Low-carbon roadmap for the Finnish textile and fashion industry

The textile and fashion industry is estimated to account for approximately one-tenth of global GHG emissions. While the Finnish sector remains relatively small with lower direct emissions, its carbon footprint increases significantly when emissions across the entire value chain and product lifecycle are taken into account. The updated low-carbon roadmap for Finland’s textile and fashion industry outlines the current state of the sector and explores future opportunities for emission reductions. The roadmap expands the scope of emissions and reduction measures to cover the entire value chain (Scope 3). Additionally, it examines opportunities related to exports and the industry’s positive climate impact (carbon handprint).

Current and target state

Direct Scope 1 and indirect Scope 2 GHG emissions from the Finnish textile and fashion industry accounted for approximately 0.06% of Finland’s total emissions in 2022. Compared to 2018, emissions from the industry’s own operations (Scope 1 and 2) have decreased by approximately 19%. However, the majority of emissions from the Finnish sector arise from the value chain. Scope 3 emissions are estimated at around 1.63 MtCO2e, representing approximately 98.4% of the industry’s total emissions. The primary sources of emissions within the value chain are the production of textile fibers and materials (89%) and the use phase of textile products (9%).

The Finnish textile and fashion industry is committed to achieving carbon neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035. This commitment is further supported by the Carbon Neutral Textile Industry 2035 Initiative, launched by the Finnish Textile and Fashion Association in 2021, with 25 companies from the sector having pledged their support.

Finnish textile and fashion industry is positioned to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operations and is well-equipped to offer solutions to the global climate challenges of the textile and fashion sector”

Main solutions

The decarbonization of the energy sector alone can significantly reduce the textile and fashion industry emissions. Key solutions for achieving carbon neutrality also include transitioning to renewable energy sources, electrifying processes, and improving energy efficiency. Given that Scope 3 emissions account for a substantial portion of total industry emissions, reducing emissions across the value chain is essential for lowering the overall carbon footprint. The most significant impact on reducing Scope 3 emissions—and consequently the industry’s total emissions—stems from the production of low-carbon quality materials and extending product lifecycles through circular economy solutions.

Needs and requirements

For the realization of emission reduction measures, the availability and competitiveness of zero emission energy is crucial. To accelerate low-carbon operations in the industry there is a need to increase investments in ecological textile fiber innovations, circular economy solutions, and digital services, which can also contribute to a positive carbon handprint for the sector.Additionally, supporting the piloting and commercialization of new technologies within domestic markets, as well as scaling these technologies to international markets, is essential for the sector’s growth. Promoting the development of cross-sectoral clusters, including collaborations with the forest industry and construction sector, will also play a pivotal role.

Future and positive impacts

The updated roadmap outlines two distinct scenarios for the textile and fashion industry’s path to carbon neutrality. The first, “Own Nest,” aims to reduce emissions from the Finnish textile and fashion sector’s own operations to zero by 2035. The second, “Global Textile Industry Innovator,” seeks to leverage new ecological textile fiber innovations and circular economy strategies to drive global growth while enhancing the industry’s positive carbon handprint.

Achieving these goals requires supportive policy measures to foster international growth and the scaling of the carbon handprint. While the EU’s textile strategy presents opportunities, it also imposes financial and administrative burdens. Therefore, ensuring the effectiveness and predictability of these policies is crucial.

To position the Finnish textile industry as a central economic pillar, substantial investments are required in ecological textile fiber innovations, circular economy solutions, and digital technologies. Equally important is the support for piloting and scaling new technologies, alongside fostering cross-sector collaboration to test alternative raw materials and promote the use of recycled fibers.