Factsheet Energy Use

8/2/2019 Factsheet Energy Use

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ENERGY USEfashion is hot!

This factsheet informs you about the reduction of energy use and the

use of sustainable energy sources. All because of we’ll once run out of

oil and gas while warming-up the earth. It provides you with concrete

alternatives for a less energy consuming and climate neutral fashion.

Cotton and wool

Man-made fibre

Recycled fibre

Energy useWater use

Waste water

(available soon)

Chemicals use

Index: Factsheet

The textile case

The environment

issue

The supply chain

approach

Product design and

fabric selection

Choose suppliers witha credible certificate

Check supplier’s policy

and performance

Work with suppliers on

improvements

Inform the consumer

Get informed, aware,

inspired and challenged

CSRFactsheet

THETEXTILE CASEEnergy is used in all parts of the textile supply chain. Wet processing uses a lot of

energy because the water needs to be heated. It also costs energy (electricity) to run

machinery for pre-treatment and dyeing of fabrics and to transport products. Energy is

also unnecessarily wasted through inefficiencies in processes. During the use of

garments, a lot of energy is needed for cleaning, drying and ironing of the product.

Furthermore, the synthetic fibres also use oil as basic raw material which make themeven more oil consuming. Transport also costs energy , but in case of sea transport it is

not a key factor in the total energy use.

Planet

Provided by:

Energy impacts (blue spheres) in the ‘fibre to fashion’ chain



P a g i n a 2 | C S R P l a n e t F a c t s h e e t | E N E R G Y U S E

THE ENVIRONMENT ISSUEFossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are

non-renewable resources. This means that they will

finally run out (and will become more and more

expensive during getting scarce).

Burning fossil fuels for electricity or heating,

produces greenhouse gasses notably CO2, which

contributes to global warming. Impacts of global

warming ultimately lead to climate change with

phenomena like sea-level rise and changes in

rainfall patterns (from droughts to heavy rains).

Thus increased risks of flooding at sea shores and

in river basins. Higher temperatures and changing

rainfall will also lead to changes in natural floraand fauna and affect the agricultural yields.

Burning fossil fuels also generates other air

pollutants (nitrogen and sulphur oxides, fine dust

and heavy metals) that contribute to smog, still a

huge problem in China, India and other developing

and textile producing countries.

THE SUPPLY CHAIN APPROACHIf you want to improve energy consumption, you

need insight into the energy use and ‘carbon

footprint’ of both the fabrics you use and the

production processes in the supply chain (with a

strong focus on the wet processing phase). This

includes the energy use of your own facility, even if

the energy use of your facility is limited compared

to other steps in the supply chain (set a good

example, ‘walk the talk’).

Improving on the energy use and carbon

footprint of your product may entail applying

state-of-the-art techniques by your suppliers,

including energy-saving techniques and options

for energy recovery. Improving on the carbon

footprint related to energy use may also entail

the use of sustainable energy sources like wind

power, solar power, hydro power, geothermal

power and energy generated from biomass

where possible. These energy sources

outperform fossil fuels when it comes to

greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of

non-renewable resources. It should be realisedthat growing biomass as fuel for energy

production may compete with food production.

This is one of the reasons why criteria are being

developed to define a sustainable production of

biomass.

Many of the larger brands in the textile industry

have already identified energy use, climate

neutrality or carbon neutrality as one of the key

environmental issues that needs to be covered.

Consumers and retailers are increasingly awareof climate change. Therefore, the carbon foot-

print of a company or product is increasingly

used as a way for businesses to distinguishing

themselves from competitors.

A ‘carbon footprint’ is a measure for the climate

change impact. This footprint is made by using

fossil fuels for energy or as raw material (all

synthetics), which leads to the production of greenhouse gasses.

A company or product can reduce its footprint by

being more energy-efficient and by using renewable

energy (sun, wind, biomass) and bio-based

materials. It can be made zero (carbon neutral,

climate neutral ) if remaining emissions of

greenhouse gasses are compensated through extra

energy-saving projects like buying carbon credits

that balance the greenhouse gas emissions.



WHAT TO FOCUS ON AND HOW TO

IMPROVE?

Most companies will only invest in energy efficiencyand improvement on their carbon footprint when

there is a clear business case. The main business

cases related to energy use in the textiles supply chain

are: The reduced cost of energy use.

Market benefits resulting from a reduced carbon

footprint.

A stronger corporate image (as a responsible

company).

Additionally, energy saving in the textile processing

may lead to a more secure (preferential) energy

supply to a textile mill, thus reducing the risk of

energy cuts during production.

There are three ways of managing your energy

consumption:

A. Product design and fabric selection

B. Screening, selecting and working with suppliers

C. Informing the consumer about ways to reduce

energy use

A. Product design and fabric selectionWhen you know what the energy consumption is

of a specific product throughout the supply chain,you can evaluate the role of product design in the

reduction of energy consumption. For example,

when specific steps in the wet processing phase

require a lot of energy, the product design may be

changed in such a way that the step is not

necessary anymore or can be substituted by a

more energy efficient one.

You can review where you can use technically and

economically possible fabrics from renewable

resources, instead of mineral oil based syntheticfibres. This will reduce the need for (non-

renewable) mineral oil. This reduces the need for

energy in the production of the fibre. For example,

corn based fibres have similar properties to

polyester.

What can you do?

Designers and product managers:

At least be aware of the significance of energy consumption / carbon footprint in the selection of fabrics and

suppliers.

You make the basic decisions on the specific requirements (look, feel, colour, print) for fabric and final

garment. These requirements are largely realised by wet-processing treatment (bleaching, dying, washing and

finishing). Be aware that this requires a high input of energy.

Fabric buyers:

Look for suppliers that offer fabric (yarn, fibres) with a low carbon footprint.

Sourcers and supply chain managers:

Think about the energy-use in the production and processing of yarn and fabrics when you select suppliers of

fabric and yarn.

Start a dialogue with your suppliers on efficient energy use. Don't let the fact that there are no general rules onenergy use available stop you.

Company management:

Define a company strategy on energy savings in the supply chain and on carbon compensation. For example:

choose to become a carbon neutral company or to produce carbon neutral products.




B. Screening, selecting and working with

suppliersAn important step in managing the energy

consumption of a product is to include the use of

energy in the screening and selection of suppliers

and to work with suppliers to improve their

performance.

There are basically three ways to do this:

1. Choose suppliers with a credible certificate.

2. Check supplier’s policy and performance.

3. Work with suppliers to implement improvement

measures.

B1. Choose suppliers with a credible certificate

Although there are no certificates in the textiles

sector that focus specifically on energy use, there

are certain textile standards that include

requirements relevant to a responsible energy use .

Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 and 100plus

The Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 focuses on

environmental-friendly textile processing.

Oeko-Tex 100plus is a product label combining

the 100 and 1000 standard throughout the whole

production chain. According to this standard

energy must be used optimally. Energy use must

be measured for different products and parts of

production units. The use of renewable energy

sources should be preferred.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

The GOTS standard requires documentation

of staff training in the conservation of energy

in the processing plant. As well as full record

keeping of the use of energy by wet process-

ing units. Both requirements should be part of

the environmental management system.

PAS 2050/2060

You might meet carbon reduction or neutral

claims that are supported by PAS 2050 or

2060 standard. Both are upcoming

specifications for the calculation of CO2

emissions related to a product (PAS 2050) orto demonstrate carbon neutrality (PAS 2060).

Both specifications are under development

and no official certification based on it can be

claimed as yet. But it is valuable and

trustworthy if the specification is used in

greenhouse gas emission reduction claims.

B2. Check supplier’s policy and performance

Energy efficiency claims are not yet very common

among yarn, fabric and garment suppliers.

However it is expected that suppliersincreasingly will give you information on their

policy, performance and specific product claims

in respect to reduced energy use. Independent

information is best reliable. You can always

consult a MODINT CSR manager on their

opinion.

What can you do?

Check the suppliers sustainability report and/or raise relevant questions:

Does the supplier have a policy on energy use?Is this policy translated into specific targets on energy use?

Is energy consumption monitored and reported?

Verify the answers to these questions, preferably through:

a signed energy or environmental policy – preferably part of an environmental management system (ISO-

14001)

a verified CSR report including specific energy consumption data.

Ask for specific information about energy use and consumption, reduction and specific measures. It is impor-

tant that this information can be considered reliable (‘no easy way-out on serious questions’!).


http://www.oeko-tex1000.com/


http://www.global-standard.org/


http://www.bsigroup.com/Standards-and-Publications/How-we-can-help-you/Professional-Standards-Service/PAS-2050


mailto:[email protected]








A supplier may also be able to show its actions on

managing energy consumption by means of its

active involvement in one or more sustainability

initiatives. Examples of initiatives that include afocus on energy consumption are:

UN Global Compact: “Caring for Climate”

"Caring for Climate" is a voluntary and

complementary action platform for UN Global

Compact participants who seek to demonstrate

leadership on the issue of climate change. It

provides a framework for business leaders with

the potential of rapidly becoming the leading

platform for pragmatic business solutions. All

UN Global Compact business participants are

invited to join by signing the “Caring for

Climate” statement.

BSR Energy Efficiency Partnership Program

The ‘Business for Social responsibility’ (BSR) is

launching a supply chain energy efficiency

program that can save 20 percent or more of

your suppliers' energy costs, and create

momentum for addressing broader sustainability

issues in your value chains. The Energy Efficiency

Partnership Program offers cost-effective ways to

help companies design a robust strategy,effectively engage and train suppliers, manage

data, and ultimately motivate suppliers to

continuously improve.

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Proto-

col)

This World Business Council for Sustainable

Development initiative has developed astandard for corporate accounting and

reporting of GHG emissions. A standard for a

specific product and supply chain approach is

under development. Unfortunately no

garment sector specific accounting tools

available yet, but this is an interesting

development.

Climate Counts Scorecard

Climate Counts brings consumers and

companies together in the fight against

global climate change. Companies are

compared on their climate performance with

a scorecard. You can use the 22 points

scorecard yourself to assess your own score

and these of your suppliers.

What can you do?

You can either join an initiative yourself or work with suppliers that joined one of these initiatives. By using

their publicly available tools and measures (see websites) you may be able to further shape your energy

management throughout the supply chain.

B3. Working (with suppliers) on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction

Apart from a screening and selection of suppliers

based on their energy management/performance,

your company can also actively work with suppliers

to map and minimize energy consumption. Of

course this also goes for the company’s own

operations (show a good example, ‘walk the talk’).

You can explore several methods and measures to

manage and reduce energy consumption.

Generally applicable - Monitor your energy use: check on increases

and reductions where possible in production

processes;

- Make a plan to reduce energy use including

targets for the years to come;

- Switch off unused appliances or lighting;

- Insulating materials around machinery vessels

and pipes (e.g. sides, tops, backs. This re-

duces heat losses and energy consumption for

process heating.


http://www.unglobalcompact.org/Issues/Environment/Climate_Change/index.html


http://www.bsr.org/consulting/working-groups/energy-efficiency.cfm


http://www.ghgprotocol.org/



http://www.climatecounts.org/scorecard_overview.php


http://www.e-textile.org/










These measures can be discussed and reviewed

during a processing plant visit.

More advanced

Heat exchangers use exhaust heat e.g. from

used, warm process water to warm up new

process water;

Reusing warmed-up cooling water to heat

working spaces (e.g. with radiators).

These measures will require a cost/benefit analysis

before implementation. They are usually only

financially feasible when the use of energy is

charged appropriately. Depending on the relation

with supplies (e.g. the textile processor), thesemeasures can also be discussed with suppliers.

Best practices

An energy management system enables a

structural approach to reducing energy use.

This includes training sessions.

These measures can be included in the selection

process of nominated suppliers.

Renewable energy

Apart from reduction of energy use in the

production process a very important perspective is

using renewable energy. You can consider this for

your own energy use in the Netherlands or Europe.

But you can also explore the availability or even the

generation of ‘green’ electricity (sun, wind) at your

production facilities abroad.

Transport and flights

Also try to be very restrictive in transporting goods

by air. Sea transport is much more energy efficient.

Also realize that skipping business flights – is it

always needed to visit the suppliers? – will directly

reduce your CO2 footprint!

Carbon footprint

And finally, talking again about carbon footprint,

you can consider to compensate your greenhouse

gas emissions in order to become ‘carbon neutral’.

But take it seriously and prevent the pitfall of

‘window dressing’. The safe way of compensating

is to work with a credible initiative for

compensation like Trees for Travel or the Climate

Neutral Group (see also klimaatcompensatie.nl )

C. Inform the consumer

The use of energy in the use phase of the textileproduct is determined by the cleaning, drying

and ironing of the laundry by the consumer. You

can raise awareness at the consumer level about

sustainable measures, like the use of full

machines and modern energy efficient washing

machines. Clean your yeans !

What can you do?

Inform consumers about:

Washing with full machines

Modern washing machines

(energy label A/B)

Washing only when necessary

Low(er) temperature washing

Line drying


http://www.treesfortravel.nl/zakelijk/klimaatneutraal-organisatie.html


http://www.climateneutralgroup.com/




http://www.klimaatcompensatie.nl/content/view/21/39/)


http://www.ademe.fr/internet/eco-jean/


http://www.laundrylist.org/










… GET INFORMED, AWARE, INSPIRED AND CHALLENGED! Designers

provide them with information (awareness raising) and challenges (targets!?) to address

the relation between design and energy consumption and GHG emisions

Buyers

provide them with information (awareness raising) and challenges (targets!?) to explore

and purchase energy-efficient fabrics

Sourcers/Product managers

explore the availability and purchase recycled fabric or garments

aim on certified products and suppliers

CSR and Supply chain managers

gather information from (potential and present) suppliers on energy consumptionperformance

select suppliers or discuss with suppliers on energy consumption

aim on certification or co-operation on specific issues

Management

develop a structural energy efficiency policy, management and best practices approach,

preferably together with your most relevant suppliers

set targets (priority) and providing means (budget) on energy saving for production,

transport and business travel

consider the use of renewable energy/ ‘green’ electricity

calculate your carbon footprint and consider CO 2 compensation


This series of factsheets is produced by MODINT and CREM in co-operation with VGT, CBW-MITEX, MADE-BY and Solidaridad,

supported by VROM and AgentschapNL. – version: October 2010

The information in this factsheet is composed with utmost care based on public available information. Any liability cannot be

claimed on the composers. The information is a selection of the most relevant according the composers. This is a first public

version of the factsheet series, all users are invited to give comments and suggestions for improvements via [email protected] .

You can indicate yourself as user also via [email protected] (subject: factsheet user) in order to get a notification when a new

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Factsheet Energy Use

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