ABSTRACT
Global fiber production doubled over the last 20 years to 107 million meter in 2018 and is expected to reach 145 million meter in 2030. Clothing/apparel represents more than 60% of the total textiles used. The clothing industry employs more than 300 million people along the value chain; cotton production alone accounts for almost 7% of all employment in some low-income countries. The offshoring and outsourcing model that emerged with trade liberalization and expanded with the end of the textile quota system in 2005, resulted in rapid growth in the industry in Asia and other parts of the developing world. Incorporating sustainability into the supply chain is becoming a key priority for many textile and apparel companies. Environmental issues related to textile and garment sector include consumption of chemicals that are used in the cultivation of natural fibers, emissions in the production of synthetic fibers and hazardous chemicals released in the wastewater.
