Sustainable Textiles Online Short Course

Course description

This course will expand your understanding of the environmental problems caused by todays textile industry, and point the way towards sustainable alternatives that you can implement as a designer, retailer, or manufacturer.

The course is organised as a series of lectures, and students are encouraged to ask questions, add their own experience, and get involved in the debate. Each week there is also a wide range of reference material to review, and a practical assignment to help you put your knowledge into practice.

The course begins with a review of the impact of the industry's use of chemicals and scarce resources, poor industry practices, and waste. Then you will learn about the innovations that have the potential to solve these problems.

We will look at new eco-friendly fabrics and fibres, better and cleaner production processes, and ethical considerations such as fair trade and safe working. We will also review sustainable changes in the consumption of textiles, such as recycling, upcycling and changes in consumer habits to reduce landfill when buying clothes. By the end of the course you will be ready to make more sustainable decisions as a fashion professional, benefiting your company and our environment.

Course Outcomes:
By the end of the course you will have;

• Gained a better understanding of where textiles can be poor for the environment
• Learnt about some of the better alternative options when choosing textiles
• Gained confidence on the terminology used e.g. organic, fair trade, closed loop, recycled, etc
• Completed research on areas of sustainability
• Considered the whole process from raw materials, through to textiles and garments and then to retail and consumer

Who is Sustainable Textiles (Online Short Course) for?

Garment technologists, designers, fashion buyers, manufacturers, or Anyone who wants to understand more about the environmental issues in textile and garment manufacture and learn more about ways to use more sustainable products and practices.

All our Online Short Courses include:

• Live online lessons with the same tutors
• The same course content and learning outcomes
• Lesson recordings, for review
• Access to VLE with course content
• Forums for support
• 2 weeks online access
• Certificate upon completion

Please note that all courses are taught in UK time.