ITMF Report Highlights Production Costs & Carbon Impact in Textiles
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has released the latest edition of its International Production Cost Comparison (IPCC), offering an in-depth analysis of production costs and carbon footprints across the primary textile value chain for 2023.
This comprehensive study benchmarks costs for key textile products—including spinning, weaving, knitting, and finishing—while breaking down cost components such as labor, energy, and depreciation. For the first time, this edition includes data from Uzbekistan and offers a detailed assessment of the carbon footprint associated with each production stage.
Key Insights from IPCC 2023:
-
Cost of Woven Cotton Fabric (COW Process):
Producing one meter of finished cotton woven fabric (excluding raw materials) cost an average of $0.94 USD/m globally, with Bangladesh being the most cost-efficient ($0.70 USD/m) and Italy the most expensive ($1.54 USD/m).-
Spinning costs: $0.31 USD/m on average
-
Weaving costs: $0.25 USD/m
-
Finishing costs: $0.38 USD/m
-
-
Cost of Spinning NE30 Ring Yarn:
Producing 1 kg of NE30 yarn averaged $1.63 USD/kg, with Vietnam at the low end ($1.19 USD/kg) and Italy at the high end ($2.85 USD/kg). Labor costs varied sharply—lowest in Bangladesh ($0.02 USD/kg) and highest in Italy ($0.97 USD/kg). -
Carbon Footprint Analysis:
The study introduces detailed carbon impact assessments for each production process. India reported the highest total carbon footprint at 12.5 kg CO₂e per kg of finished woven cotton fabric, largely due to energy-intensive spinning and weaving.
In contrast, Brazil showcased the lowest emissions (just under 4 kg CO₂e per kg) thanks to renewable energy sources. Countries like the USA and Italy also demonstrated better carbon efficiency due to advanced technologies.
This extensive comparative analysis not only identifies cost disparities but also sheds light on the pressing need for energy efficiency and greener manufacturing in the global textile industry.
For full details, visit www.itmf.org/publications.
