Last updated on February 23rd, 2024 at 12:16 am
Cashmere is a stunningly beautiful fabric. Cashmere wool is a fiber obtained from cashmere goats and pashmina goats. This luxury fabric makes up $4 billion of the $60 billion luxury market. But it has become more accessible today than ever before. Which is bad, because its production has significant environmental and ethical impacts.
Is cashmere a sustainable fabric? In this post, we will explore the environmental impact of cashmere production, including deforestation, water scarcity, and greenhouse gas emissions. We will also discuss the ethical concerns surrounding cashmere production, such as animal welfare and exploitation of workers. Fair warning: it isn’t good news.
Read about other sustainable fabric options and ethical wool. And find out: is jute a sustainable fabric? What is deadstock fabric?
The Environmental Impact of Cashmere Production
China and Mongolia are the leading producers of cashmere fiber, with Afghanistan coming in third. All of them are facing the debilitating environmental impacts of decades of frenzied cashmere production.
1 / Deforestation and Land Degradation
Grassland Degradation
Cashmere goats are super cute, but, more so than sheep or camels, they cause severe damage to grasslands. They consume vegetation down to the roots, eliminating the chances of regrowth and leading to soil erosion. The Mongolian Plateau’s delicate ecosystems have been substantially impaired, reflecting on over 58% of Mongolia’s rangelands being degraded due to such grazing practices.
Impact on Wool Quality
Overgrazing leads to poorer quality fibers as stressed rangelands yield shorter and coarser cashmere. Herders, to compensate for lower market prices due to the reduced quality, may increase herd sizes, exacerbating the environmental impacts.
Sustainability Questioned
Despite marketing efforts highlighting eco-friendly practices, genuine sustainable sourcing of cashmere is convoluted by lack of transparency and challenging monitoring efforts in remote regions.
2 / Water Scarcity and Pollution
Water scarcity and pollution are significant concerns in cashmere production. The processing of cashmere, from goat to garment, requires a large amount of water. This high water usage puts pressure on local water sources, leading to scarcity in areas where cashmere production is concentrated. Additionally, the chemicals used in the processing of cashmere can pollute waterways, further exacerbating the environmental impact.
To address these issues, the cashmere industry needs to implement sustainable water management practices. This includes investing in technologies that reduce water consumption and treating wastewater to minimize pollution.
3 / Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions are a significant concern in the production of cashmere. The processing of cashmere, from goat to garment, is resource-intensive and contributes to the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. This includes emissions from land use changes, such as deforestation and land degradation, as well as the energy-intensive processes involved in the production and manufacturing of cashmere.
To address this issue, the cashmere industry needs to explore more sustainable practices, such as implementing more efficient production methods, reducing energy consumption, and investing in renewable energy sources.
Additionally, as consumers, we can play a role in promoting sustainability in the cashmere industry. Always choose to support brands that prioritize sustainable practices and transparency in their supply chains.
Ethical Concerns in Cashmere Production
1 / Animal Welfare and Cruelty
It is extremely important to consider the welfare of animals in the production of cashmere. The cashmere industry has been criticized for its treatment of goats, which are often subjected to terrible conditions and inhumane practices. The details of animal cruelty in the cashmere industry aren’t for the faint-hearted.
To address these concerns, some brands have implemented ethical sourcing practices and certifications. These initiatives aim to ensure that cashmere is produced in a way that prioritizes the well-being of the goats.
We, as potential buyers of the cashmere item, need to also prioritize animal welfare by:
1 / Choosing brands that are transparent about their sourcing practices and prioritize animal welfare.
2 / Looking for certifications such as the Responsible Wool Standard or the Good Cashmere Standard that ensure ethical treatment of animals.
3 / Supporting brands that promote the use of recycled cashmere as an alternative with a lower environmental footprint.
Every purchase we make has the power to shape the future of the fashion industry. Let’s choose compassion and sustainability when it comes to cashmere.
2 / Exploitation of Workers
Let’s consider the ethical implications of cashmere production. The cashmere industry has been criticized for the exploitation of workers in certain regions.
To address this issue, here are some key points to keep in mind:
1 / Support brands that prioritize fair labor practices and ensure that workers are paid fair wages.
2 / Look for certifications such as Fair Trade or Responsible Wool Standard, which guarantee ethical sourcing and production.
3 / Educate yourself about the supply chain of the cashmere products you purchase to ensure transparency and accountability.
By making conscious choices, we can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical cashmere industry.
3 / Impact on Local Communities
The indigenous cashmere industry has a long history, and the communities that traditionally produced cashmere have a proud tradition of quality and care for nature. This has significantly changed in recent decades, with massive impacts on the local communities. As the demand for cashmere increases, traditional herding practices are being disrupted, leading to a loss of cultural heritage and economic opportunities for local communities.
It is vitally important for both consumers and retailers to consider these impacts and make informed choices.
Cashmere Recycling Programs
The Ralph Lauren cashmere recycling program is a new initiative that allows customers to ship their 100% cashmere items, from any brand, to a textile production company called Re-Verso in Italy, where they will be recycled and reused for future products. The program is part of Ralph Lauren’s Timeless by Design strategy, which aims to create sustainable and circular products that can last for generations.
An example of such a product is the Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold cashmere sweater, which is the first of its kind in the industry and meets high standards of environmental and social performance. The sweater is available in men’s and women’s styles, in various colors, and can be purchased from Ralph Lauren’s website or stores. The cashmere recycling program is currently available only in North America and Europe, but the company plans to expand it to other regions in the future.
Cashmere recycling may be a sustainable alternative, and there are other programs besides Ralph Lauren’s:
1 // Eileen Fisher Renew
Eileen Fisher has a Renew program that accepts any Eileen Fisher clothing, including cashmere, and either resells, repairs, or recycles them into new designs.
2 // Patagonia Worn Wear
Patagonia has a Worn Wear program that encourages customers to trade in their used Patagonia clothing, including cashmere, for store credit or cash. The items are then cleaned and repaired for resale or recycled into new materials.
3 // Re.Verso
Re.Verso is the textile production company that partners with Ralph Lauren and other brands to recycle cashmere and wool into regenerated yarns and fabrics. Re.Verso also offers its own collection of recycled cashmere products, such as sweaters, cardigans, and coats.
Ethical Cashmere
Brands such as Naked Cashmere source their cashmere through fair trade means and cruelty-free practices. Gobi Cashmere is another brand that brings together heritage craftsmanship and ethical sourcing and production. They often use hand-combed cashmere.
Is it worth it, though? Check them all out.
More recently, sustainable cashmere production is reversing land degradation in Mongolia.
But we recommend, if you are hell bent on having a cashmere sweater, buying secondhand from your local thrift store. You save a lot of resources, and you prevent the item from ending up in the landfill.
FAQs About Cashmere
1 / Is cashmere a sustainable fabric?
Cashmere production has significant environmental and ethical impacts. The overgrazing of goats for cashmere production leads to deforestation and land degradation, while the processing of cashmere raises concerns about water scarcity and pollution. Additionally, the production of cashmere contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
2 / Are there any alternatives to cashmere?
Yes, there are more sustainable alternatives to cashmere. Fibers such as wool from sheep, yaks, or camels offer comparable texture qualities and have a lower environmental impact.
3 / Are there any initiatives to promote sustainable cashmere production?
Yes, there are organizations and certification programs working towards sustainable cashmere production. These initiatives aim to preserve the integrity of grasslands, improve animal welfare, and reduce the environmental impact of cashmere production. Additionally, brands are exploring recycled cashmere as a more eco-friendly alternative.
This post was about the sustainability of cashmere
All things considered, the sustainability of cashmere as a fabric is questionable. While some organizations are making efforts to establish sustainable production standards and explore alternatives such as recycled cashmere, there are still challenges in ensuring genuine sustainable sourcing and transparency. The durability trade-off and environmental impact of mass production practices also raise concerns.
If you’re considering buying cashmere, don’t. If you still want to, it is important to make informed decisions and consider high-quality certified alternatives. This way, we aren’t adding to the nasty ecological footprint of the fashion industry.
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