Volatile Organic Compounds and the Textile Industry

Seth Jefson

In order to attempt to reduce the speed of anthropogenic climate change, a vast number of issues must be addressed. We are still in the infant stages of change, and we are losing the race against time. With no sweeping climate legislation on the horizon, the agency of setting the course for the future has been handed to the people. It’s our job to hold corporate polluters to a higher standard. Through conscious consumer choice and activism, companies will be forced to comply with stricter environmental regulations. It’s time to ask them to do better on behalf of our planet and the security of future generations.

To an individual, there are endless components to consider when assessing their personal sustainability efforts. One that is often overlooked is the emission of VOCs that stems from product manufacturing. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to the EPA, are human-made chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process of many paints, refrigerants, and solvents. These compounds are emitted into the atmosphere and can cause countless short and long-term health defects in humans. A heavy employer of VOC-emitting chemicals is the outdoor goods industry. The problem with VOCs in the outdoor industry lies in the fabric coatings.

 In 2019, the industry was estimated to value $460 billion. Research found that apparel and equipment account for 1/3 of the total revenue. With that, about 1/10 of these apparel and equipment goods come with coated fabrics. The process through which these coated fabrics are produced emits harmful VOCs. This step is responsible for the majority of VOC emissions in the manufacturing process. Emissions produced from fabric coatings is in excess of 11.24 billion pounds in the U.S. market.

Today, we have the means to change that value (11.24 billion pounds) to 0. We have been able to introduce a more sustainable coating option that eliminates harmful coating chemicals. We are in the process of working with companies to get on board with our new sustainable technology, but we need your help! It is important that the individual demands these changes from the industries they care about. Hold them accountable and make them hear your concerns. Together we will continue to chip away at the climate crisis and find new sustainable solutions to our old problems.