Sustainable vs. Traditional Garment Manufacturing (Linen Edition!)

Ever wondered where those favourite outfits of yours are made? It is an unexpectedly interesting process: from a small seed to a warm shirt or a comfortable dress. But it seems, the process can take a toll on our planet significantly. It is here that sustainable garment manufacturing is helpful and provides an opportunity to produce apparel that is better not just for our body, but for our planet as well. 

Let's dive in and see how it compares to the traditional way of making clothes, with a special focus on the wonder fabric: linen! Asking why? Well because at Linen Trail, we just can’t stop talking about this beautiful fabric!!

Traditional garment manufacturing - clothes with a BIGGER footprint

Let us picture a very big factory with its machines running round the clock and the employees sweating it out. That is quite common in the conventional fashion garment production industry. Here’s a glimpse of what happens inside a factory during traditional clothing manufacturing:

1. Raw materials: Some of the raw materials that are used to make traditional clothing include cotton, polyester, synthetic materials, etc. Production of such materials, cotton for instance, requires huge amounts of water and the use of pesticides.
   
2. Dyeing: The raw materials are dyed into all those cool colours that we fall in love with. However, the majority of dyes contain chemicals that can contaminate water resources.
   
3. Weaving or knitting: Threads are woven or knitted into fabric, which is used to make the clothes we wear. This process uses a lot of energy to power the machines.
   
4. Cutting and sewing: In the garment industry, the fabric is first produced in the form of bits and pieces which are then sewn together to create outfits. Such sewing can result in a lot of fabric scraps left over, which is a total waste!
   
5. Shipping: The finished clothes are transported by various means such as trucks, ships or planes to the various parts of the globe. This consumes fuel and emits polluting gases into the atmosphere.
   

While traditional manufacturing gets the job done, it can be quite resource-intensive. It can use a lot of water, energy, and chemicals, and create waste.

 Traditional garment manufacturing – weaving treads of sustainability

Eco friendly garment manufacturing can be defined as the manner by which clothes are produced without having adverse effects on the environment. Here's how it's different:

1. Eco-friendly materials: Organic cotton, recycled polyester, and the hero of all fabrics – linen, are some of the sustainable and eco-friendly materials that can be used. Linen is extracted from the flax plant; it has a lower water requirement than cotton and is naturally more robust.
   
2. Safe dyes: One of the most important things about sustainable textile brands is the fact that they use natural dyes, or the less toxic ones. Some manufacturers also use less water during the process of dyeing the fabrics.
   
3. Reduced waste: Sustainable brands make efforts to reduce waste taking place during the supply chain. They make sure every last inch of usable material is used, or even take the remnants of cloth from previous creations and transform them into new products.
   
4. Energy efficiency: Some sustainable factories use renewable energy sources like solar power to reduce their environmental impact.
5. Ethical practices: One main attribute of sustainable brands is the ethical treatment of the workers and their wages as well as safety at the workplace. Moreover, many sustainable brands tie up with local artisans and workers to produce their garments.
   

Sustainable and traditional garment manufacturing difference: a quick comparison

Here's a quick side-by-side comparison to see the difference between linen and traditional cotton:

 

Aspect	Traditional Manufacturing:	Sustainable Manufacturing:
Environmental impact	Often uses synthetic materials that are resource-intensive to produce. Depends majorly on chemicals for dyeing and finishing. Consumes a lot of water and energy. Generates significant waste and pollution.	Uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, or sustainable linen. Employs natural or low-impact dyes. Focuses on energy and water efficiency. Aims to reduce waste through recycling and repurposing.
Worker welfare	Can involve unsafe working conditions. Often employs low-wage labour in developing countries. May lack transparency in practices.	Prioritizes fair labour practices and safe working conditions. Ensures workers are paid fairly. Promotes transparency in the entire process.
Product quality and longevity	Products may be lower in quality due to cost-cutting measures. Clothes may not last as long, leading to more frequent replacements.	Focuses on high-quality materials and construction. Produces durable garments that last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

 

Linen: nature's wonder fabric

Let's talk about linen outfits, by the linen champion Linen Trail! Whether you are donning a sleek linen shirt for men, or a gorgeous linen top for women, this fabric never stops surprising you! This natural fabric is a champion in the world of sustainable clothing. Here's why it's a superstar:

• Needs less water: Flax plants, the source of linen, need much less water than cotton plants. This is a huge plus in a world facing water scarcity.
• Durable and long-lasting: Linen is a strong fabric that gets softer and more comfortable with every wash. This means your clothes will last longer, so you don't have to buy new ones as often.
• Sustainable and biodegradable: When you're finally done with your linen clothes, they'll decompose naturally in the environment. No harmful micro-plastics here!

Sustainable fashion: making a difference, one garment at a time!

Sustainable clothing might seem a bit more expensive sometimes, but here's the thing: it's an investment in your health and the planet's health. You're getting a well-made, eco-friendly garment that will last longer and make you feel good inside and out!

Here are some things you can do to support sustainable fashion:

• Buy less, choose well: Whenever it comes to fabrics, always focus on quality over quantity. Invest in classic pieces you'll love for years to come.
• Shop from sustainable brands: Do some research! Look for brands that use eco-friendly materials and ethical practices.
• Take care of your clothes: Wash them properly and mend any small tears. This will help your clothes last longer.
• Embrace second-hand: Check out thrift stores and vintage shops for unique finds.

Let’s change the way we see the fashion industry, and pick eco-chic pieces that are not just pretty, but pretty good!!