Why Eco-friendly fabrics?
The fashion industry is one of the globally significant industries contributing to the environmental issues threatening our very existence. The negative impacts of this industry have been, increased greenhouse gas emissions, intensive resource and energy usage, water contamination due to chemical processes, excessive textile and apparel waste ending up in landfills and microplastic pollution.
Circular fashion is at the heart of the evolution of the industry, wherein waste is minimized and resources are maximized and discarded textiles and clothing are reintroduced into the production process. It includes making the products durable, reusable and recyclable. This way a closed loop system is established.
Eco- friendly fabrics are at the forefront of this movement towards a more environmentally conscious one. These fabrics are designed to minimize environmental harm by reducing waste,
using significantly less natural resources and eliminating harmful chemicals in the production process. One of the most eco-friendly fabrics is organic cotton. It supports bio diversity and improved soil health. Bamboo is another eco-friendly fabric as long as chemicals are not used. It uses less water to produce and absorbs carbon. It is also fast growing and renewable.
All fabrics produced from plant-based fibers are renewable and biodegradable in nature.
Examples of these natural fibers are flax, hemp, eucalyptus, banana, mushroom, pineapple.
Lyocell branded as Tencel is a sustainable fabric made from wood pulp, is breathable and has
A silky feel making it a versatile fabric for various clothing items.
The fashion industry is also exploring innovative materials like pinatex, made from pineapple leaf fibers and Mylo, a leather alternative derived from the root of mushrooms. This even reduces the environmental impact in terms of not relying on animal agriculture.
As consumers become more aware of the impact of their choices, by joining the slow fashion movement, the demand for innovation and change in the industry will grow and will reduce our carbon footprint.
