Posted July 22, 2014

 

“Going green,” as you’re well aware, has become much more than a catchphrase. And it’s beyond the trend stage. It’s a vital part of everyone’s lives these days, in some way or another. And for businesses, it’s enmeshed in their operating models. It’s not a choice anymore – engaging in sustainable practices is a must when doing business today. Polluters or others who engage in unethical practices, ecologically or otherwise, could not survive in today’s socially conscious, social media-wired world. Nor should they.

 

Being sustainable is not only good for the environment – it’s good for business. With everyone looking for a competitive edge, making a product that is of the highest quality and saves resources while being sustainably manufactured is more likely to be in higher demand than inexpensive, low-quality products that may be unsafe.

 

We can thank consumers for that. For years, they demanded the cheapest products available, leading many U.S. manufacturers offshore for the lowest-cost production. And, over time, that move developed into backlash from consumers as news emerged about unsafe or hazardous products, from children’s goods to food to electronics to textiles. Now, with something of a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing occurring, it’s a great time for American manufacturers to not only step up your sustainability initiatives, but to tout them. Many of you are doing just that in your “green” efforts. And you’re reaping the rewards.

 

In terms of water, chemical, steam and energy usage, textiles is an industry that should always be seeking better, cleaner ways to make products. Besides the energy industry, the textiles supply chain is among the most highly scrutinized sectors in terms of sustainable practices. Consumers are increasingly watchful as they consider the sustainability of their purchase of apparel and other textile products.

 

We publish news almost weekly related to sustainability. We’ve reported on Cone Denim’s launch of its ConeTouch™ fabric, produced with Unifi’s recycled-bottle REPREVE® product. We’ve included items from Shaw Industries about expansion of its reclamation and recycling program at its new facility in Ringgold, Ga., along with its 2013 sustainability report. And this week, our lead story is about Navis TubeTex’ efforts to produce sustainable machinery and equipment that saves on usage in a number of areas, from water to steam to power to chemicals. Those are just a few examples, but many more exist.