SDG 14 – Leben im Wasser
SDG 14 - Life below Water
In textile production, some hazardous substances are used. Examples: Cotton cultivation sometimes uses pesticides that can harm people and the environment. In the processing of the fibers and fabrics, some toxic chemicals and dyes are used. However, these substances are dangerous not only for the workers, who come into direct contact with them and often without the necessary protective equipment, but also for the environment. For instance when factories do not properly purify or filter their wastewater and the chemicals enter the water cycle. Over time, many substances accumulate in soils, waters or living beings and lead to salinization and acidification of the waters.
The members of the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles have committed themselves to gradually replacing more than 160 problematic chemicals in textile production with harmless substances. They are based on a list (MRSL) of the "Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals" (ZDHC) initiative or other standards. The list makes it easier for producers to operate a uniform chemical management system.
Several Partnership members are involved in a Partnership initiative to improve wastewater management in textile production. They combine three approaches: Firstly, the aim is to raise awareness of the problem in the factories and to build up knowledge. Secondly, it is important to harmonise the testing of wastewater by means of wastewater standards and to improve data quality. And thirdly, the initiative aims at cooperation and data exchange between all actors in the supply chain as well as with scientific institutions.
Under "Projects worldwide" you find numerous projects of our members, which contribute in different ways to the achievement of the SDGs. If you are interested in a particular SDG, it is best to filter by sector risk.