The water footprints of global textiles trade

This research paper studies the water use of the entire textile life cycle, from the sourcing of raw materials to manufacturing, use, re-use and eventual disposal. Using trade data, water-stress indicators and case studies, it examines the growing role of the textile industry in driving water insecurity across globally dispersed value chains. It outlines industry standards and best practices across the textile sector, and provides recommendations for advancement towards more sustainable, equitable and efficient value chains.

Each stage of the life cycle of textiles contributes to water use that builds pressures on rivers, lakes and aquifers; and unsustainable water use can degrade ecosystems, disrupt supply chains and threaten local communities’ access to water. The impacts are highly visible where they occur, but may be unseen – or disregarded – in markets further along the value chain.

As worldwide demand for textiles continues to grow, governments, producers, investors, businesses and consumers urgently need to understand the true ‘water footprint’ of textiles throughout the product life cycle, and what implications this carries for efforts to promote equity, good governance and resilience in established and shifting supply chains.