Sustainable alternatives to Synthetic fibres
All synthetic fibres are derived from fossil fuels, so there's no debate that they are highly unsustainable to the environment. However, Natural fibres especially plant-based natural fibres, bio-based synthetics or regenerated fibres could be a sustainable option to replace synthetics.
Natural fibres:
For millennia, people have used plant-based natural fibres to create textiles, paper, and other goods because of their eco-friendly, biodegradable, and renewable properties. These fibres are derived from different parts of plants such as stems, leaves, seeds, or fruits, and are made up of cellulose, a natural polymer. Additionally, these fibres possess remarkable physical characteristics such as flexibility, resilience, and absorbency.
Common types of Plant-based Natural fibres:
1. Cotton:
Cotton is a fluffy, off-white coloured fibre stuck to the cotton plant’s seed. Cotton is extracted from its seed through a process called ginning.
Cotton cultivation originated over 7,000 years ago in the Indus Valley and later spread to Egypt and the USA. The cotton gin, which revolutionized the processing of cotton by efficiently separating cotton fibres from their seeds, was invented by Eli Whitney in 1793. This invention greatly increased the speed at which cotton could be processed, contributing to the rapid expansion of the cotton industry in the United States.
Cotton is the go-to choice for the apparel industry due to its softness, breathability, and excellent moisture absorbency. It can be worn in any season and is a versatile fabric that guarantees comfort.
Conventional cotton requires too many synthetic chemicals and extremely high water consumption. Hence, organic cotton grown without using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides is a sustainable option.
2. Flax:
Flax is extracted from the bast of a flax plant. The fabric made from this fibre is called Linen, one of the best wearable materials in summer.
It has been valued for over 10,000 years, with evidence of its use in ancient Iraq and Egypt. People cherished it for its coolness and freshness in hot weather.
The Industrial Revolution mechanized linen production, but its prominence was overshadowed by the rise of cotton, which was easier to spin and maintain.
A benefit of flax cultivation is its low environmental impact, requiring minimal irrigation and chemical inputs.
3. Hemp:
Hemp fibre, derived from the stalks of the Cannabis sativa plant, is a versatile material. It can be used to make a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to home furnishings and construction materials.
Hemp is durable, breathable, and strong, requiring a minimum amount of pesticides and water to grow. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibres and traditional cotton. In fact, Hemp is a lot stronger than cotton, making it a perfect choice for summer wear.
Hemp has been cultivated for over 10,000 years, is one of the oldest crops used for its fibres, seeds, and oils across various civilizations, including ancient China and Egypt. It faced significant legal and regulatory restrictions in the 20th century due to its association with marijuana, a different variety of the Cannabis sativa plant. However, recent legislation in many countries has begun to restore hemp's agricultural and industrial status, recognizing its distinct properties and potential benefits.
4. Jute:
Jute is a golden-brown coloured fibre extracted from the Corchorus Plant. It is a durable, affordable, robust and biodegradable fibre. It is often blended with other fibres.
The origin of Jute is India, where it has been grown for centuries, and its commercial production soared during the British colonial era. Dundee, Scotland, was a major importer of Jute during the 19th century for weaving and spinning.
5. Bamboo:
Bamboo fibre is obtained from the pulp of bamboo plants. It is known for its environmentally friendly features, including rapid renewability and biodegradability. It is commonly used to produce textiles that are soft, breathable, and possess natural antibacterial properties.
Source: ethical consumer
Bamboo fibre has been used in Asia for thousands of years, but its popularity as a fibre for clothing surged in the early 2000s with advancements in processing techniques.
Regenerated fibres:
Regenerated fibres are produced by dissolving natural materials, like cellulose or protein, into a chemical solution and then spinning the solution into fibres. This process creates usable textile fibres from natural raw materials. Regenerated fibres are an eco-friendly alternative in the textile industry, supporting environmental sustainability, natural resource conservation and circular economy transition.
Common types of Regenerated fibres:
Milk casein
Milk casein fibre is a bio-based alternative to traditional synthetic fibres. It is made from casein, a protein found in milk. Milk casein fibre is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly option because it is derived from a renewable resource.
This type of fibre is often used in blends with other fibres like cotton or wool to enhance their properties. Milk casein fibre has a soft and silky texture similar to silk and is known for its moisture-wicking properties and breathability. It has the same pH level as the human body, which makes it suitable for the skin. It is also biodegradable, which makes it an environmentally friendly option compared to many synthetic fibres.
2. Soybean protein
Soybean protein fibre is made from the protein extracted from soybeans, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
source: Swiscofil
Soybean protein fibre offers some similarities to silk in terms of its softness, smoothness, and sheen. It also has properties like excellent moisture absorption, which can help regulate body temperature, and breathability, which allows for air circulation, similar to natural fibres like cotton and wool. Additionally, soybean protein fibre is known for its durability and resistance to wrinkling and shrinking.
3. Lyocell(Tencel)
Lyocell is a type of regenerated cellulose fibre made out of wood pulp, typically sourced from eucalyptus trees. It is considered a semi-synthetic fibre because it undergoes a chemical process to transform the cellulose into fibre form.
Source: Tencel
Lyocell is known for its softness, breathability, moisture-wicking abilities, and biodegradability. Lyocell is often used in clothing such as shirts, dresses, and denim.
Lyocell serves as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon.
In short:
Synthetic fibres are far from being good for the planet and people. The reduction, or better yet, elimination of these fibres, is highly sought after. With a demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, it is a massive opportunity for the textile industry to unlearn the unsustainable usage of synthetics and turn towards bio-based synthetics along with natural fibres.
