At the Copenhagen climate conference, low-carbon economy was a hot topic of discussion. This means that the dramatic increase in the productivity of fossil energy and carbon dioxide will be the main task of economic innovation in the coming decades. Does this single wing move to bring a storm to China's garment enterprises?
Clothing is also "low carbon"
Low-carbon clothing is a broad concept of apparel environmental protection. It refers to a method that allows each of us to produce a lower total amount of carbon emissions in the process of consuming all of our garments. This includes the selection of low-carbon clothing and the use of recycled clothing. Materials made of materials, and methods for increasing the use of clothing to reduce the total amount of clothing consumed.
The characteristics of industrial economy and society are centered on the production and sales of high-energy-consuming products, while the characteristics of low-carbon economic society are centered on the provision and enjoyment of low-energy services. For the apparel industry, this will bring new changes. For example, the future of garment companies may no longer be the one who sells more. Whoever sells the more expensive it is, the more profitable it is, but who looks at the material, the process is greener. It is less harmful to the environment to gain more market. There may also be many new profit models in the future. Some companies will make money through value-added services of various clothes, such as how to train customers to collaborate, including how to pick and choose, how to use old clothing to match the new clothes and fashion effects, and help customers recycle old clothes. Clothes; even organize your own hands to make clothes, etc. In short, many ideas that can help consumers use clothing more effectively and provide more fun to dress may create new economic value in the future.
As far as the apparel industry is concerned, in order to develop a low-carbon economy, technological innovation is of primary importance and cultural development is indispensable. Specifically, three aspects of systemic action are required. The first is the energy sector, which replaces traditional high-carbon fossil energy sources with low-carbon renewable energy such as solar energy, wind energy, and bioenergy, or other clean energy sources; second, raw materials, development of low-carbon materials, improvement of various chemical dyes, and R&D Recyclable fiber minimizes damage to the environment from fiber production, dyeing and other aspects. Third, it is a cultural link. Clothing is not only a physical product, but also meets people's spiritual needs. It is necessary to promote green fashion culture and establish low-carbon culture. Responsible consumer attitudes rather than fashion culture characterized by stimulation and rapid consumption.
It should be noted that the garment industry's move toward a low-carbon economy is bound to be a breakthrough revolution. It cannot rely on the actions of individual organizations, a small number of companies, and consumer awareness. The key lies in institutional innovation. The key to institutional innovation in the low carbon economy of clothing is to increase the price of fossil energy use and carbon dioxide consumption, and provide an incentive mechanism for the low carbon transformation of production and consumption.
The history of the garment industry proves that in the era of industrial economy, the improvement of labor productivity relies heavily on the increase of labor prices. That is to say, the increase in labor prices has promoted the research and development of labor-saving technologies and the development of labor-saving industries. Then, similarly, in the future, if the garment industry wants to develop a low-carbon economy, it needs to significantly increase fossil energy productivity and carbon dioxide productivity. It also needs to substantially increase the price of fossil energy consumption and the price of carbon dioxide emissions. This can be proved by the EU's practice. Currently, the EU's per capita energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are only about half of Americans, largely because European energy prices are much higher than those of the United States.
Since the developed countries already have precedents, China may not have the same path in the future, but the general direction will not deviate too far. What is certain is that the long-term cheap use of traditional fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions in the era of industrial economy is moving away from us. Many Chinese apparel companies want to become a century-old company. Then, these companies will inevitably wait until the day they need to pay for carbon emissions. Only by taking precautions can you face it. Only companies that look far enough can go longer.
The show of environmental protection fashion show
London, UK: Fashion Week Green Show
The dialogue between environmental protection and luxury goods began. Many brands began to try green concepts, and environmental protection apparel went on sale. As a new type of fiber, bamboo fiber series has very soft handfeel, good air permeability, quick drying, and no odor. It is very suitable for summer wear; in addition, linen and grain fiber materials are also good environmental protection fabrics. Some well-known footwear brands have also begun to use natural rubber as raw materials for the production of new soles, and the body of the shoes is made of organic cotton produced by farming.
Hanbok Environmental Protection Fashion Show
Incheon, Korea: Hanbok Eco Fashion Show
The numerous “Eco-friendly Fashion Shows†exhibited were “new designs†that were developed and used by designers using “old clothesâ€. For example, a unique design bag was actually made of an old suit; The tops were created by designers using old clothes that had been redesigned and reprinted; jeans and old shirts, after being crafted by the designer, became the stylish outfits that people saw in their eyes; even gorgeous evening wear was Made from some old wedding dresses. Designers hope to inspire people's inspiration and fully exploit the potential of old clothes.
Which big names behind the "environmental protection trend"
H&M--"I have organic cotton" Organic Cotton Trade Association member H&M introduced organic cotton garments ranging from underwear to coats, and men's, women's, youth and children's wear all have organic cotton products sold. H&M also hangs the "organic cotton" logo on organic cotton garments to distinguish them. At the same time, other fabrics have also begun to debut, such as organic wool, wool reuse and polyester. These clothes will be categorized in various departments of H&M and have special labels.
Armani - nature's most environmentally friendly GiorgioArmani has also been used as a raw material of linen and cereal fiber. While constantly updating environmental protection materials, Armani sells one piece of clothing and donates a certain amount of funds to African children for the purchase of drugs for the treatment of AIDS.
GUESS - the principle of environmental protection GUESS launched organic men's and women's jeans made of organic cotton and named after GUESS Green. In addition to being made of organic cotton, eco-friendly jeans use a very small amount of chemicals and a simple flushing method for the washing process of each pair of pants. Even the label is printed with 100% recycled paper and soy-based inks. Completely in line with the principle of environmental protection.
Copenhagen Climate Summit sparks environmental "low-carbon" apparel tide