07-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
ITMF Report Reveals Costs & Carbon Footprint in Textiles
The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) has released the latest edition of its International Production Cost Comparison (IPCC), offering a deep dive into global production costs and carbon footprints within the primary textile industry for the year 2023. This updated report not only benchmarks costs across spinning, draw texturing, weaving, knitting, and finishing stages, but also introduces carbon emission data for each process—marking a significant advancement in evaluating textile sustainability.
Newly included in the report is Uzbekistan, expanding the geographical scope, while the data set now features comprehensive CO₂e emissions assessments for various textile products, from ring-spun yarns to finished fabrics.
According to the findings, producing one meter of cotton woven fabric (continuous open width) averaged USD 0.94/m globally in 2023 (excluding raw material costs), with costs ranging from USD 0.70/m in Bangladesh to USD 1.54/m in Italy. The process breakdown shows spinning costs averaging USD 0.31/m, weaving at USD 0.25/m, and finishing at USD 0.38/m.
For yarn production, spinning 1 kg of NE/30 ring yarn cost USD 1.63/kg on average, varying significantly by country—from USD 1.19/kg in Vietnam to USD 2.85/kg in Italy. Labor costs were a major driver, highest in Italy (USD 0.97/kg) and lowest in Bangladesh (USD 0.02/kg). Similarly, energy costs were highest in Central America and Italy, while Pakistan and Egypt reported the lowest.
On the environmental front, India recorded the highest carbon footprint—over 12.5 kg CO₂e per kg of finished fabric, with spinning and weaving as the most carbon-intensive stages. China followed closely, particularly in the finishing phase. Brazil emerged as the most sustainable producer, with emissions below 4 kg CO₂e/kg, attributed to renewable energy usage. The U.S. and Italy also performed well due to efficient processes.
These findings emphasize the global disparities in both cost efficiency and environmental impact, spotlighting the urgent need for cleaner energy and process innovation in textile manufacturing.
To explore the full study and referenced textile products—including NE 30 ring yarn, polyester yarns, and various fabric finishes—visit
