Resource Efficiency
CO PO Bloom’s
Level
Describe the resource efficiency strategies in PO(g) 2
textile & clothing industries.
Resource Efficiency: Definition
⮚ Resource efficiency or resource productivity, is the ratio between an achieved benefit
or result and the resources used to achieve the benefit or result. 1
⮚ Resource efficiency means using the Earth’s limited resources in a sustainable manner
while minimizing impacts on the environment. Resource efficiency includes for
example re-manufacturing, repair, maintenance, recycling, refurbishing, and eco-
design.2
⮚ Resource efficiency in manufacturing means how efficiently resources (raw material,
energy, water, etc.) are used to add economic value.3
⮚ Resource efficiency under the Alliance of G7 nations relates to the protection and
efficient use of natural resources throughout their life cycle and the positive impact it
has on all three equally important dimensions of sustainability – economic,
environmental, and social. 4
1
Adapted from: German Federal Environment Agency (UBA, 2012): Glossar zum Ressourcenschutz
2
https://www.fitreach.eu/content/resource-efficiency Resource efficiency | Fitreach
3
https://www.globalefficiencyintel.com/manufacturing-resources-efficiency
4
https://www.oecd.org/environment/ministerial/whatsnew/2016-ENV-Ministerial-United-States-Report-Resource-Efficiency-G7-US-Workshop.pdf 2
Resource Efficiency: Related Forum
• World Resources Forum- https://www.wrforum.org
• Tatarstan International Forum on Energy and Energy Efficiency-
http://tef.tatar/en/
• G7 Alliance on Resource Efficiency- https://www.g7are.com/
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)-
https://www.oecd.org/
3
Resource Efficiency Transformation
Critical needs areas for resource efficiency transformation1
• Collaboration and information exchange for resource efficiency innovation
across the life cycle
• Public and private sector procurement practices that demand resource-efficient
products and services
• Mechanisms for sharing resource efficiency information and resources with a
range of audiences
• Resource efficiency buy-in within and across organizations
• Life cycle thinking in design and decision-making to achieve resource efficiency
• Design with the “next life” of materials in mind – end of use is not the end of life
• Effective use of applied research and analysis to support innovation
1
https://www.oecd.org/environment/ministerial/whatsnew/2016-ENV-Ministerial-United-States-Report-
Resource-Efficiency-G7-US-Workshop.pdf
4
Resource Efficiency: Importance
⮚ Water, soil, clean air, and ecosystem services are resources that are very important for
our health and quality of life, but their reserves are limited. Thus, resources have to be
managed more efficiently during their whole lifecycle, starting from the production of
raw material, transport, processing, and consumption until the disposal of wastes.
⮚ Resource efficiency is one of the main drivers of companies' competitiveness since,
reportedly, European manufacturing firms spend, on average, 40% of their costs on raw
materials, with energy and water pushing this to 50% of the total manufacturing costs.
⮚ Therefore, improving the resource efficiency of SMEs offers enormous potential for
reducing production costs and increasing productivity while, at the same time, making
a significant contribution to addressing environmental challenges.
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Resource Efficiency & Basic Strategies
⮚ The all-embracing principles that inform resource efficiency are shared by a
number of other strategies related to conserving natural resources that have
been advanced by G7 countries and other organizations to achieve
sustainability goals (including economic considerations).
⮚ These strategies include Sustainable Materials Management, Industrial
Symbiosis, Circular Economy, and the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle).
⮚ It is important to note that the G7 countries have adopted the term “resource
efficiency” under the G7 Alliance on Resource Efficiency and have emphasized
common, shared principles in a way that does not detract from country-specific
approaches.
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Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy
Resource efficiency is closely linked to the “circular
economy” concept, which has also gained prominence
as a policy goal for sustainable development in recent
years.
Circular economy implies reusing waste back into the
production cycle to produce new products and uses
instead of wasting such materials with embedded
resources.
Therefore, steps to achieve a circular economy are an important part of resource
efficiency; however, resource efficiency encompasses a wider range of strategies
through the entire life-cycle of products:
Mining/Extraction → Design → Manufacturing/Production → Use/Consumption → Disposal/Recovery
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Resource Efficiency & Sustainable Materials
Management
Sustainable materials management (SMM) is a systematic approach to using and
reusing materials more productively over their entire life cycles.
By examining how materials are used
throughout their life cycle, an SMM
approach seeks to:
⮚ Use materials in the most
productive way with an emphasis
on using less.
⮚ Reduce toxic chemicals and
environmental impacts throughout
the material life cycle.
⮚ Assure we have sufficient
resources to meet today’s needs
and those of the future. 8
Resource Efficiency & Industrial Symbiosis
Industrial symbiosis is an industrial
ecosystem where unused or residual
resources of one company are used by
another.
This results in mutual economic, social and
environmental benefits.
Industrial symbiosis promotes cross-
sectoral collaboration and supports local
and regional growth.
It also creates jobs and fosters industrial
clusters that share a mutual interest in
resource efficiency and circular economy.
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Resource Efficiency & 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, &
Recycle)
The principle of reducing waste, reusing, and
recycling resources and products is often
called the "3Rs."
Reducing means choosing to use things with
care to reduce the amount of waste
generated.
Reusing involves the repeated use of items or
parts of items that still have usable aspects.
Recycling means the use of waste itself as
resources.
Waste minimization can be achieved in an
efficient way by focusing primarily on the first
of the 3Rs, "reduce," followed by "reuse" and
then "recycle."
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Resource Efficiency & SDGs
• Resource Efficiency is a key element of sustainable development. The Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) have assigned an important position to resource efficiency. This is
directly reflected in SDG Goal 12: Ensure Responsible Consumption and Production Patterns.
Eight other goals (2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14 and 15) also relate to resource efficiency and circular
economy.
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Resource Efficiency Strategies in
Manufacturing
Resource efficiency in manufacturing refers to the optimization of resources, such as
materials, energy, water, and time, to minimize waste and maximize productivity in
the manufacturing process.
It involves implementing strategies and practices that aim to reduce the consumption
of resources while maintaining or improving production output.
1. Material efficiency 6. Closed-loop systems
2. Energy efficiency 7. Lean manufacturing
3. Water efficiency 8. Just-in-time production
4. Product lifecycle assessment 9. Continuous improvement
5. Process optimization
These terms highlight the various strategies and concepts employed in manufacturing
to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste generation, ultimately
contributing to more sustainable and efficient production processes.
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Resource Efficiency Strategies in Manufacturing
1. Material efficiency:
⮚ The efficient use of raw materials through techniques such as material substitution,
lightweight design, or improved material utilization.
⮚ View waste as a valuable resource for jobs and economic opportunity.
⮚ Develop laws on waste management that should introduce and classify wastes and
establish roles for the public and private sectors.
⮚ Promote resource recovery firms, including collection, processing, reuse,
remanufacturing, etc.
⮚ The practice of identifying and eliminating any activities or processes that result in the
generation of waste, such as scrap materials or excess energy usage.
⮚ Design and produce the products according to the subsequent process and uses.
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Resource Efficiency Strategies in Manufacturing
2. Energy efficiency:
⮚ The optimization of energy consumption in manufacturing operations through
measures like energy-efficient equipment, energy management systems, or
energy recovery systems.
⮚ Promote business opportunities such as renewable energy and energy efficiency
firms, including solar, wind, biomass gas, and fuel.
⮚ Combine and streamline resource/energy efficiency policies with national policies
and programs on greenhouse gas emission reduction.
⮚ Develop clear procedures that encourage the private sector (both national and
foreign) to invest in resource/energy efficient technologies and practices.
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Resource Efficiency Strategies in
Manufacturing
3. Water efficiency:
⮚ Promote integrated water resource management, and allocate water, as a basic
human need, to its highest valued, uses whenever feasible.
⮚ Reduce pollution discharges to water bodies through appropriate policies,
regulations, and technology solutions.
⮚ Recycle greywater from households and promote rainwater harvesting.
⮚ Address water efficiency in agriculture, domestic, and industrial supply and
consumption.
⮚ Water conservation strategies and technologies employed to reduce water usage,
such as recycling water, implementing water-efficient processes, or using
alternative water sources.
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Resource Efficiency Strategies in Manufacturing
4. Product lifecycle assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impacts
associated with a product throughout its entire life cycle, including manufacturing, use, and
disposal.
5. Process optimization: Analyzing and improving manufacturing processes to minimize resource
consumption, eliminate bottlenecks, and enhance overall efficiency.
6. Closed-loop systems: Manufacturing systems designed to minimize waste by reusing or
recycling materials within the production process, creating a closed-loop or circular economy.
7. Lean manufacturing: A systematic approach that focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing
value by eliminating non-value-added activities and streamlining production processes.
8. Just-in-time production: A manufacturing approach that aims to minimize inventory levels by
producing goods only when they are needed, reducing waste and storage costs.
9. Continuous improvement: A philosophy that encourages ongoing efforts to identify and
implement small, incremental improvements in manufacturing processes, leading to increased
efficiency over time.
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Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
⮚ The global apparel industry is recognized as the second largest resource-intensive polluter
after the oil industry.
⮚ It consumes around 500,000 tons of microfiber and 93 billion cubic meters of water annually.
⮚ It discharges a massive amount of contaminated water and is responsible for 8 -10% of global
carbon emissions.
⮚ In developing economies, work environment issues such as workers’ safety and hygiene and
employees’ health are hampered by the fast pace of industry growth and a negligible focus
on compliance affecting social sustainability.
⮚ Consequently, significant attention has been devoted to integrating sustainable practices
(SPs) into the apparel industry over the past three decades to achieve economic,
environmental, and social sustainability.
⮚ In this regard, the 3R (reduction, reuse, and recycle) model has been highly promoted for the
adoption of eco-friendly strategies designed to minimize waste management in the supply
chain.
⮚ Moreover, circular economy (CE) practices have been increasingly adopted as a foundation
17
for sustainability in the apparel industry.
Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Sl. Resource Efficiency Practices
Industry
3R Strategies Implementation Area Other Strategies
No.
1 Use of Organic cotton fiber Reduces the use Cotton fiber Sustainable
of water, Production Materials
fertilizer, and Management
pesticides
2 Reuse paper cones of yarn Reuse paper Yarn dyeing Recycle
package cones for economy
producing hard
packages
3 Use of recycled fiber Recycle Collaboration of Circular
Recyclers and economy
Spinners
4 The waste paper cone can be 3Rs Collaboration of Industrial
used for manufacturing Packaging symbiosis,
cardboard boxes, packaging companies and Circular
materials, or even paper cones Spinners economy 18
Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Material efficiency: Yarn Manufacturing
1.Waste recycling: Waste generated during the yarn manufacturing process, such as
yarn trimmings or defective yarns, can be collected and recycled. These waste
materials can be reprocessed, either alone or in combination with fresh raw
materials, to produce recycled yarn or blended yarns. This reduces the need for
virgin materials and minimizes waste sent to landfills.
2.Splicing and joining techniques: Traditional yarn manufacturing methods often
involve cutting and knotting yarn ends, resulting in material waste. However,
modern techniques like splicing and joining eliminate the need for such wasteful
practices. Splicing methods, such as air splicing or heat splicing, enable seamless
joining of yarns without the need for additional materials, reducing waste and
improving efficiency.
3. And so on.
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Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Material efficiency: Fabric Manufacturing
1.Seamless Knitting: Opting for seamless knitting techniques, such as knitting in the
round or using seamless construction methods, can reduce material waste from
seam allowances and minimize the need for extra yarn.
2.Selvage optimization: Selvages are the finished edges of woven fabric that prevent
fraying. By optimizing selvage designs, weavers can reduce selvage width while
maintaining fabric integrity. This helps to minimize material waste without
compromising the fabric's functionality or quality.
3.Warp and weft calculations: Accurate calculations of warp and weft yarn
requirements help ensure that the right amount of yarn is used for each weaving
project. By calculating the exact length and width of the fabric, weavers can
minimize excess yarn and avoid unnecessary waste.
4. And so on.
20
Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Material efficiency: Wet Processing
1.Dye Selection and Recipe Optimization: Careful selection of dyes and optimization
of dye recipes can lead to significant material savings. By using dyes with higher
color yield and selecting appropriate dye concentrations, manufacturers can achieve
the desired color intensity with less dye usage.
2.Dyeing Machinery Upgrades: Upgrading dyeing machinery to more advanced and
efficient models can result in material savings. Modern machines offer better liquor-
to-fabric ratios, improved circulation systems, and optimized dye liquor flow,
reducing the amount of water, chemicals, and dye required per unit of fabric.
3. And so on.
21
Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Material efficiency: Apparel Manufacturing
1.Pattern Optimization: By utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software and
digital pattern-making techniques, manufacturers can optimize the placement of
pattern pieces on the fabric, minimizing fabric waste. Sophisticated algorithms can
analyze different layouts to maximize fabric utilization and minimize scraps.
2.Marker Making: Marker making involves creating the layout of pattern pieces on
the fabric to be cut. Efficient marker-making techniques ensure that the pattern
pieces are arranged in the most space-efficient manner, reducing fabric waste.
Advanced nesting software can help automate this process and achieve higher
material yield. Multiple sizes in a marker can save fabric consumption up to 5%.
3.Grading Techniques: Grading is the process of scaling a base pattern to different
sizes. By implementing efficient grading techniques, manufacturers can minimize the
amount of additional fabric required for each size, reducing waste and optimizing
material usage.
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4.And so on.
Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Energy efficiency: Yarn Manufacturing
1.Energy-Efficient Machinery: Invest in energy-efficient machinery and equipment.
Modern machines often come with advanced technologies that minimize energy
consumption. For example, using high-speed spinning machines with variable
frequency drives (VFDs) can help adjust the motor speed according to the specific
requirements, reducing energy waste.
2.Insulation and Air Leak Reduction: Insulate hot equipment and pipes to prevent
heat loss and optimize energy efficiency. Similarly, identify and seal any air leaks in
the manufacturing facility, such as around doors, windows, or ducts, to avoid
unnecessary energy losses due to air infiltration.
3. And so on.
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Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Energy efficiency: Fabric Manufacturing
1.Equipment and Machinery: Upgrading or replacing old knitting and weaving
machines and equipment with newer, energy-efficient models can yield substantial
energy savings. Newer machines often incorporate advanced technologies, such as
servo motors and variable frequency drives (VFDs), which consume less power and
provide better control over energy usage.
2.Compressed Air Systems: Compressed air is commonly used in weaving and
knitting mills for various purposes. Optimizing compressed air systems, including
regular maintenance, leak detection, and pressure regulation, ensures efficient
operation and reduces energy waste.
3.And so on.
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Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Energy efficiency: Wet Processing
Industry
1.Insulation and Heat Recovery: Proper insulation of dyeing machines, pipelines, and
tanks can minimize heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Additionally, installing heat
recovery systems can capture and reuse waste heat generated during the dyeing process,
such as the hot wastewater or exhaust air, to preheat incoming water or air.
2.Low Liquor Ratio (LLR) Dyeing: Implementing low liquor ratio dyeing techniques
reduces the volume of water used in the dyeing process. By optimizing the dye bath
concentration and using advanced equipment that ensures proper dye liquor circulation,
less water and energy are required for heating, cooling, and drying the fabric.
3.Cold Dyeing or Low-Temperature Dyeing: Traditional dyeing processes often involve
high-temperature operations, requiring significant energy input. However, advancements
in dyeing technologies have made it possible to achieve color fixation and good dye
penetration at lower temperatures. Cold dyeing or low-temperature dyeing processes
reduce energy consumption by operating at lower heat settings while still maintaining dye
quality.
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4. And so on.
Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Energy efficiency: Apparel Manufacturing
1. Equipment and Machinery: Sewing machines equipped with electronic controls
or computerized features often have a standby mode or power-saving mode. When
the machine is idle for a certain period, it automatically switches to a low-power
state, reducing energy consumption while still being ready for immediate use.
2. Automatic Working Aid: Many modern sewing machines have automatic thread-
cutting features. This eliminates the need for manual trimming using scissors or
thread cutters, reducing energy consumption and saving time.
3.LED Lighting: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lights with
energy-efficient LED lights. LEDs consume significantly less energy and have a longer
lifespan, providing adequate illumination for sewing operations while reducing
power consumption.
4.And so on.
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Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Resource efficiency: T & C Supply chain
The textile and clothing (T&C) supply chain can significantly benefit from resource
efficiency measures. Here are some examples of how resource efficiency can be
implemented throughout the T&C supply chain:
Design and Material Selection: Resource efficiency starts at the design stage.
Designers can create garments with longevity in mind, using durable materials that
require fewer resources for production. Selecting sustainable and eco-friendly
materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, or Tencel, can reduce the
environmental impact of the supply chain.
Waste Reduction and Recycling: Implement waste reduction strategies throughout
the supply chain. Textile waste generated during the production process can be
minimized by optimizing cutting patterns and improving material utilization. Any
remaining textile waste can be recycled and repurposed into new products or used
as inputs for other industries like insulation or upholstery.
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Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Resource efficiency: T & C Supply chain
Water and Energy Conservation: Implement water and energy-saving technologies
and practices in textile manufacturing processes. This can include using water-efficient
dyeing and finishing techniques, recycling and reusing wastewater, and adopting
energy-efficient machinery and equipment.
Lean Manufacturing: Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and increase
efficiency. This includes streamlining production processes, minimizing inventory, and
optimizing production planning and scheduling to avoid overproduction and excessive
resource use.
Supply Chain Collaboration: Foster collaboration and communication among supply chain
partners to identify opportunities for resource efficiency. This can involve sharing best
practices, implementing joint initiatives for waste reduction and recycling, and exploring
innovative solutions together.
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Resource Efficiency in Textile & Clothing
Industry
Resource efficiency: T & C Supply chain
Packaging Optimization: Optimize packaging materials and methods to reduce waste and
minimize the use of resources. This can include using recycled and recyclable packaging
materials, right-sizing packaging to minimize material usage, and exploring alternative
packaging options like biodegradable or compostable materials.
Transportation Efficiency: Improve transportation efficiency to reduce fuel consumption and
greenhouse gas emissions. This can be achieved through route optimization, consolidation of
shipments, and exploring greener transportation options like rail or sea freight.
Consumer Education: Raise consumer awareness about the importance of resource efficiency
and sustainable consumption. Encourage consumers to make informed choices, such as buying
garments made from eco-friendly materials, supporting brands with sustainable practices, and
adopting responsible garment care and disposal practices.
By implementing these resource efficiency measures, the T&C supply chain can reduce its
environmental footprint, minimize waste generation, conserve natural resources, and
contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. 29
Think Pair Sharing on Resource Efficiency
Yarn Manufacturing
Resource Efficiency Resource Efficiency Practices Strategies
Material efficiency
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Product lifecycle
assessment
Process optimization
Closed-loop systems
Lean manufacturing
Just-in-time production
Continuous
improvement
30
Think Pair Sharing on Resource Efficiency
Fabric Manufacturing
Resource Efficiency Resource Efficiency Practices Strategies
Material efficiency
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Product lifecycle assessment
Process optimization
Closed-loop systems
Lean manufacturing
Just-in-time production
Continuous improvement
31
Think Pair Sharing on Resource Efficiency
Wet Processing
Resource Efficiency Resource Efficiency Practices Strategies
Material efficiency
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Product lifecycle assessment
Process optimization
Closed-loop systems
Lean manufacturing
Just-in-time production
Continuous improvement
32
Think Pair Sharing on Resource Efficiency
Apparel Manufacturing
Resource Efficiency Resource Efficiency Practices Strategies
Material efficiency
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Product lifecycle
assessment
Process optimization
Closed-loop systems
Lean manufacturing
Just-in-time production
Continuous
improvement
33
Think Pair Sharing on Resource Efficiency
Textiles and Clothing Industry Collaboration
Resource Efficiency Resource Efficiency Practices Strategies
Material efficiency
Energy efficiency
Water efficiency
Product lifecycle
assessment
Process optimization
Closed-loop systems
Lean manufacturing
Just-in-time production
Continuous
improvement
34
Thanks
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