Clothing companies can reduce environmental impact with new handbook

‘Water, energy and chemicals’ is considered as of one the prioritized theme’s by the companies within the Dutch Agreement on Sustainable Garments and Textile (AGT). The goal of the agreement is to make the textile industry more sustainable. To reduce the impact on the environment, companies need to improve their wet processes. Companies find it hard to identify the first steps on this subject. “Next to social dilemma’s, the use of water, energy and chemicals in the textile supply chain entails big risks for workers and the environment. Often companies lack knowledge due to the technical aspects of this subject,” says Tamar Hoek, Senior Policy Advisor Sustainable Fashion at Solidaridad. “This guidebook provides companies with knowledge on these topics. It shows good and bad practices and provides solutions, for example how to reduce water usage, and suggests alternatives for the usage of harmful chemicals, so companies can make an impact in their supply chain.” The guidebook is developed within the AGT and is freely available.

Practical

This guidebook explains the impact of the different wet processes on the environment and guides companies to more sustainable alternatives. The guidebook contains extensive explanations, (photo) examples, video’s, questionnaire, contact details of experts and practical tools for companies to train suppliers to start improvement programs. René Mulder, CSR Manager at The Sting Companies, was involved as an AGT company by the realisation of the guidebook: “The guidebook on water, energy and chemicals is an important addition on existing public information. It is a valuable tool for companies starting with this complex subject, but also for companies who want to gain more in depth knowledge and want to take steps to create impact.” The guidebook was made possible by a contribution from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).