With the concept of sustainable development deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, environmental protection has been in full swing in the textile industry in recent years, reducing sewage emissions, eliminating backward models, Reducing energy consumption, purifying sewage, etc. are all our understanding of environmental protection, but now a new content is being added to environmental protection from both the international and domestic levels – the utilization of renewable resources.
The rise of the international recycling concept
As China joins the WTO, excess textile production capacity quickly pours into the world, making China leap Become the largest supplier in the global textile trade. High-quality and affordable textile clothing and the rising trend of “fast fashion” immediately changed the living habits of people around the world. Since 2000, the number of clothing purchased by consumers has increased significantly, and the service life of a single piece of clothing has been continuously shortened. Global fiber consumption was approximately 96 million tons in 2015 and will increase to 257 million tons by 2050. Textiles and clothing are developing rapidly, but behind them is the generation of a large amount of textile waste and waste.
Take France as an example, the per capita increase in clothing, home textiles, and footwear products is 9.5kg per year, but by 2017 it was only about 36% are recycled, while about 80% of fabrics in the entire European market are not recycled. Discarded clothes not only threaten the environment, but are also a serious waste of resources. Merely calling on consumers to consume rationally will obviously not help. For this reason, the European Union has ordered a ban on discarding textile waste and requires member states to carry out specialized recycling of textiles starting from 2025.
As soon as the ban came out, many well-known companies around the world responded, including Adidas stated that the 2019 spring and summer clothing series will contain approximately 41% recycled polyester fiber. By 2024, the production line will no longer use virgin polyester fiber, but will be replaced by recycled raw materials. And starting this year, virgin polyester will be banned from offices, retail stores, warehouses and distribution centers.
Opportunities and challenges brought by recycled fabrics
A few years ago, there was not much enthusiasm and attention for recycled fabrics in the market. Then the recycled raw materials are more expensive, the dyeing factory process is immature, the color and color fastness are different, and the customer base is sparse. Many people feel that this kind of expensive, low-quality fabric has no advantages at all in the market and will be ruthlessly abandoned. However, with the guidance of EU policies and the support of textile giants, the international demand for recycled clothing has rapidly increased. Recycled fabrics have subsequently blossomed in major textile towns. No one who does not have a few recycled fabrics is embarrassed to come out to take orders.
But light can follow the trend to produce several types of fabrics woven from recycled raw materials, even if Have you kept up with the trend of the times? Obviously not. As far as we know, well-known international clothing companies determine whether to recycle fabrics and clothing based on the “Global Recycling Standard for Textile and Apparel (GRS)”. To obtain GRS certification, all companies involved in product production and operation must comply with GRS standards. That is to say, from raw materials, weaving, printing and dyeing, and even clothing, all factories involved must comply with GRS standards.
Raw material factories and printing and dyeing factories Since the threshold is high and generally strong, it is not difficult for them to obtain the GRS certificate. Almost all well-known domestic manufacturers in the industry have already obtained the certificate. But the Weaving Factory is difficult to obtain and easy to ignore. Just using recycled raw materials and processing them in a printing and dyeing factory that has obtained a GRS certificate cannot be regarded as recycled fabric clothing. It cannot obtain certification and it is difficult to gain recognition from major international customers. Some people may think that giving up large customers and choosing some small customers is a good choice, but can they really accept recycled fabrics that are twice the price of conventional fabrics?
Under the downward trend of textile market, the life of weaving factories was originally the most difficult. , has long been overwhelmed by high inventory and growing costs. The gradual popularity of recycled fabrics and the obvious upward trend in the future can be said to be a rare opportunity. How to seize the opportunity?
The key lies in whether to obtain an internationally recognized GRS certificate. Currently, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Some weaving factories in the region have already taken the lead. A Wujiang Zhenze factory engaged in raw materials and weaving has just obtained GRS certification. The person in charge of the company excitedly introduced that GRS is an authoritative green environmental certification certificate. After obtaining it, the products can quickly and safely enter the European and American markets, making it easier to enter the international stage. The person in charge of a weaving factory in Shengze also told us that they have been fully prepared for the GRS certificate for a long time and are expected to obtain the certificate in August this year.
Compared with companies that have obtained the certificate, more companies do not have the certificate, or even Weaving factory that I haven’t realized yet.The GRS certificate is a passport and a proof of strength. Weaving factories that have not obtained the certificate should wake up and carefully study the GRS requirements, accumulate themselves, work hard to adjust, strive for the GRS certificate, integrate into the recycling industry chain as soon as possible, and find a new path and insurance for their future. .
The bonus period of any textile fabric is limited. Polyester taffeta has been snapped up, imitation silk has been sold well, and all sides have been sold well. The bullet has been sought after…Even if we have an absolute advantage in a certain variety, we must not “draw the ground as a prison and sit on the mountain”. Only by studying hard, constantly innovating, and keeping up with the trend can we turn to another path in time when difficulties arise.” “Broad Road”. </p
