China’s textile industry has turned to water conservation measures. There is a cap on water use and tough new controls on polluting industries. The textile dyeing and finishing industry is taking action in key areas, including adoption of upgraded technologies and a requirement for advanced water efficiency and wastewater reuse.

Progressive, innovative textile mills are embracing regulatory changes – using it as a means to separate their business from less reputable operators. As a first step, they are halving water and energy use by adopting dye innovations and process improvements. Promising innovations and developments are helping mills make dramatic savings without requiring investment in new plant or equipment. They are using eco-friendly dyes which compared to commodity dyes help mills reduce water consumption by up to 50 per cent.

Other simple changes like fixing leaks, installing sensors and water meters, and collecting the monsoon rains, can also pay big dividends. Stricter regulatory enforcement and growing consumer concerns mean that pollution will no longer pay in China and factories that are unable or unwilling to invest to meet the stringent new standards will no longer be viable. Environmental issues are now global, and few brands can afford to compromise their standards in the face of calls for greater supply chain transparency.