The textile industry is one of the most carbon-intensive sectors, alongside steel, petrochemicals, and cement. The fabric manufacturing and dyeing processes account for more than half of the total carbon emissions in the industry.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) plans to introduce Digital Product Passport (DPP)* regulations for textile products starting in 2027. Global textile and fashion buyers are also increasing their demands for carbon calculation and reduction from their supply chain partners.
* The EU will mandate the digitalization of data from the entire product supply chain, including information on raw materials and components, carbon footprint, and recycled content, and make it available to consumers.
In response, MOTIE(The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy) has been supporting the replacement of equipment with low-carbon alternatives such as low-power motors and wastewater heat exchangers since 2023. Also, this year's project will expand its support to include equipment for measuring energy consumption, such as electricity and flow meters.
Reference: Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy press release, 2025, Sang-eun Lee, www.motie.go.kr