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It’s no longer a secret that producing fashion comes with a significant greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint. Approximately 80% of the industry's energy consumption goes into manufacturing processes, including weaving, spinning, dyeing, finishing, and shipping. A major challenge is the industry’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels. To decarbonize, we need to address both the electricity and direct fossil fuels used in the supply chain. In the EU, the split is roughly 40-60.
Ideally, the electricity used should come from carbon-neutral sources like renewable energy or, less ideally, nuclear power. European manufacturers are increasingly turning to green power—solar, wind, or hydroelectric—to meet their energy needs. This shift is supported by low-carbon grid energy and on-site renewable generation, which, along with efficient energy storage, is crucial for reducing emissions. Direct fossil fuels, used in processes like dyeing and finishing, contribute about 40% of a product’s GHG emissions. Replacing these with alternatives such as electric heaters and boilers is advocated, despite high costs and infrastructure challenges. On-site green hydrogen could be a future solution, although it remains costly and complex.
Adopting green power and alternatives to fossil fuels can significantly reduce emissions and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Manufacturers that utilize countries with low-carbon electricity mixes, such as Portugal, France, and Spain, benefit from cleaner energy sources. While interim solutions such as replacing coal boilers with biomass, installing heat recovery technology, and using less water or lower temperatures are not the core of our value system, they are important for the industry transition. Efficient production volumes also directly link to reduced emissions. Carbon offsetting can address unavoidable emissions and support overall carbon footprint reduction.
Green Power: Solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy sources that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Electric Heaters and Boilers: Alternatives to direct fossil fuels used in manufacturing processes.
On-site Renewable Generation: Technologies that allow manufacturers to produce their own green energy.
Green Hydrogen: A potential future solution for reducing fossil fuel reliance, despite current cost and complexity.
Heat Recovery Technology: Captures and reuses waste heat to improve energy efficiency.
We encourage you as a brand owner to explore these strategies by consulting our trusted platform partners on Manufy. Our manufacturers are making strides toward reducing their carbon footprint and leading the way in sustainable practices.
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