For my final project, I was thinking of looking into the dyeing process of fabrics between two regions – China and the US/Europe. The textile industry uses trillions of liters of freshwater every year. But these resources become polluted and return to the ecosystem, causing hazardous effects on people and the environment. Carcinogenic chemicals from the waste are directly released into our waterways, posing serious health risks. But recent developments in dyeing processes – especially dry dying and dyes from natural plants – are seeking to eliminate water and energy waste. The US/Europe region has been implementing these methods with some success despite the burden of manufacturing costs and limitations in addressing a range of fabrics. China on the other hand, has been under tight scrutiny due to its ‘Green Agenda,’ that seeks to crackdown on pollution in the 2018-2020 period. I believe that increased government regulation in this area is an incentive for industries to implement sustainable methods of dyeing fabrics. I will attempt to create an interactive video that will be an educational overview of these current trends in dyeing fabrics, and come to a conclusion on effective methods of sustainability in China, including any limitations and roadblocks.
