Water and the Textile Industry: Towards More Efficient and Sustainable Production

Water is one of the most valuable natural resources and plays a crucial role in the functioning of the textile and fashion industry. From the production of raw materials to the final processing of textile products, water is used in almost every stage of the manufacturing process. In the context of climate change, increasing pressure on natural resources, and the growing need for sustainable production, water management has become one of the most important issues for the future of the textile sector.

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), the textile industry is among the sectors with a significant environmental impact, not only due to its consumption of raw materials and energy, but also because of its high water consumption and the generation of wastewater. Textile production requires water at various stages, including the cultivation of natural fibers, material preparation, dyeing, printing, washing, and fabric finishing.

Particularly important are the so-called “wet processes”, which represent one of the most resource-intensive phases of textile production. Dyeing and finishing are among the most demanding processes in terms of water consumption and chemical use. These stages involve various dyes, salts, auxiliary chemicals, and finishing treatments that can lead to the discharge of pollutants into water bodies if wastewater is not properly treated. Certain processes may also contribute to the presence of heavy metals and other hazardous substances in aquatic environments, posing risks to ecosystems and human health.

An additional challenge is microplastic pollution. Synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic release microscopic plastic particles during production, wear, and washing, which can eventually reach rivers, lakes, and oceans. According to the European Environment Agency, textiles are a significant source of unintentionally released microplastics into the environment. As a result, contemporary sustainable textile strategies increasingly focus on developing materials that shed fewer microfibers, improving manufacturing processes, and introducing advanced filtration and wastewater treatment technologies.

In response to these challenges, the industry has been investing heavily in innovative technologies and solutions aimed at reducing water consumption and minimizing environmental impacts. One of the most important approaches is the implementation of water recycling and reuse systems within manufacturing facilities. Through modern filtration and wastewater treatment technologies, a portion of the water can be reused in production processes, significantly reducing the demand for fresh water resources.

Furthermore, the development of new dyeing techniques contributes to lower water consumption. Some modern technologies require substantially less water compared to conventional methods, while digital textile printing enables more precise dye application and reduces waste. At the same time, there is growing interest in the use of natural and less harmful dyes, as well as production processes that require fewer chemicals.

Sustainable water management does not end at the factory level. Increasing attention is also being paid to the selection of materials with lower environmental impacts. Recycled fibers, circular materials, and products with longer life cycles can indirectly contribute to reducing overall water consumption throughout the textile value chain. The longer a product remains in use and the more materials are kept in circulation, the lower the need for producing new textile products and consuming additional resources.

Through the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, the European Union encourages manufacturers to adopt more sustainable production practices and invest in technologies that reduce environmental impacts. Water management is recognized as a key component of this transition, alongside energy efficiency, circularity, and waste reduction.

In the future, the success of the textile industry will not be measured solely by the quality and price of its products, but also by its ability to use resources responsibly and efficiently. Reducing water consumption represents an important step toward a more sustainable, competitive, and resilient textile sector capable of addressing contemporary environmental and societal challenges.

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Contributed by TTA, North Macedonian project partner, for the VERDEinMED Knowledge Platform.