A new research paper highlights the extensive water footprint embedded throughout the global textile value chain, from raw material cultivation and manufacturing to consumer use, reuse and final disposal. The study examines how textile production contributes to water scarcity, pollution and ecosystem degradation while emphasizing the need for stronger governance, improved water management and more circular production systems.
The research explores the concept of ‘virtual water’—the hidden freshwater embedded in textile products—and examines how global trade transfers water-related environmental impacts across international supply chains.
Water at the Core of the Textile Value Chain
According to the study, every stage of textile production depends on freshwater resources. From cotton cultivation in South Asia and polyester manufacturing in China to dyeing facilities in Bangladesh and second-hand clothing markets across Africa and Europe, textiles carry significant water footprints throughout their lifecycle.
While water use and pollution are often concentrated in manufacturing regions, the environmental costs frequently remain invisible to downstream markets and consumers purchasing finished products.
Textile Production and Water Resources
The research identifies water as one of the textile industry’s most significant environmental challenges. Textile production relies on three primary categories of water:
- Green water from rainfall and soil moisture used in natural fibre cultivation.
- Blue water sourced from rivers, lakes, reservoirs and groundwater for irrigation, manufacturing, consumer use and recycling.
- Grey water, representing freshwater required to dilute pollutants generated by fertilizers, pesticides and wastewater discharged throughout textile production.
Each stage contributes to increasing pressure on freshwater resources while affecting rivers, lakes, aquifers and surrounding ecosystems.
Global Textile Production Continues to Expand
The report notes that global textile fibre production has nearly quadrupled since 1975, while annual fibre production per person increased from 8.3 kilograms to 16.2 kilograms in 2024.
The study further highlights that approximately:
- 16% of global unsustainable water use
- 11% of worldwide groundwater depletion
are embedded within international imports and exports, demonstrating how global trade transfers water impacts across borders.
Water Risks Extend Beyond Manufacturing
Growing water demand from textile production contributes to:
- Groundwater depletion
- River and lake pollution
- Coastal water contamination
- Reduced access to safe drinking water
- Increased risks for communities located near textile manufacturing clusters
The paper notes that these impacts often affect regions with limited capacity to recover from environmental degradation, while economic benefits from textile production may not be equally shared among affected communities.
Sustainability Requires System-Wide Transformation
The research argues that improving water sustainability requires more than relocating production to different regions. Instead, it calls for a transition from resource-intensive production toward circular textile systems supported by:
- Improved water governance
- Fair and transparent water footprints
- Circular economy practices
- Technological innovation
- Stronger policy frameworks
- Greater collaboration throughout global supply chains
The report concludes that while technical solutions and industry initiatives already exist, broader implementation depends on stronger political commitment and commercial action.
Understanding Water Footprints
The paper distinguishes between several important concepts used in water sustainability assessments.
Water Footprint
A water footprint measures the total freshwater consumed or polluted to produce a product or service. It includes both direct water use and indirect water consumed throughout upstream supply chains.
Water footprints can be calculated for products, companies, industries, cities or countries and provide insight into freshwater dependency across value chains.
Virtual Water
Virtual water refers to the amount of freshwater embedded within a product throughout its production process. In textile trade, virtual water moves across borders as fibres, fabrics and garments are imported and exported, effectively transferring water resources between producing and consuming regions.
Importance for the Textile Industry
With the textile sector employing approximately 90 million people worldwide, including around 55% women, sustainable water management is becoming increasingly important for balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
The research highlights the importance of integrating responsible water stewardship into textile manufacturing while strengthening resilience across global supply chains as demand for textiles continues to rise.