PLANET AGENDA to improve performance of garments with natural fibers

12 Sep '08

4 min read

INVISTA believes that the distinction between synthetics and naturals may become less relevant as consumers recognize that combinations of the two are the best way to balance their expectations of comfort, fit and freedom of movement with environmental preferences. The Global Organic Textile Standards permits fabrics and garments containing up to 5% LYCRA fiber to be labeled as organic.

Also within the framework of PLANET AGENDA, INVISTA is conducting life-cycle analysis studies to help determine how the "cradle-to- grave" impact of different types of garments can be reduced.

Small gains multiplied by millions of consumers can make a large contribution towards sustainability. For example, in garment care – high-tech fabric protection systems minimize cleaning needs, and fibers and fabrics suited to lower wash and iron temperatures can reduce the energy intensity of care processes. Advanced fiber and fabric technologies also have a part to play, prolonging durability and appearance retention and therefore garment life.

Robert Kirkwood is confident about the role of fiber science in reconciling long-term supply and demand, but emphasizes that this is just one part of a bigger, more complex sustainability equation. "We want to create broad understanding of how a holistic approach to sustainable growth can benefit both the apparel industry and the environment, and also to increase consumer awareness of the contributions they can make through thoughtful garment purchase and use."

INVISTA

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