Environmental Concerns
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 6.2.3
Environmental Concerns
There are a number of environmental concerns associated with the textile industry.
Water usage
- Textile production requires vast amounts of water.
- For example, processes like dyeing and finishing require a lot of water.
- Using vast amounts of water can lead to water scarcity and depletion of local water sources.
Chemical pollution
- The textile industry uses various chemicals in textile processing.
- For example, dyes, bleaches, and finishing agents.
- The use of chemicals can result in water pollution, harming aquatic life and ecosystems.
Energy consumption
- The processes involved in manufacturing textiles are energy-intensive.
- These energy-intensive processes contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Waste Generation
- Textile production generates substantial waste.
- Textile production generates fabric scraps, dye sludge, and chemical waste.
- The waste from textile production ends up in landfills and the environment.
Test yourself on Environmental Concerns
What are some of the chemicals used in textile processing?
Where does the waste from textile production end up?