The textile industry is one of the largest industries in the world – not just in terms of the immense revenues and profit it generates but also for the scale of the resources it consumes. This vast sector encompasses the design, production and distribution of yarn, cloth and clothing but true journey of textiles extends beyond industry through the consumer experience to the end of products’ life.
As technology, science and society evolves, consumers are increasingly considering this lifecycle, looking at the nature and volume of products they buy, and in many cases placing greater focus on quality over quantity. Today’s more fastidious and careful customers are increasingly chosen clothes with a focus on three criteria: comfort, functionality and environmental safety. This shifting mindset presents textile manufacturers with major challenges - not only to satisfy these criteria but also to create more sustainable methods of production and products.