Eco-Design: Why It’s Good for Textile Businesses

The future of fashion is here, and it’s circular! A more sustainable approach benefits both people and the planet. While eco-design might seem like a challenge at first, it’s really about understanding its value and advantages. And here’s the good news: when done right, it’s neither more expensive nor more complicated than traditional design. Companies like L’Atelier des Matières are here to help make the transition smooth and practical.

A Profitable Strategy

A 2024 study by IFM-Première Vision, surveying 6,000 consumers, found that eco-friendly fashion is no longer just a trend—it’s becoming a standard. Nearly half (48.8%) of French consumers bought at least one eco-responsible fashion item in 2024, up from 41.1% in 2023. Material choice was their top priority. This shift creates a significant business opportunity: eco-design can boost revenue by attracting conscious consumers in a competitive market. According to ADEME’s 2020 eco-design barometer, 34% of companies adopting eco-design saw sales growth, and 30% enjoyed higher profit margins.

Risk Management

Eco-design encourages businesses to ask tough but necessary questions about their supply chain: Are suppliers reliable? What are the risks of outsourcing or logistics challenges? Beyond preparing for regulatory changes, eco-design ensures better control of a product’s life cycle and greater transparency across the value chain. It’s a win-win, fostering stronger relationships with suppliers and contractors while building trust with consumers.

Eco-Design in Action: Fashion

Take ready-to-wear clothing, for example. The many stages in a garment’s life cycle make a gradual approach to eco-design more effective than drastic overhauls. L’Atelier des Matières helps brands improve step by step, offering tailored advice to navigate the complex web of production processes.

Eco-Design & Textile Sourcing

Sourcing materials is the first critical step in eco-design.

Choosing the Right Fiber

• Natural fibers (plant- or animal-based) are renewable.
• Synthetic fibers, derived from fossil resources, require significant energy, water, and chemicals during production.

Look for certifications like GOTS® and OEKO-TEX® to identify best practices.

Prioritizing Durability

A garment’s lifespan has halved in the last 15 years. To counter this, opt for fabrics designed to withstand wear, washing, and regular use. L’Atelier des Matières, specializing in upcycled materials, offers solutions that combine environmental benefits with functionality.

Planning for Recyclability

Textile recycling is advancing. For instance, cotton-polyester blends, once non-recyclable, can now be processed with innovative technologies. L’Atelier des Matières connects brands with these cutting-edge solutions.

Incorporating Recycled Materials

Using recycled fibers, whether natural or synthetic, reduces environmental impact. For example, recycled polyester production cuts CO2 emissions by 32%. The range of recycled fabrics is growing, offering better aesthetics and durability.

Reducing Harmful Substances

Choose textiles with fewer or no hazardous chemicals. Innovations like bio-based, non-toxic dyes are now available, offering vibrant, sustainable colors without environmental harm.

Eco-Design in the Design Phase

Eco-design doesn’t stop at material choice. It extends into the design phase, where long-term impact is shaped.

Designing for Repair

Clothing should be repairable, allowing consumers to fix minor damages without discarding the entire product. According to ADEME, repairs costing more than 33% of a garment’s original price often deter consumers. Smart design can optimize repairability and extend product lifespan.

Considering Maintenance

Garments go through washing, drying, and ironing during their lifespan. Material choice directly influences these impacts. Design with ease of care in mind to reduce environmental costs.

Emphasizing Transparency and Traceability

By 2026, every textile product sold in Europe must have a Digital Product Passport (DPP). L’Atelier des Matières ensures that its textiles include clear information on composition, origin, and environmental impact, preparing brands for this upcoming requirement.

Planning for End-of-Life

Design products with recycling in mind. Opt for mono-materials or easy-to-disassemble designs. With the latest technologies, even blended fabrics can now be recycled into new textiles.

Managing Logistics

From transport to packaging, logistics play a significant role in a product’s environmental footprint. For example, sourcing local materials reduces emissions and boosts traceability. L’Atelier des Matières offers Made-in-France or Made-in-Europe solutions with 100% upcycled textiles.

To conclude, embracing eco-design is about adopting sustainable practices at a manageable pace. With expert guidance from L’Atelier des Matières, brands can meet current regulations, prepare for future certifications, and align with the growing demands of eco-conscious consumers.