In the face of an unavoidable "low-carbon" challenge, several clothing companies have begun taking proactive steps. Among the first to act was Lihua Group, a garment manufacturer that in 2008 invested 3 million yuan in technological upgrades. This move not only enhanced their competitive edge in low-carbon manufacturing but also saved nearly 2.8 million yuan annually through energy savings. In recent years, well-known brands such as Seven Wolves, Nine Animal Husbandry Kings, Tigers, and Dragonfly Cards have also started focusing on developing low-carbon products, adopting what could be seen as a “transformation approach.â€
However, for the majority of small and medium-sized enterprises—over 99.6% of textile and clothing companies—and 95% of non-state-owned enterprises, the low-carbon path seems challenging due to limited financial resources, technological capabilities, and skilled personnel.
Each garment company has its own unique way of pursuing sustainability, and success largely depends on the strategic choices made. For most businesses, low-carbon strategies can generally fall into three categories: energy efficiency and emission reduction, adoption of renewable energy, and carbon capture technologies.
The first strategy focuses on improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions, often using new carbon trading methods to drive reductions. The second involves shifting away from fossil fuels by integrating cleaner alternatives like wind or solar power. The third centers on end-of-pipe solutions, aiming to capture and store COâ‚‚ emissions to achieve near-zero emissions. However, for many SMEs in the apparel sector, carbon capture may still be out of reach, and transitioning to new energy sources is a gradual process. At this stage, energy saving and emission reduction remain the most practical options.
“Energy-saving and emission reduction is tough,†one service company owner told the media. “It's hard to track where the costs are, and the returns are uncertain.†This sentiment reflects the concerns of many in the industry.
Understanding the cost-benefit ratio of energy-saving initiatives is the first step in developing a successful low-carbon strategy. According to a McKinsey study, about 75% of emissions can be cut through existing technologies or non-technical measures, while 25% of the potential reductions might even result in negative costs over their lifecycle. More than a third of the 200+ low-carbon technologies identified by McKinsey are considered “negative cost,†meaning the benefits outweigh the investment. Energy-saving and emission reduction, therefore, is one of the fastest ways to recoup initial investments.
To implement effective energy-saving and emission-reduction strategies, companies should focus on strengthening energy management, combining advanced technologies with the elimination of outdated practices, and integrating clean production with pollution control. Relying on scientific and technological progress is key to achieving energy efficiency and resource conservation.
Currently, governments at all levels are pushing textile and clothing companies to adopt better energy-saving and management practices. These include:
- Developing and adopting new equipment, processes, and technologies that promote energy efficiency and environmental protection.
- Encouraging resource recycling, cleaner production, and conducting audits to improve sustainability.
- Promoting the development of energy-efficient, high-performance, automated, and green textile machinery.
- Establishing clear responsibility systems and incentives for energy saving and consumption reduction.
- Setting energy consumption standards per product unit and managing energy use across different departments, including refrigeration, heating, steam generation, lighting, water reuse, and sewage treatment.
- Assigning dedicated energy managers to key units and implementing reporting systems for energy usage.
- Encouraging multi-level measurement and management of energy and water use, promoting water and thermal energy reuse to enhance efficiency and meet discharge standards.
- In textile industry clusters and industrial parks, promoting combined heat and power, centralized heating, and waste treatment.
- Encouraging the cascading use of wastewater and recovery of waste heat to reduce overall energy consumption.
Experts estimate that, based on current technology and management levels, China’s textile and garment industry can reduce water and energy consumption by 10% to 15% by enhancing technological upgrades and improving management. While the low-carbon journey is not easy, it is definitely achievable with the right strategies and commitment.
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