The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has released the latest edition of its International Production Cost Comparison (IPCC) report, offering a deep dive into the manufacturing costs and carbon emissions associated with textile production. The 2023 edition, which includes contributions from industry experts across the globe, builds on the previous reports while introducing several important updates, including the addition of Uzbekistan and a comprehensive carbon footprint analysis.
Cost Breakdown Across Key Production Stages
The IPCC report provides an in-depth comparison of production costs at each stage of the textile manufacturing process. The report focuses on key stages such as spinning, draw texturing, weaving, knitting, and finishing, delivering a granular look at costs for different textile products.
For example, the cost of producing one meter of woven fabric from cotton 1-1/8″ in a continuous open width process (COW) in 2023 averaged at 0.94 USD/m, excluding raw material costs. The price range for fabric production varied by country, with Bangladesh reporting the lowest at 0.70 USD/m, while Italy had the highest cost at 1.54 USD/m. Similarly, spinning the yarn needed for this meter of fabric averaged 0.31 USD/m, with Bangladesh again being the lowest at 0.23 USD/m, and Italy at the higher end at 0.54 USD/m.
Weaving the yarn further added 0.25 USD/m to the production cost, with Pakistan recording the lowest cost at 0.14 USD/m and Italy again being the highest at 0.41 USD/m. Finally, finishing the woven fabric increased the production cost by an average of 0.38 USD/m. Bangladesh’s finishing cost was the lowest at 0.30 USD/m, while Italy’s costs reached 0.58 USD/m.
Carbon Footprint Analysis: A Global Comparison
A standout feature of this year’s IPCC report is the detailed carbon footprint analysis for the various textile products covered. The carbon emissions were assessed across the entire value chain—from spinning to weaving and finishing—offering insights into the environmental impact of textile manufacturing. The analysis revealed notable variations in emissions from country to country, primarily driven by energy efficiency, production technologies, and energy sources.
India emerged as the highest emitter, with a total carbon footprint of over 12.5 kg CO₂e per kg of textile. This was largely due to the high-intensity emissions during the spinning (4.4 kg) and weaving (4.3 kg) stages. China also showed significant emissions, particularly in the finishing stage (3.9 kg), due to the energy demands of downstream processing.
In contrast, Brazil reported the lowest carbon footprint, with just under 4 kg CO₂e per kg of textile. This achievement was largely attributed to Brazil’s renewable energy mix and more energy-efficient production processes. The United States and Italy also demonstrated relatively low emissions, thanks to advanced process efficiencies in the early stages of production.
Uzbekistan, which was newly included in this year’s report, presented moderate emissions across all stages, indicating room for improvement in line with global best practices.
Key Takeaways for the Textile Industry
The ITMF’s latest findings underscore the critical role of energy source and process optimization in reducing the environmental impact of textile production. Countries with renewable energy sources or more energy-efficient manufacturing practices, such as Brazil, have a significant advantage in minimizing their carbon footprint. On the other hand, countries like India and China—where high-intensity energy use remains a factor—show the pressing need for continued investments in energy optimization and sustainable technologies.
This year’s report also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by textile producers globally in balancing cost efficiency with environmental impact. The findings suggest that adopting cleaner, more energy-efficient technologies is not only crucial for reducing emissions but also for staying competitive in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
