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Net-Zero Emissions Primer for Textile Manufacturing Firms

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Section 1 - Primer audience

The objective of this primer is to help textile manufacturing companies and organizations achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It can be used by companies and organizations who are just starting out on their journey towards net-zero emissions. It can also be used by companies and organizations who are further along in the process and are looking for more concrete advice on what steps they can take.

This primer focuses primarily on textile mills and textile product mills (NAICS 313–314). However, some of the content may also be relevant to firms in related industries, where textile production is a key input for manufacturing of “end use” goods, including:

1.1 Overview of the subsector

Companies in the textiles manufacturing subsector produce various textile products, ranging from apparel and household furnishings to specialized goods such as medical textiles, protective gear, and construction materials.

The full list of the relevant North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for this subsector is found in Annex 1.  

In Canada, there are approximately 850 businesses in this subsector, predominantly composed of medium and large-sized firms employing anywhere from a few to several hundred employees.

In most cases, textiles manufacturing firms are not major emitters individually and will not have to make significant changes to their business model as the economy shifts to net-zero emissions. However, the sector’s total emissions are still significant and must be addressed if Canada is to meet its net-zero target.

Section 2 - The shift to net-zero emissions

The purpose of this section is to provide relevant background and context on the shift to net-zero emissions, to help textile firms understand their role in the transition and prepare to develop their net-zero strategy and plan.

This section describes why planning for net zero is important, and what the shift to net-zero will look like for companies and organizations in the textile manufacturing subsector in Canada. It also introduces how to measure emissions using internationally recognized GHG emissions accounting practices.

2.1 The importance of planning for net-zero emissions by 2050

For the textiles manufacturing subsector, reaching net-zero emissions is important, since the aggregate emissions from the sub-sector are significant, even if those from individual firms may be small.Footnote 1 The sector as a whole has a role to play in the global transition to net zero.

For individual companies in this subsector, planning for net-zero emissions is important, as it allows firms to prepare for the future. Companies can:

Net-zero planning is also useful to comply with evolving regulatory standards and meet conditions to participate in voluntary emissions reduction programs (such as the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge).

2.2 The shift to net-zero for the textile manufacturing subsector in Canada

This section describes what the shift to net-zero will look like for textile manufacturing as a whole in Canada. What this could look like for your company specifically is addressed in Section 3.

2.2.1 Where do emissions in the textile manufacturing subsector come from

The activities of firms in this subsector involve transforming raw materials into finished products through energy-intensive processes such as:

Emissions associated with these operations stem from both direct on-site fuel combustion and indirect emissions across the value chain, including:

Details on where these emissions typically come from are listed below:

Category: Thermal manufacturing processes

Description: Use of heat in production (for example dyeing, drying, heat-setting, bonding).

Explanation: Direct emissions from use of energy, including natural gas, oil, or electricity for heating textile machinery and generating steam.

Relative magnitude of emissions: High

Degree of company control: Medium to high

Category: Facility heating and cooling

Description: Space and water heating for buildings and offices.

Explanation: Direct emissions from use of fossil fuels (natural gas, oil); indirect emissions from use of electricity, involving HVAC and water heating systems.

Relative magnitude of emissions: Medium

Degree of company control: Medium

Category: Electric machinery and equipment (non-HVAC)

Description: Powering motors, looms, lighting, and control systems

Explanation: Indirect emissions from electricity consumption, including machinery operation, lighting, and control systems within the facility.

Relative magnitude of emissions: Low to medium

Degree of company control: Low to medium

Category: Transport and shipping

Description: Movement of raw materials and finished goods (inbound and outbound).

Explanation: Emissions from freight transport (trucks, ships, rail) for inbound raw materials and outbound finished textile products distribution.

Relative magnitude of emissions: Medium to high

Degree of company control: Low to medium

Category: Employee travel and commuting

Description: Employee commutes, deliveries, business travel.

Explanation: Emissions from employee vehicles commuting to manufacturing facilities and company-related travel for meetings or logistics purposes.

Relative magnitude of emissions: Low to medium

Degree of company control: Medium

Category: Fiber lifecycle

Description: Emissions embedded in the production of yarns and fibers and their end-of-life management.

Explanation: Indirect emissions from producing virgin synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon). Lower emissions from recycled or bio-based materials.

Relative magnitude of emissions: Medium to High

Degree of company control: Low to medium

2.2.2 How to reduce emissions from textile manufacturing

There are several actions that can be taken to reduce emissions from textile manufacturing. Some actions are under the control of a company, whereas others are actions that need to occur across the broader economy. The main mitigation actions required for the textile manufacturing subsector to reach net-zero emissions are listed below:

Category: Thermal manufacturing processes

Actions companies could take:

Actions across the broader economy:

Category: Facility heating and cooling

Actions companies could take:

Actions across the broader economy:

Category: Electric machinery and equipment (non-HVAC)

Actions companies could take:

Actions across the broader economy:

Category: Transport and shipping

Actions companies could take:

Actions across the broader economy:

Category: Employee travel and commuting

Actions companies could take:

Actions across the broader economy:

Category: Fiber lifecycle

Actions companies could take:

Actions across the broader economy:

The emissions mitigation actions outlined above address quantifiable emissions sources in the textile manufacturing subsector that can be calculated according to globally recognized accounting standards such as the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064. Textile manufacturing firms can also contribute through:

2.3 Measuring GHG emissions

Accurately determining a company’s or organization’s emissions profile is critical to identifying where to direct mitigation actions. There are several widely accepted international resources that can be used to calculate a company’s GHG emissions. The two most prominent resources are the GHG Protocol, and the ISO 14064 standards.

2.3.1 The GHG Protocol

The GHG Protocol is the most widely used framework for GHG accounting and identifies, explains, and provides options for GHG emissions inventory best practices. It is used widely across many voluntary GHG initiatives including the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge and the Science Based Targets initiative.

The GHG Protocol adopts standard accounting categories companies can use to effectively communicate their emissions data with stakeholders, investors, and regulatory bodies.

The GHG Protocol’s categorization provides a holistic view of a company’s or organization’s entire value chain. This offers deeper insights into emissions sources and potential areas for cost and carbon reductions. These emissions categories will be referred to throughout this primer, and are as follows:

Scope 3 emissions

In the GHG Protocol there are fifteen categories for Scope 3 emissions:

2.3.2 International Organization for Standardization

The International Organization for Standardization 14064 standards can be used to quantify, monitor, report, and verify GHG emissions. Relevant standards include:

The ISO 14064 series is complementary to the GHG Protocol and companies could benefit from using both sets of guidance.

Specifically, if a company wishes to have their GHG emissions inventory verified by an accredited third-party, it is recommended that they use the ISO 14064-1 standard. This ensures that their GHG emissions inventory is developed in a way that can be easily verified and compared to the inventories of other organizations.

Section 3 - Net-Zero strategy and planning for textile manufacturing firms

The purpose of this section is to help textile manufacturing firms make a strategy and a plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. It also aims to helps position their company competitively in a net-zero world. This section is for companies who understand the background and context provided in Section 2 and are ready to take action.

Note that this primer is based on the typical activities of a firm in the textile manufacturing sector. While it provides a guide to simplify the process of net-zero planning, your company or organization must apply it to your own specific circumstances to develop a path forward.

3.1 Corporate strategy in a net-zero world

Before creating a detailed net-zero plan, your company should create a corporate strategy that determines broadly how your company wants to position itself in a net-zero emissions world. Your company should research and evaluate both the external competitive landscape and the company’s internal strengths and weaknesses, to determine the best path forward for the company.

Some of the questions you could ask are:

3.1.1 Net-zero business model

Next, you should reflect on if your company should make any changes to its business model.

For many firms in the textile manufacturing subsector, achieving net-zero emissions may not radically alter day-to-day operations since core manufacturing activities will remain central.

However, the materials used, the energy sources powering equipment, and the expectations of customers and supply chain partners are all evolving. This shift offers a chance not just to decarbonize, but to strategically reposition the company for long-term success. Firms that embrace:

will be better placed to thrive in a low-carbon economy.

3.1.2 The competitive advantage of net-zero

Moving to net-zero isn’t just about managing risk - it also presents real opportunities.

In Canada, growing industries like green construction, clean transportation, and bio-based product development are likely to increase demand for sustainable, high-performance textiles. Firms can explore supplying specialized low-carbon textiles for use in:

At the same time, domestic and international buyers are looking for suppliers who can help them meet their own climate targets.

Canadian manufacturers who demonstrate leadership through emissions reduction and material innovation will have a competitive edge in securing long-term contracts and brand partnerships.

This is also an opportunity to rethink how your company positions itself in the market. Branding your business as an eco-friendly textile provider—with third-party certifications, clear climate targets, and transparent sourcing—can attract environmentally conscious buyers. It can also serve as a powerful signal of credibility, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership.

3.2 Net-zero planning for textile manufacturing firms

Once you have an understanding of what the net-zero transition could look like globally and for your sector, and you have considered your company’s strategy in a net-zero world, you are ready to create a net-zero plan that will outline the tangible actions you can take.

This section goes over the steps your company will need to complete to create a credible and achievable net-zero plan. These include:

Step 1: Create a base year GHG inventory 
Step 2: Identify GHG mitigation actions 
Step 3: Evaluate and prioritize GHG mitigation actions 
Step 4: Establish targets and develop an implementation timeline 
Step 5: Monitor implementation and periodically revise your plan 

Details on how to complete each of these steps are in the sections below.

For some textile manufacturing companies, doing a simple net-zero plan in-house is possible.

However, some companies may have more complex situations or lack the internal resources to create a credible net-zero plan. In these cases, companies may wish to seek out external expertise in clean technology, the energy transition, energy and climate policy, and finance.

For larger companies, developing and implementing a robust net-zero plan typically requires engagement from multiple departments. Planning is greatly facilitated by strong commitment and clear tone from senior management to ensure cross-functional collaboration and alignment on sustainability goals.

3.2.1 Step 1: Create a base year GHG inventory

The first step in creating a net-zero plan is creating an inventory of your GHG emissions for a one-year period, which will be your base year. To create the base year inventory, you will need to:

Set inventory boundaries for your organization

Setting the inventory boundary allows you to determine what sources of emissions result from your activities and, accordingly, what emissions will need to be addressed to reach net-zero emissions.

Generally, inventory boundaries can be set through three criteria: equity share, financial control and operational control. Please refer to the following resources for details on how to set inventory boundaries for your organization:  

Identify sources of emissions

The lists below show common sources of emissions for textiles manufacturing companies. Identify which of these sources apply to your organization.

Common sources of emissions from thermal manufacturing processes:

Common sources of emissions from facility heating and cooling:

Common sources of emissions from electric machinery and equipment (non-HVAC):

Common sources of emissions from transport and shipping:

Common sources of emissions from employee travel and commuting:

Common sources of emissions from the fiber lifecycle:

Once you have identified the sources of emissions, you will need to identify which category each emissions source falls into (Scope 1, 2 or 3), as described in the GHG Protocol.

The list above identifies the most common sources of emissions for textile manufacturing companies. The full list of scope 3 emissions should be reviewed to determine whether there are any other sources that could be relevant to your business.

Quantify your emissions

Once emissions sources have been identified, you must quantify your emissions. This is done by gathering activity data and emission factors that quantify the GHG emissions associated with each type of activity.

Activity data are quantitative measures of activities that result in GHG emissions. Examples of activity data could include:

Emissions factors are calculated ratios, that specify the amount of GHGs that are emitted per unit of activity. Multiplying the activity data by the correct emissions factor will produce an estimate of total emissions associated with this activity.

There are several reputable organizations that provide publicly available emissions factors. Environment and Climate Change Canada provides the following resources to find emissions factors:

Other helpful resources to create your GHG Inventory include:

3.2.2 Step 2: Identify GHG mitigation actions

Once the base year GHG inventory is complete, the second step is to identify possible actions your company could take to mitigate those emissions. Possible mitigation actions for each category of emissions are given in the sections below.

If none of these mitigation actions are feasible for your company, you can consider purchasing carbon offset credits.

Thermal manufacturing process

The top mitigation actions for GHG emissions from thermal manufacturing processes based on available sector information and existing studies are listed below. Further information can be found at:

Reaching net-zero in thermal manufacturing processes will depend primarily on electrifying systems that currently rely on fossil fuels. Electrification offers the greatest emissions reduction potential. Over the lifetime of the equipment electrification may also deliver operational savings. Further information can be found at:

Energy efficiency measures, particularly in already electrified processes, are also essential, helping to maximize emissions cuts and reduce energy costs even further. However, energy efficiency and heat recovery alone cannot achieve net-zero emissions.

Possible mitigation actions for steam boilers for dyeing, scouring, and finishing:

Possible mitigation actions for gas-fired dryers and stenter frames:

Possible mitigation actions for heated process water and chemical baths:

Facility heating and cooling

The top mitigation actions for GHG emissions from facility heating and cooling are listed below. These possible mitigation actions are presented roughly in order of what will likely be the most impactful and practical, to the least.

Possible mitigation actions for natural gas space heating (furnaces, boilers):

Possible mitigation actions for water heating for sanitation and processes (boilers, tank systems):

Possible mitigation actions for air conditioning and mechanical ventilation:

Possible mitigation actions for electricity use for HVAC systems and lighting:

Possible mitigation actions for refrigerants released from AC units and heat pumps:

Electric machinery and equipment (non-HVAC)

The top mitigation actions for GHG emissions from non-HVAC electric machinery and equipment are listed below:

Possible mitigation actions for electrical operation of looms, knitting, sewing, and spinning machines:

Possible mitigation actions for auxiliary systems like compressors, vacuum pumps, and motors:

Possible mitigation actions for lighting, control panels, IT systems, and electronic devices:

Transport and shipping

The top mitigation actions for GHG emissions from transport and shipping are listed below:

Possible mitigation actions for diesel trucks used for transporting raw materials and finished products:

Possible mitigation actions for rail or marine freight for long-distance supply chain movements:

Possible mitigation actions for air freight for urgent or overseas shipments:

Possible mitigation actions for emissions from packaging:

Employee travel and commuting

The top mitigation actions for GHG emissions from employee travel and commuting are listed below:

Possible mitigation actions for daily commuting by employees in gasoline or diesel vehicles:

Possible mitigation actions for business travel by car or plane for supplier meetings, trade shows, etc.:

Fiber lifecycle

The top mitigation actions for fiber lifecycle GHG emissions are listed below:

Possible mitigation actions for emissions from cotton farming (diesel machinery, fertilizer use, irrigation):

Possible mitigation actions for methane emissions from animals used in wool production:

Possible mitigation actions for fossil fuel consumption and emissions from synthetic fiber (for example, polyester) manufacturing:

Carbon offset credits

Purchasing carbon offset credits is a mitigation action that can be taken when no other option is feasible.

Carbon offset credits represent GHG emissions reductions or removals generated from activities that are additional to what would have occurred in the absence of the offset project. These credits are generated from activities that go beyond legal requirements and a business-as-usual standard. Each offset credit generated by an offset project represents one tonne of CO2e reduced or removed from the atmosphere.

Today, most offsets are emissions reductions. But as the economy approaches net-zero, emissions reductions offset opportunities will decline as emissions fall across all sectors of the economy. Companies that do rely on offsets should therefore over time increase the proportion of offsets that come from carbon removals.

3.2.3 Step 3: Evaluate and prioritize GHG mitigation actions

Now that several possible mitigation actions have been identified, companies will need to evaluate and prioritize them.

Each company will have a different evaluation framework depending on various factors including their level of ambition, financial position, resourcing and management support. Companies should also consider supporting Canadian businesses when selecting mitigation strategies.

Common factors that companies should consider when evaluating and prioritizing emissions mitigation actions are listed below:

Emissions impact

Possible Pro(s):

Possible Con(s):

Technology maturity

Possible Pro(s):

Possible Con(s):

Capital cost

Possible Pro(s):

Possible Con(s):

Operation and maintenance (O&M) costs

Possible Pro(s):

Possible Con(s):

Availability

Possible Pro(s):

Possible Con(s):

Timing

Possible Pro(s):

Possible Con(s):

Lifestyle considerations

Possible Pro(s):

Possible Con(s):

Completing the analysis of the mitigation actions, along with understanding your company’s available resources and strategic priorities, can help identify the top mitigation actions to pursue.

You will complete this exercise based on the situation as of today, but all of these factors are constantly changing.  This exercise will need to be repeated regularly as the landscape shifts.

3.2.4 Step 4: Establish targets and develop an implementation timeline

Now that you have identified your main emissions sources and potential mitigation actions, it is time to assess what is possible within specific timelines, and to set targets.

Task 1: Consider interim targets to reach net-zero by 2050

Targets provide crucial grounding for decarbonization efforts. They communicate a company’s ambition, allow the organization to coordinate its response, and provide a benchmark against which progress can be measured.

Many voluntary initiatives, including the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge, require member companies to plan their path towards net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. This aligns with Canada’s legislative commitments to net-zero and the recommendation of the Science Based Targets initiative.

Interim targets are important to focus attention on what can practically be done in the short term and to ensure progress. Some companies have adopted shorter term targets based on an aspiration to be a leader in their sector and/or to harmonize with Canada’s national goal of a 40-45% emissions reduction by 2030.

Interim targets are more likely to be achieved when they align with your strategic objectives and are grounded in a solid analysis of the costs, timing, and effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures.

Task 2: Draft an implementation timeline

The mitigation actions should be placed on a timeline to establish and/or confirm interim targets and to form the basis for a phased decarbonization plan.

In Step 3 you evaluated several possible emissions mitigation actions, and this evaluation can help you determine a realistic implementation timeline.

Factors that influence the implementation timeline will include:

Task 3: Sum your emissions reductions over time

Each of the actions you have decided to take can be included in your plan together with the anticipated reductions over time. Summing up the proposed reductions at key interim dates (2030, 2035, etc.) can then allow you to validate (or establish) appropriate interim targets.

It is important to remember that net-zero emissions can only be achieved if other organizations up and down your value chain are also decarbonizing their activities at the same time. Therefore, the pathway to full decarbonization may be unclear.

Over time, as manufacturing, transport, and energy production are increasingly decarbonized, the carbon intensity of the goods and services needed by your business will decrease. Net-zero will become more achievable.

Fostering collaboration and maintaining open communication with your value chain partners will be essential to accelerating the transition and providing greater clarity around your own net-zero plan.

3.2.5 Step 5: Monitor implementation and periodically revise your plan

Full decarbonization of the economy will take time. It is hard to anticipate developments five years from now, let alone in 30 years. Net-zero planning will necessarily be an iterative process. Plans will be adjusted periodically to reflect changing circumstances – including technological, economic, social and geopolitical – and as the whole economy moves towards net-zero emissions.

You should establish a regular process for monitoring the implementation of your plan, such as:

Next steps

If you are ready to take the next step, learn more about how to join the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge.

Glossary

Base year:
A year in history against which a company’s emissions are tracked over time to compare it with future emissions. It must be a consecutive twelve months, either as a full calendar year or consecutive over two calendar years. 
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e):
A unit of measure for comparison between greenhouse gases (GHGs) that have different global warming potentials (GWPs). This unit of measure allows other GHGs to be expressed in terms of the GWP of one unit of CO2. To express GHG emissions in units of CO2e, the quantity of a given GHG is multiplied by its GWP.
Decarbonization:
The process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from a product, process, facility, or sector.
Direct emissions:
Emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by a company or organization (GHG Protocol 2004: 97).
Downstream emissions:
Emissions from downstream activities associated with the operations of a company, including processing of sold products, use of sold products, investments, franchises, downstream transportation and distribution, end-of-life treatment of sold products, and downstream leased assets.
Emission factor:
A value that quantifies an average amount of emissions associated with an activity. For more details on Canada-specific emission factors, see the latest National Inventory Report for Canada.
Emissions:
The release of greenhouse gases (or other substances) into the atmosphere.
Emissions inventory:
A quantified list of emissions and emission sources for a company, organization, municipality, region, province/territory, or country.
Energy efficiency:
A measure of how effectively energy is used for a given purpose. It is a ratio or other quantitative relationship between an output of performance, service, goods, commodities, or energy, and an input of energy. 
Global Warming Potential (GWP):
Allows the comparison of the global warming impacts of different gases or particles (such as black carbon). It is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 tonne of a gas or particle will absorb over a given period of time, compared to the emissions of 1 tonne of carbon dioxide. For the purposes of net-zero planning, use of 100-year GWP is recommended.
Greenhouse gas (GHG):
A gas that absorbs and re-emits radiation, resulting in the greenhouse effect, which contributes to a warming climate. For the purposes of this guidance and for the Net-Zero Challenge, GHGs include all of those that are subject to reporting for the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. This includes carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), 13 different hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and 7 different perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
Indirect emissions:
Emissions that are a consequence of the activities of a company but occur at sources owned or controlled by another company (GHG Protocol 2004: 99).
Inventory boundary:
Allows a participant to determine what sources of emissions are the result of their activities and accordingly, what emissions will need to be addressed in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Generally, the inventory boundary includes geographical boundaries and organizational boundaries.
Mitigation strategy:
A practice, process, or technology that contributes to mitigation, for example, enhancing energy efficiency and adopting renewable energy sources.
Net-Zero Challenge:
A voluntary Government of Canada program that encourages businesses to develop and implement credible and effective plans to transition their facilities and operations to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Net-zero emissions:
Achieving net-zero emissions means that anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are balanced by anthropogenic removals of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere over a specified period; for organizations, net zero GHG emissions is commonly considered as the condition in which emissions have been reduced such that only residual emissions remain, and offsetting is restricted to removal credits only (ISO 14068).
Net-zero plan:
A net-zero plan includes an emissions inventory and base year, interim targets, descriptions of the considered scenarios, pathways and mitigation strategies, and an outline of how net-zero planning will be incorporated into a company’s governance and disclosures.
Offset credits:
Represent GHG emissions reductions or removals generated from activities that are additional to what would have occurred in the absence of the offset project (that is, generated from activities that go beyond legal requirements and a business-as-usual standard). Each offset credit generated by an offset project represents one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) reduced or removed from the atmosphere.
Organizational boundaries:
The boundaries that determine the operations owned or controlled by a company, depending on the consolidation approach taken (equity share, operational control, or financial control).
Scope:
Defines the operational boundaries in relation to direct and indirect emissions (GHG Protocol 2004: 101).
Scope 1 emissions:
A company’s direct emissions, principally the generation of electricity, heat, or steam, physical or chemical processing, transportation, and fugitive emissions (GHG Protocol 2004: 101).
Scope 2 emissions:
A company’s indirect emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, heating/cooling, and steam for own consumption (GHG Protocol 2004: 101).
Scope 3 emissions:
A company’s indirect emissions excluding those covered in scope 2. Also known as value chain emissions (GHG Protocol 2004: 101).
Upstream emissions:
Emissions from upstream activities associated with the operations of a company, including purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations, business travel, and employee commuting.
Value chain:
All business processes or activities involved in the production of a good or service for market, from conception to end use and beyond. A simplified value chain would include corporate services (for example, marketing, logistics), research and development, inputs, assembly, distribution, sales, and after-sales service.
Value chain emissions:
These are indirect emissions that may exist upstream or downstream of a company’s operations. Value chain emissions are also known as scope 3 emissions.

Annex 1: North American Industry Classification System

Based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), such businesses in the textile manufacturing sector include:

313 – Textile Mills

3131 – Fibre, yarn, and thread mills

31311 – Fibre, yarn and thread mills

3132 – Fabric mills

31321 – Broad-woven fabric mills

31322 – Narrow fabric mills and schiffli machine embroidery

31323 – Nonwoven fabric mills

31324 – Knit fabric mills

3133 – Textile and fabric finishing and fabric coating

31331 – Textile and fabric finishing

31332 – Fabric coating

314 – Textile Product Mills

3141 – Textile furnishing mills

31411 – Carpet and rug mills

31412 – Curtain and linen mills

3149 – Other textile product mills

31491 – Textile bag and canvas mills

31499 – All other textile product mills

315 - Apparel manufacturing

3151 - Apparel knitting mills

31512 - Apparel knitting mills

3152 - Cut and sew clothing manufacturing

31521 - Cut and sew clothing contracting

31525 - Cut and sew apparel manufacturing (except contractors)

316 - Leather and allied product manufacturing

3161 - Leather and hide tanning and finishing

31611 - Leather and hide tanning and finishing

3162 - Footwear manufacturing

31621 - Footwear manufacturing

3169 - Other leather and allied product manufacturing

31699 - Other leather and allied product manufacturing

Annex 2: Thermal manufacturing process electric alternatives

This section provides a high-level overview of electrified alternatives for thermal manufacturing processes in the textiles manufacturing sector. It is intended to offer directional guidance only.

The suitability and performance of each technology will vary depending on specific operational contexts, equipment configurations, and facility needs. Companies are encouraged to assess the relevance and feasibility of each option based on their own technical, financial, and process requirements before making investment decisions.

Technology: Electric steam boilers

Description: Use electricity (resistance or electrode) to produce steam for process heating.

Best suited for: Any process currently using steam boilers, including:

Considerations: High efficiency; clean and reliable; simple retrofit in steam-based systems.

Technology: Electric thermal oil boilers 

Description: Electrified systems that heat thermal oils used in high-temperature applications (for example heat-setting).

Best suited for: Processes requiring stable high temperatures, including

Considerations: Avoids pressure issues with steam; enables high-temperature heating (up to 400°C).

Technology: Industrial heat pumps

Description: Use refrigerant cycles to extract heat from waste streams or ambient sources and raise its temperature.

Best suited for: Low- to mid-temperature processes, such as:

Considerations: Highly efficient and can reduce significantly energy costs.

Technology: Induction heating 

Description: Uses electromagnetic fields to heat conductive materials directly and precisely.

Best suited for: Bonding layers, activating adhesives, mold heating.

Considerations: Excellent for localized heating; high precision; best for small-area or high-speed tasks.

Technology: Radiofrequency (RF) heating

Description: Uses alternating electric fields to generate uniform internal heating in dielectric materials.

Best suited for: Drying nonwovens, thick fabrics, adhesives.

Considerations: Effective for low-conductivity materials; equipment is specialized; mid-range capital cost.

Technology: Electric infrared (IR) heating

Description: Converts electricity into radiant heat for surface-level heating.

Best suited for: Fabric drying, surface finishing, curing coatings.

Considerations: Low maintenance; fast response; can be retrofit or modular; relatively low cost.

Technology: Ultraviolet heating (UV Curing)

Description: Uses UV light to instantly cure adhesives, inks, and coatings.

Best suited for: Coating and adhesive curing on technical textiles.

Considerations: Requires UV-reactive materials; no thermal energy needed.

Technology: Microwave heating

Description: Uses dielectric heating to volumetrically heat materials from within.

Best suited for: Drying bulky or thick, moisture-retaining fabrics.

Considerations: Very uniform drying; good for thermal-sensitive products; higher capital cost, but faster throughput.

Technology: Thermal energy storage

Description: Stores excess/off-peak electric heat (for example, in water tanks or salt beds) for later use.

Best suited for: Complementary to any electric thermal system; managing peak loads.

Considerations: Useful for grid load management; complements boilers/heat pumps; moderate cost; depends on grid pricing.

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2026-04-22