Textiles
Textiles are an important part of everyday life, used for clothing, bedding, furniture and many other common goods. Textiles have a long history, but the modern textile industry was not born until the Industrial Revolution. Although numerous controversies have surrounded the industry, it remains an important part of the global economy.
Definition
The textile industry is all of the businesses that are involved with the production, processing, distribution, selling and marketing of textiles. These materials can be made of cotton, wool and synthetic fibers and may be sewn, woven or pressed together.
History
Obviously fabrics and cloth have been in use for much of human history. However, it wasn't until the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century when the processes of harvesting raw materials and creating textiles were automated by new inventions, allowing mass production of textile goods. In the United States, cotton was the South's most important crop, which mills in New England made into finished goods. However, after the Civil War and into the 20th century, this dynamic began to change, with production shifting south. Toward the end of the 20th century, much of this work began to be outsourced overseas, where wages and other costs were cheaper, in turn making the finished textiles cheaper.
Human Rights Problems
Unfortunately, the textile industry has had its problems. The most famous incident in the United States was likely the fire at the Triangle Waist Company in New York City. In 1911, a fire broke out on the top floors of the Asch Building just before closing time. The fire quickly spread, and locked doors prevented the workers (mostly young immigrants working in sweatshoplike conditions) from escaping. The deaths of 146 of these workers eventually prompted reforms and unions for textile workers, but it remains a potent memory. Although the issue of sweatshops is more visible today, and many groups and countries are working together to stop it, much work remains, and sweatshops continue to be a problem around the world.
Textiles and the Environment
The environmental impact of textiles is another problem. Many synthetic materials that are commonly used in clothing and other textiles, such as polyester, nylon and acrylic, are energy-intensive to create, and their manufacture also causes pollution. These materials are also harder to recycle and can take decades to decompose in landfills. The process of creating textiles can release toxins into the air, and chemicals for dyes often find their way into water supplies. Some companies are introducing more earth-friendly processes and materials, yet much remains to be done to curb the environmental impact of the textile industry.
The Future
The future of the textile industry looks bright. New materials, especially those that are environmentally friendly, are creating value-added incentives for consumers to buy textiles. Continued work that seeks to curb and eventually end unethical sweatshop practices should also help the textile industry move past its most questionable practices.
