As the world continues to grapple with the effects of global warming, innovative solutions are being developed to mitigate carbon emissions, including in the fashion industry. Carbon capture is one such solution that has been gaining traction in recent years. This process involves trapping carbon dioxide from the air and storing it to reduce the effects of global warming. In this article, we explore the concept of carbon capture, its implementation in the fashion industry, and the potential benefits and concerns associated with it.

What is Carbon Capture?  

Carbon capture is a process that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and storing it underground, thereby reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere. This process is critical in mitigating the effects of global warming, which is primarily caused by the build-up of greenhouse gases such as CO2. Once the CO2 is captured, it is compressed into liquid and transported through a pipeline to be stored underground.

The process of carbon capture is not new, as it has been used in the oil and gas industry for several years. However, it is only recently that this technology has been applied to other industries such as fashion.

Where will the carbon be stored? 

Once the CO2 has been captured, it is compressed into liquid and transported through a pipeline, to be pumped and stored underground. 

Carbon Capture in Fashion

This unique invention is another door of opportunities leading the fashion world into a more sustainable direction.  

The fashion industry is notorious for its high carbon footprint, with estimates showing that it contributes to about 10% of global carbon emissions. However, with the increasing demand for sustainable fashion, brands are turning to innovative solutions such as carbon capture to reduce their carbon footprint.

One such brand is H&M, which has been developing a technique to create cotton clothing that captures greenhouse gases from the air. The project has been launched and tested in aprons used in a restaurant based in Stockholm, Sweden. These innovative aprons are capable of absorbing around a third of the amount of greenhouse gases that trees can capture in a day.

The fabric used in the aprons is specially designed to trap CO2 particles, which are then released into an onsite greenhouse to feed into the plants. Although the amount of carbon captured is relatively small, the process is simple and inexpensive, paving the way for many possibilities in the future.

The aprons can only hold a certain amount of carbon. The process pulls in CO2 particles and traps them. At the end of the day the aprons are taken to an onsite greenhouse, where the aprons are heated to 30-40c. This then releases the carbon into the greenhouse and feeds into the plants.  

There are some concerns over fabric being used to catch greenhouse gases!

These include: if the fabric will be able to release CO2 back into the atmosphere, how the fabric will compare to the fabric it is essentially replacing, and if there has been research done to account for unintended consequences. 

Critics question if the token gesture is worth it compared to the vast amount of CO2 being released into the air worldwide. In defense H&M are aware that the amount captured isn’t loads but it is a simple process and inexpensive, paving a way for many possibilities. Having said that it has been argued that this new technology is definitely a push forward in the right direction and a promising one.  

Algae-Based Clothing

Another emerging solution in the fashion industry is the use of algae-based clothing. French car manufacturer, DS Automobiles, has released a collection of clothing made using algae. The algae coats the fabric and draws out CO2 from the air, turning it into oxygen.

The collection consists of a bomber jacket, a trench coat, and two t-shirts. In order for the clothing to function properly, it needs daily misting and regular sun, just like a plant, in order to keep the algae alive.

This innovative solution is another step towards a more sustainable fashion industry, as it not only captures carbon but also gives back by producing oxygen.

Over in France DS Automobiles have released a piece collection using algae. The Algae coats the fabric and draws out CO2 from the air and turns it into oxygen. This is also a milestone in carbon capture for the industry. As not only does it capture, but it gives back.  

The collection consists of a Bomber jacket, a trench coat and two T-shirts. The idea was to mimic plants and the photosynthesis process, to do what nature already does but using textiles. So in order for this to function properly the clothing will need daily misting and regular sun, just like a plant, in order to keep the algae alive. 

Concerns with Carbon Capture

Despite the potential benefits of carbon capture in the fashion industry, there are concerns about its implementation and effectiveness. One concern is the verification of the amount of CO2 being put into underground storage and how long it may store for. Learning and understanding how the CO2 behaves once underground and being able to provide early warnings if things are not going as planned is critical to ensuring the effectiveness of carbon capture.

Another concern is the comparison of fabrics that are being replaced with those used in carbon capture. It is essential to ensure that the fabric used in carbon capture is just as durable and sustainable as those used in traditional fabrics.

There is also the question of unintended consequences. While carbon capture is an innovative and promising solution, it is essential to ensure that it does not have any negative impacts on the environment or human health.

The Future of Carbon Capture in Fashion

Carbon capture is an innovative solution that has the potential to revolutionize the fashion industry’s carbon footprint. As fashion brands continue to prioritize sustainability, carbon capture is likely to become an increasingly popular solution.

However, to ensure its effectiveness and minimize unintended consequences, it is essential to conduct extensive research and testing before implementing carbon capture on a large scale. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the fabric used in carbon capture is just as sustainable and durable as traditional fabrics.

In conclusion: Carbon capture is an innovative and promising solution to reduce carbon emissions in the fashion industry. With continued research and testing, it has the potential to transform the industry’s carbon footprint and pave the way for a more sustainable future.