From 2024 to 2025, our team supported several Quebec-based textile companies in their decarbonization journey. Specializing in spinning and the production of both technical and conventional textiles, these companies completed their greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and developed action plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
This initiative was carried out as part of their participation in the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge (see our article on the subject), a program encouraging businesses to adopt credible strategies to make their operations and facilities carbon neutral by 2050.
Through this case study, the article provides an overview of the typical emissions profile of a textile company in Quebec. It highlights the main emission sources across the value chain and identifies concrete measures to reduce them.
Context : the textile sector in Quebec
Overall, the industrial sector represents a major share of greenhouse gas emissions in Quebec. In 2021, industry accounted for 32.3% of the province’s total GHG emissions. To meet the target of a 37.5% reduction below 1990 levels by 2030, Quebec relies heavily on continued emission reductions from industry.
In the textile sector specifically, about 343,000 tonnes of new textiles are consumed each year in Quebec, roughly 40 kg per person. This represents a significant environmental challenge, as the amount of discarded textiles has doubled in the past ten years.
With this understanding of the sector’s weight in the province’s carbon footprint, we can zoom in on individual companies to pinpoint where their GHG emissions are concentrated.
GHG Inventory : where do emissions come from in a textile company?
Scope (1, 2, and 3, according to the GHG Protocol)
Among the textile companies we analyzed, the majority of emissions come from Scope 3, meaning activities that occur before and after direct production. In other words, upstream processes, such as the manufacturing and transformation of raw materials, and downstream processes, linked to transport, use, and end-of-life of products, make up the largest share of the carbon footprint (see diagram below).
These stages are particularly energy-intensive and significantly contribute to the textile sector’s overall environmental impact.
Key emission sources
The results of the inventories we conducted point to the same structural findings:
Category
Typical Share*
1.1 Fixed sources / On-site energy (Scope 1).
Can represent a significant share (~25%) due to the use of natural gas machinery.
3.1 Purchased goods and services (mainly raw materials).
Major contributor: ~70% to ~90% of total emissions.
3.1 Other purchased goods and services (excluding raw materials).
Chemicals, dyes, etc., minor but notable share.
3.4 Upstream transportation.
Non-negligible, varies between ~4% and ~15% depending on the company.
*Figures aggregated confidentially from analyzed inventories.
These results show that for most textile companies, the bulk of emissions lie upstream in the value chain, primarily linked to the production of raw materials, especially due to the high use of petroleum-based synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon.
Identifying these major emission sources is the first step toward taking concrete action to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
Action Plan : how can these emissions be reduced?
Based on GHG inventory results, each company co-develops an action plan to define and implement measures tailored to its context and operational realities. Several promising levers combine strong potential impact with practical feasibility in the textile sector.
Eco-design is a key approach here. Integrating GHG criteria early in product development helps reduce emissions at the source and guide choices toward more sustainable solutions. Companies can prioritize lower-carbon fibers (e.g., bio-based or recycled materials), minimize production waste, and design products that are easier to recycle.
Working closely with suppliers is essential to effectively address upstream emissions. This includes requesting detailed GHG data for raw materials and chemicals, and favoring local or low-carbon suppliers. Engaging suppliers to improve emission traceability supports more informed and aligned decision-making with decarbonization goals.
The transport of raw materials represents a non-negligible source of emissions. Partnering with eco-responsible transporters, for example, using tools like the SmartWay registry to identify low-emission carriers, can help reduce impacts. Additionally, optimizing logistics and route planning contributes significantly to lowering transport-related emissions.
Optimizing industrial processes helps reduce both losses and energy consumption. On-site, this involves improving equipment energy efficiency (boilers, machinery), enhancing insulation, and implementing stricter temperature control. Conducting regular energy audits and following up on recommendations maximizes these efficiency gains.
While these measures offer substantial reduction potential, their implementation also brings challenges and valuable lessons for refining decarbonization strategies.
Challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations
Common challenges
Implementing decarbonization measures can face several hurdles. Data availability is a recurring issue, as suppliers do not always provide emission information related to material or chemical production. Upfront costs can also be a barrier, particularly when switching to alternative fibers or upgrading equipment. Technical or performance constraints may further limit material substitution : synthetic materials are often chosen for specific properties such as durability or lightness, and alternatives must meet the same standards.
Lessons learned
Supplier collaboration emerges as a strategic lever to manage emissions across the entire value chain. Involving suppliers and obtaining reliable GHG data allows companies to focus on the most impactful actions.
Moreover, robust monitoring and clear governance are key to ensuring the effectiveness of decarbonization efforts. Setting intermediate targets (e.g., for 2030 and 2040), combined with consistent tracking, verification systems, and dedicated accountability, reinforces the credibility and continuity of the trajectory toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
Conclusion
The GHG inventories conducted with Quebec textile companies confirm that most emissions originate upstream, mainly from purchased goods and services (especially raw materials) and upstream transport. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, well-targeted action plans are essential: eco-design, energy efficiency, logistics optimization, supplier engagement, and strong governance.
In this context, several initiatives are emerging to support the sector’s transformation, such as the Textile Lab launched by CERIEC at ÉTS within the Circular Economy Lab Ecosystem (ELEC). This initiative, grounded in co-creation and experimentation, aims to enhance the circularity of Quebec’s textile industry and accelerate its transition toward sustainable, low-carbon models.
Ultimately, addressing these emission hotspots today will not only lead to significant reductions but also position textile companies as proactive players in the climate transition. The challenge is considerable but the opportunities for meaningful progress are real.