Summary
- Adopting cleaner production is not just about the environment. It also helps save money and improves business efficiency.
- However, each business has different realities and challenges. Therefore, it’s important to know how to apply the practices that best suit your company.
- For all your fashion projects, you can count on the technology of Audaces360 solutions. Start your free trial now!
Cleaner production is becoming a key topic in the clothing industry. More fashion companies now realize the need to produce with less waste and fewer negative impacts on the planet.
Still, many people ask the same question: how do I apply cleaner production in my own company? The answer is not always simple. There are many things to consider, from materials to processes and technology.
In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to help you move toward cleaner production in clothing manufacturing. Each step will help you understand where to begin and how to improve your current practices.
Ready to learn? Keep reading!
Sumário
What does cleaner production mean?
Cleaner production is about making the manufacturing process more efficient. It focuses on reducing waste and using resources wisely.
By using less energy, water, and raw materials, companies can decrease their environmental footprint. At the same time, cleaner production helps reduce costs and increase profits.
Sustainable production is an essential part of cleaner production. It’s about creating products while considering the long-term impact on the planet. This practice promotes the use of renewable resources and aims to minimize pollution.
The concept also includes improving the safety and working conditions within manufacturing. It encourages the use of eco-friendly technologies that reduce harmful emissions and protect workers’ health.
In essence, cleaner production isn’t just about what you make. It’s also about how you make it.
What is the focus of cleaner production?
The main focus of cleaner production is reducing waste. This involves using fewer resources in production and finding ways to reuse or recycle materials.
Another important focus is energy efficiency. Cleaner production encourages companies to find ways to reduce energy consumption in their operations. Some solutions include using renewable energy sources or upgrading equipment to use less power.
It emphasizes the importance of sustainability in every aspect of the business. It goes from sourcing materials responsibly to ensuring that the products produced are eco-friendly.
The goal is to create a system that works for companies without harming the planet.
Learn more: Why consider sustainable consumption and production for your company?
How is cleaner production applied?
To apply cleaner production, companies first assess the production process. They identify areas where there is waste or inefficient use of resources. Once they pinpoint these areas, it’s time to take steps to improve them.
Next, companies need to adopt new technologies that support cleaner production. This could include upgrading machinery, using more sustainable materials, or changing production techniques to reduce waste and energy consumption.
Training employees is another essential step in applying cleaner production. Workers must understand the importance of cleaner practices and know how to implement them in their day-to-day tasks.
This last part is really important. Your team needs to get why these new processes matter to actually make cleaner production work.
Learn more: What’s the creative economy’s impact on fashion?
What are the levels of cleaner production?
You can apply cleaner production at different levels, depending on the company’s goals and resources.
See some sustainable actions across various levels:
Source reduction
Source reduction focuses on preventing waste before it’s created. It can involve choosing more sustainable materials, reducing packaging, or optimizing processes to use fewer resources.
Another aspect is improving product design. For example, designing products that require fewer resources or are easier to recycle. This helps reduce waste throughout the product’s life cycle.
Learn more: Discover how sustainable design can delight your customers
Internal recycling
This is about reusing waste materials within the company. It could be recycling fabric scraps or reusing water used in production.
By recycling internally, companies can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It also lowers the cost of purchasing new materials.
Learn more: How to master sustainable creation and production in the eco fashion era
External recycling and biogenic cycles
External recycling refers to the process of sending waste materials to be recycled outside the company. This can include working with external recycling centers or participating in take-back programs.
Biogenic cycles involve using renewable, natural resources that can be replenished, like organic cotton or wool.
External recycling and biogenic cycles play an important role in creating a circular economy. In a circular economy, we minimize waste reuse or recycle materials to create new products.
5 steps to implement cleaner production
By following a few steps, companies can move toward a more sustainable and efficient operation.
1) Planning and organization
The first step is planning. Companies should set clear goals for cleaner production. It’s important to involve everyone in the company, from managers to operators.
Organizing tasks and responsibilities will help ensure that everyone is on the same page. In addition, a detailed plan makes it easier to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
2) Pre-assessment and diagnosis
Pre-assessment is an important first step in identifying areas for improvement. Companies should analyze their current processes to see where there is waste. This includes looking at the production line, materials, and energy use.
The diagnosis phase focuses on understanding the root causes of inefficiencies.
3) Evaluation
Now, the evaluation phase is responsible for a deep assessment of the company’s current processes. It may require external consultants to provide expertise and insights.
They can help conduct detailed assessments, focusing on waste, resource usage, and overall efficiency.
By gathering this information, companies can determine the most effective strategies for adopting cleaner production practices.
4) Feasibility studies
Feasibility studies help companies understand the practicality of their proposed changes. Before making major investments, it’s important to analyze the costs and benefits of different solutions.
The goal is to find solutions that are not only effective but also affordable. These studies also help identify potential risks and challenges.
5) Implementation and continuity plans
Once the feasibility studies are completed, companies can begin implementation. The first step is to put the plans into action and clearly communicate with everyone involved in the process.
Also, a continuity plan ensures your company will maintain the improvements over time.
Regularly check that changes are still working as expected. This also means keeping up with new technologies and practices that can further improve production.
Get our free ebook today and start your journey towards cleaner production!
Examples of companies with cleaner production
Many fashion brands now use cleaner production methods. They work to reduce waste and use fewer resources.
These companies show that it is possible to produce clothing while caring for the environment.
Take a look at some well-known examples:
Patagonia
Patagonia focuses on protecting the planet. The company uses recycled materials and promotes repairing clothes instead of buying new ones.
To lower its footprint, Patagonia reduces water and energy use in its production. Its goal is to create durable products with less environmental impact.
Tentree
Tentree plants ten trees for every product sold. Sustainable materials, like organic cotton and recycled fibers, are at the core of its collections.
The brand designs its production process to use less water and energy, showing strong commitment to fighting climate change.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is dedicated to sustainable fashion. The company relies on organic and recycled materials and runs a take-back program to recycle old clothes.
By aiming for zero waste, Eileen Fisher supports ethical production and circular practices.
Learn more: Discover the power of upcycled clothing and its benefits
Stella McCartney
Luxury fashion meets sustainability at Stella McCartney. The brand avoids leather, fur, and animal skins, choosing eco-friendly materials instead.
Cleaner production methods also help reduce water and chemical use across its collections.
Learn more: Uncover the impact of designer Stella McCartney on fashion
Gucci
With a focus on reducing environmental impact, Gucci uses eco-friendly materials and works toward carbon neutrality.
The brand invests in sustainable innovation, such as circular production models. By doing so, Gucci aims to balance fashion and responsibility.
What are the benefits of cleaner production?
Cleaner production offers many advantages. Not only does it help protect the environment, but it can also improve business performance. Here’s how:
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is a major benefit of cleaner production. By using energy more wisely, companies can save on electricity costs. This can lead to significant savings in the long run.
Waste reduction
This is another key benefit of cleaner production. Your company should look for wasteful processes to implement strategies to minimize excess. This can include optimizing material use or finding ways to reuse scraps.
Raw material optimization
Optimizing raw materials cuts costs, but the biggest plus is that it helps the environment. You can help conserve natural materials and reduce their environmental impact, improving the sustainability of the entire production process.
Adoption of clean technologies
These technologies reduce pollution and waste while boosting efficiency, encompassing energy-efficient machines and renewable energy sources.
Moreover, clean technologies enhance productivity by streamlining production and minimizing downtime, resulting in a faster, more reliable process
Learn more: Smart uses of clean technology in clothing manufacturing
Sustainable logistics
Businesses can enhance efficiency through optimized delivery routes and energy-efficient vehicles.
Sustainable logistics also strengthens supply chain reliability by minimizing delays and improving delivery times.
How does technology support cleaner production?
Technology plays a vital role in cleaner production. Automation is one example of how technology can support it. Machines that operate efficiently can reduce energy consumption and minimize waste.
Additionally, software can help companies track key metrics like energy use and waste production. This allows companies to make real-time adjustments to improve performance.
Achieve cleaner production with Audaces solutions
Audaces360
Audaces360 integrates cutting-edge digital innovations to optimize workflows in the textile and apparel industry.
It caters to companies of all sizes and types, offering the flexibility to scale with your business needs.
All solutions were carefully developed to address the specific challenges of the field. They streamline the design and production processes, saving valuable time and resources.
The platform boasts a comprehensive range of functionalities, including pattern making, marking, collection management, vector drawing, and 3D creation.
In addition, a fashion Artificial Intelligence to assist you along the way.
Audaces Cutting Room
By embracing cutting-edge technology, garment manufacturers can achieve significant improvements in the production process. From greater design flexibility to enhanced efficiency and reduced costs.
This is where Audaces Cutting Room steps in! Our experts will thoroughly assess your company’s needs and create a comprehensive report.
Then, our team will develop a personalized project to achieve your goals and unlock your company’s full potential.
Rely on Audaces’ cutting-edge machinery to automate your production process. Achieve impeccable cuts on curves and details, speeding up your deliveries and minimizing fabric waste through automation.
FAQ
Cleaner production is about making the manufacturing process more efficient. It focuses on reducing waste and using resources wisely. By using less energy, water, and raw materials, companies can decrease their environmental footprint.
The main focus of cleaner production is reducing waste. This involves using fewer resources in production and finding ways to reuse or recycle materials.
To apply cleaner production, companies first assess the production process. They identify areas where there is waste or inefficient use of resources. Once they pinpoint these areas, it’s time to take steps to improve them.
