circular manufacturing system, here are the magical and impactful facts that will leave you speechless. 

• It is said that by 2030, circular fashion could save 177 billion cubic meters of water.
• By closed loop system, there is a 50% reduction of virgin material usage in fabric production. 
• By 2025, 2.7 billion tons of solid waste will be diverted from landfills.
• Circular manufacturing has paved the way to unlock $4.8 trillion of annual economic growth.

And any more benefits from using circular manufacturing that is still in its early stages with widespread adoption. As circular practices become more established, their impacts will be immeasurable.

Textile Recycling Rate

The current state of textile recycling is still developing. So globally, only 12% of textiles are recycled, meaning 88% of textile waste is staggered in landfills. However, the numbers are growing as many textile manufacturers in their effort towards sustainability, and Madhusudan Textile is one of them.

• Technological advancements are developed to recycle complex materials like blended fabrics and polyesters.
• Collaborative initiatives like the EU Circular Economy Action Plan encourage textile recycling infrastructure and practices. 

Circularity Strategies

As said, recycling is just one part of the larger system of circular manufacturing. Let’s look into other key approaches.

• Design for longevity: To create high-quality and durable garments to withstand wear and tear. Also, to create timeless designs with withstand the passing trends.
• Reduce, reuse and repair: Through proper care and repair service, extend the lifespan of the clothes.
• Invest in innovations: Investing in the recycling of mechanical and technological advancements to recycle the unrecyclable fabric into valuable resources. 

Technologies Transforming Circular Manufacturing

Innovation is the heart of this circular textile revolution. Let’s see some of the advancements that paved the way.

• Sorting and Separating: There are technologies that identify fabrics accurately and categorize them based on their structure. This makes recycling more efficient and cost-effective.
• Mechanical recycling: Technologies that involve breaking with the material for it to be re-spun into new yarn.
• Chemical recycling: Another advanced method to break down the material to its molecular level, recreating virgin-quality from recylced materials.

With technology, there are endless possibilities for circular textiles to grow and inspire that world. 

Policy and Regulations

Without government regulation and policy, there wouldn’t be circular manufacturing to begin with. 

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes: This holds manufacturers accountable and has to take responsibility for the products they make, from the moment they’re created to when they’re disposed of.
• Financial incentives: Encouraging businesses that implement circular practices by giving tax breaks and subsidies. 
• Public awareness campaigns: Campaign to educate consumers on sustainable clothing and its positive impact on the environment and drive them towards the change. 

Economic Opportunities and Challenges

Let’s look at some of the significant economic opportunities by employing circular practices.

• Recycling sectors have created new job opportunities.
• Less dependent on virgin materials, less production cost.
• New branding image, attracting eco-conscious customers.

No industry is without its ups and downs. Some downsides in circular practices are,

• Requires huge investments for both technologies and infrastructure for circularity.
• Sorting mixed-blend fabrics and removing contamination is a challenge. 
• Not all customers embrace second-hand clothing.

Case Studies of Successful Circular Textile Initiatives

If you think circular textiles is far fetched idea, here are some inspiring initiatives by brands that excel in circular practices.

• Patagonia: The outdoor apparel giant is a pioneer in sustainability practices have introduced a number of programs on the concept of “take-back and repair,” encouraging customers to make their products last longer and even buy used Patagonia gear.
• The Renewal Workshop: This company is all about transforming used clothes into high-quality, on-trend apparel. The source used clothing from various channels, like thrift stores and clothing swaps, and the garments go through innovative remanufacturing processes. 
• North Face: Similar to Patagonia, this company also focuses on repairing and refurbishing its own products.   
• Evrnu: They are pioneering in revolutionary chemical recycling process. 

With evolving technology and reforms, circular textile manufacturing is promising. By reimagining our design, production and consumption, circularity holds the key to a sustainable and equitable future of the textile industry. Madhusudan Textile is on this revolutionary path of sustainability by incorporating circularity, creating a win-win situation for the environment, economy and our wardrobes.

To build a sustainable future for both people and the planet, join hands with Madhusudan Textile now!