The textile manufacturing sector transforms raw fibres into finished textile products used in apparel, furniture, medical textiles, protective gear, and construction materials.
Most textile manufacturers are not large emitters individually, but energy use is concentrated in process heat.
Process heat is needed for drying, dyeing, finishing, heat-setting, and bonding, at relatively low temperatures, and is usually delivered as steam or hot air from on-site natural gas or oil combustion. Electricity drives mechanical stages such as spinning, weaving, and knitting, plus motors, lighting, controls, and facility heating and cooling.
Sources
Direct emissions
Direct emissions are dominated by on-site combustion of natural gas or oil for process heat.
Indirect emissions
Electricity emissions are indirect and depend on grid carbon intensity. Indirect emissions can be considerable depending on the product, particularly from fibre production, freight for inbound materials and outbound goods, waste, and employee travel.
Key Emission Sources & Decarbonization Actions
Thermal Manufacturing Processes
Direct
Description
Dyeing, drying, heat-setting, bonding, finishing using fossil fuels (natural gas, oil, etc.) or electricity for heating and steam generation.
Key Actions
Electrify process heat using electric boilers or industrial heat pumps.
Optimize processes and heat recovery.
Facility Heating & Cooling
Direct
Indirect
Description
Space heating, water heating, HVAC systems using fossil fuels or electricity.
Key Actions
Replace fossil-fuel heating and cooling systems with electric heat pumps.
Reduce building energy demand with efficiency upgrades including improved insultation and building controls.
Transport & Shipping
Direct
Indirect
Description
Freight transport by trucks, ships, rail, and air using fossil fuels for inbound materials and outbound product distribution.
Key Actions
Electrify company-owned vehicles where feasible.
Optimize routes and loads.
Choose low-carbon freight modes and reduce reliance on air freight.
Fiber Lifecycle & Materials
Indirect
Description
Fibre production, material sourcing, and management of textile waste.
Key Actions
Use recycled or bio-based fibres from transparent and circular suppliers.
Design products for durability and recyclability.
Strengthen quality control to reduce defects.
Employee Travel & Commuting
Indirect
Description
Daily commuting and business travel by car, rail, or air.
Key Actions
Encourage public transit, walking and biking to facility.
Support electric vehicle adoption with on-site chargers.
Encourage remote work and virtual meetings.
Prioritize rail over air travel for short journeys.
Growth & competitiveness benefits
Market Growth
Capturing growing demand for low-carbon products
Transitioning to net-zero positions textile manufacturers to capture growing demand from construction, clean transportation, and other low-carbon sectors seeking high-performance, low-emissions materials. Firms that move early can access new markets and command premium pricing as buyers prioritize carbon performance alongside quality.
Brand & Leadership
Trust in a market with environmentally conscious costomers
Clear targets, third-party certifications, and transparent sourcing build trust with environmentally conscious customers and international partners. Net-zero strategies signal credibility, innovation, and future-readiness, thereby reinforcing brand value in a market increasingly sensitive to greenwashing risks.
Additional Resources
Textile Manufacturing
See our full primer developed in collaboration with Environment and Climate Change Canada to get started.
