The term textile originates from the Latin verb ‘texere’ – to weave and was applied only to woven fabrics. Now as the textile institution terms and definition glossary explains, it is now a general term applied to manufacture from fibers, filaments, or yarns characterized by flexibility, fineness, and high ratio of length to thickness, etc.
Textiles or Garments are the second basic need of human beings. About 100,000-500,000 years ago humans start to wear clothing. Around 50,000 years ago the first needle was invented in a cave in South Africa. 1829, the first Garments factory was established in Paris with 80 sewing machines to produce uniforms for military forces. In Bangladesh, a garment factory was established named Reaz garments in 1960, and in 1967 started to export garments. Now garments industry contributes 84.3%(2021-2022) of the total export earning of the country.
Recently the biggest challenge in the world is the sourcing of energy. Energy markets began to tighten in 2021 because of a variety of factors, including the rapid economic scatter following the pandemic. But the situation escalated dramatically into a full-blown global energy crisis following Russia’s Ukraine war in February 2022. The energy crisis in the textile sector is a significant challenge that requires urgent attention. The textile industry is one of the most energy-intensive industries globally, and it consumes a considerable amount of energy in various processes such as spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, and finishing. The energy crisis in the textile sector is primarily caused by the rising cost of energy, limited availability of energy, and the environmental impact of energy consumption.
According to Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) since March last, the gas crisis forced a cut on production in textile mills and the situation has deteriorated so much that the mills cannot go for more than 35-40% of their production capacity. The snowballing effects will be multi-dimensional ranging from the closure of the production units to the supply crunch of the main ingredient, fabric that is, for the RMG factories. The knitwear factories will be the worst sufferers and the woven apparel factories too will have to outsource the 40% of fabric they received from local sources. The economy of the nation will suffer greatly if the top FX earner’s output declines significantly.
There are several ways the textile industry can tackle the energy crisis, such as:
- Energy conservation and efficiency: The impact of the energy crisis in the textile sector is to focus on energy efficiency and conservation measures. This can include using energy-efficient equipment and technologies, optimizing the production process, and improving insulation and ventilation system.
- Renewable energy sources: The textile industry can also explore the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This can involve investing in renewable energy technologies and reducing energy consumption, factories can save on costs and increase their competitiveness.
- Waste reduction and recycling: The textile industry can reduce its energy consumption by reducing waste and recycling materials. This can involve using recycled materials in production processes, implementing waste reduction initiatives, and optimizing supply chain processes.
- Government support and incentives: Governments and policymakers can support the textile sector by providing incentives for energy efficiency and conservation measures. This can include tax incentives, subsidies, and energy-efficient technologies.
The energy crisis in the textile sector is a significant challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. By focusing on energy efficiency, diversifying energy sources, and providing policy support, the textile industry can mitigate the impact of the crisis and ensure its long-term sustainability.
