Free Online Toolbox Educates Textile Industry on Wastewater

Article by PRINTWEAR

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—The Sustainability Consortium (TSC), an organization dedicated to improving the sustainability of consumer products, launches a Wastewater 101 Toolbox to educate the textile industry on the causes, impact, and treatment of wastewater.

This free online learning module is self-guided and intended to help manufacturers and brands improve their wastewater footprint.

According to the announcement from TSC, the toolbox integrates new standards, knowledge, and resources across all parts of the textile supply chain. A TSC-member task force of leaders in the textile industry created the toolbox, including HanesBrands, Fruit of the Loom, Walmart, NC State, Cotton Inc., and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Sarah Lewis, senior director of innovation for TSC, states, “The Wastewater 101 Toolbox fills a need—the need to easily connect people with resources and information about properly treating wastewater. Resources and information about wastewater treatment have been available but hard to find in one place. As a result of this industry collaboration, people can now more easily learn about wastewater and its impacts, share resources about treatment, and access information that helps them take action.”

Philip Henson, the director of energy and sustainability at HanesBrands, says the industry is competitive. Still, HanesBrands believes in equal opportunity when it comes to “proper treatment and disposal of wastewater.”

Adam Wade, senior director, sustainability and risk management, Fruit of the Loom, states, “We were pleased to take part in the development of this toolbox. The project was a perfect fit to apply our Core Environmental Values that include commitments to activities directed toward the presentation and conservation of our natural resources and educating and encouraging our employees in the preservation of our natural resources.”

The Wastewater 101 Toolbox can be accessed here.