Reuse of water and materials as a cleaner production practice in the textile industry contributing to blue economy. (10th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oliveira Neto, Geraldo Cardoso de; Cesar da Silva, Paulo; Tucci, Henrricco Nieves Pujol; Amorim, Marlene
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 305(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07-10
• Subjects: Blue economy -- Cleaner production -- Wastewater treatment -- Textile industry -- Reduction and reuse; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127075
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: The textile industry has been concerned with the need to address the environmental and ecological sustainability of the oceans, according to a set of principles designated as the Blue Economy. Likewise, the textile industry has been identifying cleaner production practices with the purpose of reducing water consumption and limiting the use of toxics namely for fabric dyeing, in order to limit the disposal of toxic effluents and prevent the contamination of rivers, and oceans. This study has the objective of evaluating the Eco efficiency of a textile industry that implemented Cleaner Production practices for water reuse, and the minimization of the usage of water and materials aligned with the Blue Economy principles. The study used a case study approach, involving data collection through observation, documental analysis and interviews. The study contributes for theory by relating Cleaner Production and Blue Economy, topics that are not often explored together. It also contributes to the managerial practice offering a real case of Cleaner Production and Blue Economy strategy, leading to the minimization of environmental impacts of 516.2 thousand tons per year in several domains, including the biotic, abiotic, water and air. 96.9% of the gains were observed in the use of water resources, including economic gains from water reuse, and from the commercialization of sludge as a by-product. Despite the investment of 771.5 thousand dollars in cleaner technologies a return on investments was achieved after 29 months. The study also favoured the elimination of pollutants in the effluents that are disposed in rivers, lakes and the sea, contributing to the improvement in the health conditions of local communities.