Eco news increases

This month we’re talking specifically about issues of sustainability. In fact, we talk about this all the time, posting stories most often under our “Eco Note” tab. When I was putting together our newsletter, I was struck by the fact that I could easily post all “Eco Note” stories this time—relevant, timely and varied, but all connected to the topic of sustainability in some way.

This, in and of itself, is telling, I think. More companies are making serious efforts to follow eco-friendly practices and provide the same in their products. This is not a few fringe companies, a couple of global powerhouse brands or a handful of smaller enterprises. These efforts are widespread and represent a cross-section from small companies to multinational corporations.

How, exactly, to go about becoming and maintaining a sustainable operation is at the crux of a lively discussion, but having that discussion at all—with a growing number of participants—is a clear sign of stronger interest and support.

The OEKO-TEX® Association recently released a consumer survey, “The Key to Confidence: Consumers and Textile Sustainability—Attitudes, Changing Behaviors, and Outlooks.” The study explored an assortment of consumer attitudes about textile sustainability including harmful substances, the industry’s environmental impact and the social welfare of textile workers. What they learned is that climate change is in the top three worries keeping consumers up at night, right behind “terrorism,” and “illness and disease.” This is a dramatic change from just a decade ago, according to OEK0-TEX.

In our feature, “The larger sustainability picture,” Marie O’Mahony points out how a single market demand can have a far-reaching impact: for example, lighter weight cars that improve fuel efficiency. Textiles have been central to this effort, with sustainably produced textiles more desirable in the market, particularly in Europe.

Most of the other stories newly posted on this site have a connection to the larger sustainability picture in some way. I encourage you to take note of what the industry is doing – often with little fanfare – to push for a more environmentally safe future, and I look forward to telling your sustainability story, too.

Janet Preus is senior editor of Advanced Textiles Source. Contact her at jlpreus@ifai.com.