Secrets of Eco-friendly Garments

One popular misconception by consumers is that eco-friendly garments tend to look dull and drab as they are only available in plain fabrics and neutral colours. This is not true at all.

Provided the correct dyes and processes are used, environmentally friendly garments can be produced in a wide range of attractive colours and fabrics. "The current trend identified by the retail industry is towards natural fibres and natural looking garments. This reinforces the idea that we will have an increased demand for eco-friendly garments in the future." The increased awareness of environmental concerns has led to many environmental improvements within the business. Throughout Bibette, all used paper is separated and collected for recycling. Operations Director, Rodney Stellenboom emphasizes this by describing some of the ongoing initiatives in the factory for improving Bibette's environmental performance. "We have investigated our waste and are now separating waste in order to take advantage of opportunities to reuse or recycle waste products. In addition to the paper, all plastic is recycled, fabric waste is sold for reuse and all clothes hangars used internally are reused," says Stellenboom. Good environmental management is evident throughout the production process at Bibette. Excellent standards of housekeeping and care for all materials and products can be observed at the plant. For example, on the cutting floor, state of the art machinery is programmed to minimize fabric wastage when cutting.

Over 80 percent of production is cut using this efficient machinery. Good organization, tidiness and correct procedures are essential for waste reduction and these basics are practiced throughout the company. Since efforts to segregate and recycle waste streams have been made, overall waste volumes going to landfill has drastically reduced. Whereas, previously, loads of general wastes were removed from the factory several times a day, now the new compactor needs emptying approximately once a week. This has created savings in costs of waste disposal When waste items cannot be reused or recycled, they are disposed of in the best manner for the environment. For example, old light tubes are crushed in the correct drum crusher and then disposed of by a permitted Waste Contractor. In addition to the focus on wastes, Bibette has looked at the management of their energy sources. The boiler is regularly serviced and adjusted by outside consultants to ensure that it is well maintained and able to run at maximum efficiency. There is also an ongoing review of electricity usage to look at potential savings in energy. Educational posters for staff are all over the factory. These cover a range of useful information for employees including environmental information such as the Western Cape campaign for water saving. This involvement of staff will greatly improve the buy-in to the environmental management process. Environmental improvements within a factory can produce multiple benefits. On top of the initial attraction of the economic advantages of reduced resource use, reduced wastage and ensuing cost savings, other benefits include a reduction in risk, improved employee morale, better publicity and relationship with the community and opportunities to obtain a marketing advantage. Bibette, together with its suppliers Gregory Knitting Mills and Frame Spinning, is able to create a wide range of garments that meet exacting international standards for "Eco-friendliness". South Africans can be proud that local companies are able to compete with, and meet or beat the global standards for textile products.

A composite material is produced by using polyester textile wastes as reinforcement material and mainly urea formaldehyde as matrix material. This composite is used in banks, tables, shelves, and pots. The bending strength and absorption properties of the textile reinforced composite are investigated and compared with fibre board and medium density fibre board which are alternative materials for the same end-uses. The polyester wastes such as, yarns, woven, and knitted fabrics cut at random dimensions are used as reinforcement material. Matrix material is prepared by mixing urea formaldehyde resin, ammonium sulphate, and flour in a weight ratio of 100:5:10 consecutively. The bending strength of the textile reinforced composite is less than the fibre board and the medium density fibre board, but it absorbs less water. It seems that the properties of the textile reinforced composite can be improved by considering the test results obtained.