Natural resource-dependent companies fear global warming

As you might imagine, large industries evidently need large amounts of natural resources to be able to manufacture whatever they produce. However, it is sometimes difficult to get an accurate idea of ​​what this “ large amount of natural resources ” represents, and how much companies depend on those resources.

According to an article published by the people of the site npr, an example of this is the North American VF Corporation, which alone consumes 1% of all cotton that is grown on the planet. Although the name is not very familiar, VF encompasses brands like The North Face, Wranger, Lee, 7 for all mankind, Timberland and many others, and is dedicated to producing everything from jeans to uniforms, as well as sportswear, shoes, clothing. intimate etc.

However, due to the kind of products with which VF works, the company needs a huge amount of cotton and, as a result, has become hostage to the risks posed by global warming. This plant is usually grown in warm climate countries and needs a specific amount of water to flourish, and is very sensitive to bad weather conditions.

In search of alternatives

According to npr, VF began looking for alternatives to cotton, evaluating options like other plants and even textile products made from plastic and other materials. Thus, the company is already developing in the laboratory fabrics made from fibers obtained from bacterial colonies, as well as adhesive materials capable of self-regenerating and thus extending the life of parts.

In addition, VF has also begun training some 400 Chinese farmers to grow plant species that need less water. The company has also started some partnerships with companies that offer options for materials made from recycled products.

Less impact

Another concern of the company is to reduce the environmental impact resulting from its activities. An example mentioned in the article was the making of a jacket made from a fabric obtained from the recycling of plastic, which resulted in a two thirds lower emission of greenhouse gases and the use of a much smaller amount of water than normal.

However, it will be a long time before all these new technologies set in and can meet the need for giants like VF. Not to mention that the fashion for using products made from alternative materials also needs to catch on with consumers.

Of course, such novelty comes at a cost - and not always very low - and companies will have to bear a portion of it until the massive scale production of these substitutes makes up for the investment. However, considering the current scenario, at least for companies that depend on resources such as cotton, the need to invest in new alternatives is essential. And in the end, everyone will end up winning from it.