by ABFRLadmin | June 5, 2024
Recycle, reuse and rejuvenation – the key steps on our journey to becoming a Water-Positive Fashion Brand.
On World Environment Day 2024, the theme of “land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience” reminds us of the delicate balance between our planet’s resources and the need to protect them. We recognize that water is a cornerstone of this balance, and its sustainable management is critical for not only the environment but also the future of the fashion industry.
An essential resource by every metric, water is used across every step of the textile manufacturing process – for example, a single cotton t-shirt can use up to 2,700 liters of water as it moves from source to shelf. Which means even when the tide is in full flow, every drop still counts. Here’s how we navigate the challenges of water management and give back more than we take-
The Challenge: Water and the Fashion Industry
The problem on paper is apparent to us all and impossible to deny – the fashion industry has a significant water footprint across the supply chain. From cultivating cotton to dyeing fabrics, the production of clothing can consume vast amounts of freshwater. Traditional dyeing processes, for example, can require hundreds of liters of water per kilogram of fabric. This not only depletes freshwater resources but also generates wastewater laden with chemicals.
Saving through Stewardship: A Two-Pronged Approach
We are constantly committed to minimizing its water footprint and building a more sustainable future. Our water-saving strategy focuses on two key areas that focuses on benefits to both the bottom line, and our people:
Within Our Walls: Balancing the Books
Across our manufacturing facilities, top of the line innovation has ensured a healthy balance between consumption and conservation:
Minimize Mistakes, Maximize Efficiency:
We continuously optimize our production processes to minimize water consumption through manufacturing errors. A robust leak detection system that runs 24×7, identifies and addresses potential leaks promptly, preventing water wastage.
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: We don’t believe in a “one-and-done” approach to water. A significant portion of our wastewater undergoes advanced treatment through multi-stage filtration systems. This treated wastewater is then reused for non-potable purposes within our facilities, such as landscaping and cooling towers. This approach reduces our reliance on freshwater and minimizes the environmental impact of wastewater disposal.
Embracing Technology for Sustainable Management:
Technology plays a crucial role in our water conservation efforts. We leverage IoT (Internet of Things) and cloud-based services to achieve real-time monitoring of our water systems. This allows for:
The Impact: Achieving Water Positivity
ABFRL’s commitment to water conservation has yielded impressive results. We are proud to announce that we have achieved a water-positive status. This means that through our various conservation and rejuvenation efforts, we are able to replenish more water than we consume in our operations. In simpler terms, for every liter of water we use, we put back more than a liter into the environment. This achievement demonstrates our dedication to responsible water stewardship and paves the way for a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
Beyond the Factory Walls: Empowering Communities
ABFRL’s water stewardship efforts extend beyond our manufacturing facilities. We understand that the well-being of local communities is intricately linked to the health of water resources. By partnering with communities in water-stressed areas, we are working together to ensure a sustainable future:
Measurable Impact: Quantifying Our Efforts
ABFRL’s water stewardship efforts have resulted in significant reductions in water consumption and positive impacts on local communities.
Community Impact:
Our community water stewardship programs have a measurable impact on the lives of people in water-stressed areas:
The world needs fashion, but fashion needs a sustainable future. At ABFRL, we are committed to weaving a future where style meets sustainability. By prioritizing water conservation, empowering communities, and continuously innovating, we are working towards a future where fashion can thrive in harmony with our planet.
Our Highlight Reel:
ABFRL’s water stewardship efforts demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between fashion and the environment. By focusing on water conservation, community empowerment, and continuous improvement, we’re making sure every drop will count, in more ways than one!
