Today, as we celebrate World Water Day, we at Erve recognize the importance of water conservation and management. As a company operating in the textile industry, we acknowledge the substantial water consumption and pollution associated with our sector. In this article, we would like to share our ongoing efforts to reduce our water footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
The textile industry consumes a staggering 93 trillion liters of water annually and is responsible for about 20% of industrial water pollution, primarily due to dyeing and processing textiles. Additionally, the industry contributes to about 35% of pollution from primary microplastics, which are tiny particles of plastic found in materials like polyester clothing.
At Erve, we understand the need to reduce water consumption throughout the production cycle of clothing, from growing cotton to manufacturing the final product. We have embraced the use of alternative materials with a lower water footprint, such as better cotton, Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), organic cotton (GOTS), and regenerated cotton. The Modint Fiber Matrix (MFM) ranks these materials as 'preferred cotton' options with a lower water footprint compared to conventional cotton.
To minimize water pollution at the production stage, we are committed to implementing and monitoring better water treatment and management systems. This includes encouraging our supplier to have an effluent treatment plant (ETP) for any wet processes to make sure the disposal of wastewater is filtered before going into drains. An ETP is a wastewater treatment process used in industries where extreme water contamination is a possibility, such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, and chemicals.
Moreover, we are currently conducting an inventory and impact analysis of water, energy, and fuel consumption for our strategic suppliers. Based on this analysis, we will set targets to purchase items with a lower environmental impact. Through these efforts, we aim to reduce our water use in production and contribute to a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, World Water Day serves as a reminder of the vital importance of water conservation and management. As a company in the textile industry, we at Erve are dedicated to addressing these issues by adopting sustainable practices and embracing innovative materials and technologies. By doing so, we hope to contribute to a more water-efficient and environmentally responsible future for all.
Sources: Fashion United & Modint
About ERVE:
Erve is a European leader in character licences and brands. We produce branded fashion and apparel featuring TV, film, cartoon and video game heroes. As part of Erve Group, we have eight offices across three continents and we control the supply chain between raw materials and stores. Starting with our in-house design team and portfolio of licences – we source, produce, pack and transport collections at the request of major fashion retailers. With 37 years in the industry, our dynamic team values growth, transparency and customer focus. Our exceptional quality and sustainable practices have earned us a reputation for excellence.
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