Textiles in the context of sustainable development

Abstract

In the modem world the idea of sustainable development is becoming more and more popular, which is due to the intensive development that did not take into account the protection of the environment and natural resources and the growing awareness of people that today‘s lifestyle is more and more environmentally unfriendly. Sustainable development, sustainable economy, sustainable society are mentioned every day, but also the question arises how much and how an individual or interest group understands and perceives the meaning of the concepts of sustainable development and sustainability. Definitions of sustainable development are different, and one of the most acceptable definitions is given by the World Commission on Environment and Development in its report in which sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development can be regarded as open process that leads to continuous changes in goals and priorities, and aims to achieve sustainability in all aspects of human life. How textiles are positioned in the context of sustainable development and the textile industry perceived, it is sufficient to say that the global textile industry is still considered as one of the biggest polluters of the environment and the textile as a growing environmental threat. To achieve compliance between textiles and textile industry with the concept of sustainable development, it is necessary to incorporate the principles of sustainability in all aspects of textile production, starting from design (eco-design, green design or sustainable design), use of sustainable raw materials and sustainable methods of production to the final disposal or landfilling of waste textiles at the end of their life cycle.