1. Environmental issues and sustainability
What is included?

2. Introduction
Sustainable refers to products that have been designed and made to have a lesser impact on the environment and to improve the working conditions and economic security of those making the product.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

3. Sourcing organic, biodegradable, reclaimed or recycled fabric components
Bag from recycled denim.
Bags made from recycled polyester.
Organic cotton shirts.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

4. Selecting fabrics that have been specially developed as sustainable
These garments are made using Tencel® fabric, which has been developed for its sustainable qualities.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

5. Designing a high-quality product with an extended life = reduces waste going into landfill
These are cheap, throwaway clothes from supermarkets / high street stores.
These are good quality eco –friendly clothes made from sustainable materials that are made to last a long time.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

6. Easy care
High-quality products can be designed to have an extended life. Making use of modern easy-care finishes also reduces laundering requirements.
Marks and Spencer’s feature a wide range of products like these shirts. They are treated with easy-care or crease-resistant finishes to help reduce energy use.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

7. Reducing waste and pollution during manufacture
My jacket is made with polyester from recycled plastic waste instead of oil. Using recycled materials helps to conserve the earth's natural resources and protect the environment.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

8. Processing fabric without the use of toxic chemicals like bleach and toxic dyes
Dyeing and finishing processes use lots of chemicals. E.g.
chemical dyes
resins to make fabrics shrink proof
softeners to improve the feel of the fabric
They also
require energy to drive machinery
use and contaminate large volumes of water.
Solutions:
use cold water dyes = less energy
use renewable energy sources
use less very dark dyes (need a lot of rinsing)
use natural dyes
use naturally coloured yarns = no dye
use fabrics that already have properties needed e.g. Shrink resistant.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

9. Use of renewable energy to power machines, and increasing water efficiency during manufacture
Wind and solar power featured here are renewable sources of energy.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

10. Labelling products to inform customers
Here are some of the labels that certify the sustainable qualities of textile products.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

11. Fair trade policies
Think about where the product is to be manufactured.
Make sure that the workers have fair pay and good working conditions.
Cheap overseas labour is NOT sustainable.
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009

12. Local=better Location
Careful consideration should be given to where the product is going to be manufactured in order to cut down the carbon emissions from transporting goods a long way.
Local=better
AQA GCSE Design and Technology: Textiles Technology © Nelson Thornes 2009