In preparation for our upcoming webinar on the 21st of April, the PCIAW® has sat down with Meryl Fabrics® to discuss some of the burning questions we have regarding their circularity solutions. This week we will discuss how Meryl Fabrics® started with circular principles, reducing wastewater in the dyeing process, and avoiding landfill solutions at end-of-life.
Read Part 1 of the interview here.
If you are interested in registering for the webinar click here.
In what ways was Meryl Fabrics® shaped to be circular from its conception?
“Meryl was always designed to be circular. Unlike most other businesses, we have not had to plug sustainable practice into existing processes. We looked at the issues that surrounded the industry and made Meryl satisfy as many issues as possible. This is why we have answered a lot of the questions that are being asked of the textile industry. Meryl’s revolutionary approach to the centuries-old textile industry focuses on a genuinely circular solution; manufacturing and recycling models, radically changing how we manufacture, use, dispose of and think about textile use.
By minimising the environmental impact of textile production, promoting the reuse and recycling of materials, reducing waste, and removing the need for long-distance transportation, we are leading the way in creating a more sustainable future for the industry.”
How does Meryl Fabrics® produce textiles without wasting water?
“Conventional textile production heavily relies on water and chemical-intensive processes, such as dyeing and finishing, which pose severe threats to freshwater resources and human health. Meryl have developed a sustainable waterless dyeing process called Meryl Ecodye. The colour is added during the yarn extrusion process, completely eliminating the traditional dyeing step of fabrics and garments. Meryl Ecodye offers a high-quality colour with excellent fastness properties, greater absorption, and a softer touch, along with being environmentally friendly. Zero Water, Zero Energy, Zero Waste and Zero Auxiliary Chemicals. Processing raw materials and manufacturing clothing uses an extreme amount of water. Apparel made from cotton requires high levels of irrigation and water-intensive processing as well as chemicals to help the crop survive and grow.
Meryl created a fabric that combines easy-care properties with a natural look and feel, consuming very little water in the production process compared with traditional cotton fibre production. Meryl Fabrics® have a much better moisture management performance and durability too.”
How does Meryl Fabrics® address the issue of textiles ending up in landfill?
“The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries globally, significantly impacting the environment, natural resources, and human health. The current industrial processes used in textile production emit toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases, creating massive amounts of waste that we incinerate or send to landfills. Everything Meryl manufactures is designed and made to be sent back to us to be remade. Even our production waste is put straight back to work and made into new fabric. Because everything we make is made of one material, it is much easier to recycle as no separation is necessary.
By reusing everything we manufacture and promoting the renewal and recycling of materials, the company is creating a more sustainable, waste and pollution-free efficient system that benefits both the environment, the customer and the textile industry. The textile industry faces significant environmental challenges that require radical changes in the production process. Meryl Textile Circular Solution is a viable and effective alternative that provides superior quality garments while reducing the destruction of textile pollution and preventing excessive resources from being used for textile production. Not polluting creates cleaner water and environment, reduces landfills, and creates more land for food agriculture. Investing in this innovative solution can make a lasting impact on the environment and promote a sustainable future for generations to come.”
