Green Textiles, which is also called sustainable textiles, are textiles (or fabrics) that are produced in an eco-friendly way, using minimal chemicals. Because chemicals are not used in producing them, they pose fewer health problems – headaches, allergies, skin irritation, respiratory complications, etc. – that are associated with chemicals. For a textile to be sustainable, it has to be made from renewable resources; it has to have a good ecological footprint (how much land it takes to bring it to full growth and support it); and, it should not use any (or use little) chemicals in the growing and processing of it. The definition of ‘Sustainability’ recommended by the World Commission on Environment and Development is: ‘Meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their needs and desires’. (World Commission on Environment and Development)

Lately, sustainability is a major issue in creating textile fashion products. Textile fashion companies are focusing more on sustainable products these days in order to meet the environmental and social aspects. For getting a competitive advantage in the fashion business, the companies must take social, political and economic issues into consideration, and they must be aware of the market trend. Sustainable fibres provide a solution for the companies facing issues regarding environmental problems. A change in textile products as well as of most general products of such nature is cited with two pictures and development of such product materials comes into existence with customers. Some key points related to the same are:

  • Consumers are becoming more conscious with respect to green activities, non-toxic and environmentally friendly consumer goods.
  • They prefer products which pose no threat either to themselves or the environment. As textile engineers, the challenge is to ensure that harmful chemicals are eliminated from products and comply with chemical restrictions around the world.
  • By examining each stage of the supply chain, you can implement essential quality measures to safeguard your business and customers.
  • In addition to the business aspects, for the ecological balance and to hand over a green world to the future generation, the textile research institutes, nowadays, are focusing on recycling natural wastes into useful textile products.

Figure 1: Natural abundant Jute materials into Bags

Figure 2: Natural abundant Coir root ball nets as sapling bags