The clean tech & climate tech edition for sustainable fashion
The application of clean tech and climate tech specifically is still a developing field, but it has the potential to revolutionise any industry (specifically fashion) to make it more sustainable
The LOCSTALK Newsletter has led me to have many invigorating conversations with a variety of industry stakeholders and I can feel the transformation in the fashion industry palpably. Most of them are already veterans in their own fields of practice but want to know more about the work I do and how I can help them as an IP, Tech and Sustainability attorney. This continuity in conversation from the newsletter is remarkable because it symbolises the fact that the industry, that has been notorious for its environmental impact for years, is willing to transform into a better version of itself for the future. Consumers are demanding more sustainable practices, and innovative companies are rising to the challenge by merging fashion with clean and climate technology. But before we delve into this exciting intersection and talk about my conversations with these entrepreneurs and their prolific journeys, I thought it best to clear the air (quite literally) between two often-used terms: clean tech and climate tech.
Clean Tech vs. Climate Tech : Different shades of green
Think of clean tech as a broad commitment to environmental health, while climate tech is a targeted mission to combat a specific threat – climate change.
To put it clearly :
Clean tech is a broad umbrella encompassing technologies that minimise environmental damage. This includes renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, energy-efficient appliances, water purification systems, and even electric vehicles. Clean tech's focus is on reducing our overall impact on the environment.
Climate tech takes a laser focus on tackling climate change. Its primary objective is to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), the main culprit behind global warming. Technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), direct air capture (DAC), and advanced biofuels all fall under the climate tech umbrella.
Fashion's environmental footprint
The UN Environment Program reports that The fashion industry is valued at around $2.4 trillion and employs over 75 million people worldwide. It loses about $500 billion of value every year due to the lack of recycling and clothes that are thrown into landfill before ever being sold. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry accounts for about 8-10% of global carbon emissions, and nearly 20% of wastewater. And while the environmental impact of flying is now well known, fashion sucks up more energy than both aviation and shipping combined. Part of these emissions come from pumping water to irrigate crops like cotton, oil-based pesticides, machinery for harvesting, and emissions from transport. The industry is responsible for 24 percent of insecticides and 11 percent of pesticides.
In addition to its carbon intensive supply chain and production processes, the fashion industry consumes a great deal of other precious resources. To make just one pair of denim jeans, 10,000 litres of water is required to just grow the one kilo of cotton needed for the pair of jeans. In comparison, one person would take 10 years to drink 10,000 litres of water.
The environmental cost of clothing is staggering. Established.
Let’s consider these factors :
Textile production is a major polluter, releasing harmful chemicals into waterways and requiring vast amounts of water and energy. With 110 million tons of fabric manufactured yearly mostly from oil-based synthetic fibres, we're consuming massive amounts of resources like petroleum energy and contributing to carbon release, polluting waterways with micro-plastics and more.
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, derived from fossil fuels, contribute to micro-plastic pollution and don't biodegrade easily.
Fast fashion encourages a throwaway culture, leading to mountains of textile waste ending up in landfills.
Clean tech solutions for a fashion revolution
On the up side, clean tech innovations are offering pathways to a more sustainable fashion future. Here are some examples that we are going to talk about in depth in the upcoming editions of the newsletter:
-Sustainable materials: Companies are developing eco-friendly alternatives to conventional fabrics. Mycelium (fungus root network) leather, organic cotton grown with regenerative practices, and recycled polyester from plastic waste are gaining traction.
-Biomimicry: Nature is a master innovator. Biomimicry uses natural processes to inspire new technologies. Imagine water-repellent clothing inspired by lotus leaves or self-cleaning textiles that mimic dust-repelling spider silk.
-Circular economy: This model prioritises keeping resources in use for as long as possible. Clean tech is enabling closed-loop recycling for textiles, where old clothes are broken down and turned back into new fibres.
-Digital design and production: 3D printing allows for on-demand production, reducing waste from overproduction. Additionally, digital fabric printing can significantly reduce water usage compared to traditional methods.
Climate tech solutions for a carbon neutral future
Climate tech is also playing a crucial role in decarbonising the fashion industry. While the market is estimated to be worth $3 trillion worldwide, some of its practices are blatantly unsustainable—particularly those rooted in petroleum-based fibres used for apparel production. These fabrics release 2.1 gigatons (Gt) of greenhouse gases annually into our atmosphere, contributing to increased carbon emissions, plastic pollution and toxic chemical issues.
Here's how :
Renewable energy : Powering textile mills and garment factories with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power significantly reduces the industry's carbon footprint.
Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) : CCUS refers to a suite of technologies that enable the mitigation of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from large point sources such as power plants, refineries and other industrial facilities, or the removal of existing CO2 from the atmosphere. This technology comfortably converts them into usable materials for new clothing or other products.
Sustainable dyes and finishes : Traditional dyes can be highly polluting. Climate tech companies are developing eco-friendly alternatives derived from natural sources or through bioengineering. Bioengineered plant materials can create new fabrics and dyes that offer the same protection and comfort without the typical high carbon footprint. Virtually every industry can benefit from bioengineered materials in some way.
Collaboration is key
We cannot stress the fact enough that fashion industry's shift towards sustainability requires *massive collaboration* across the board between various stakeholders. I would go to the extent to say that collaboration must not be restricted just to the industry and must be forged with other industries and external stakeholders as well. No industry can exist in a silo and it’s vital that we collaborate in new innovative ways to craft more creative solutions to carve a better future. Some tangible ways in which different stakeholders can contribute are:
-Brands: Embracing clean and climate tech solutions, adopting transparent manufacturing practices, and using recycled materials are all crucial steps.
-Consumers: Making informed choices by purchasing from sustainable brands, opting for quality over quantity, and extending garment life through proper care are vital contributions.
-Investors: Supporting clean and climate tech startups and encouraging investments in sustainable fashion will be key to driving innovation.
-Policymakers: Implementing regulations that incentivises sustainable practices and discourage environmental pollution are essential for systemic change.
The intersection of fashion, clean tech, and climate tech offers a glimpse of a future where style goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. While challenges remain, the growing awareness and commitment to environmental responsibility are paving the way for a more ethical and eco-friendly fashion industry. By fostering collaboration and embracing innovation, we can create a future where fashion is not just about trends, but about creating a positive impact on our planet.
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This is just the beginning of the conversation, to set the stage for all. What are your thoughts on the future of sustainable fashion? Share your ideas in the comments below!