Materials and design studies
Alternatives for the clothing industry
Every year 190,000 tonnes of plastic microfibres make their way into the ocean – in lieu of a better comparison, that’s more than 2.500 space shuttles. A synthetic fleece jacket releases 1.7 grams of microfibres each wash on average.
Synthetic textiles manufactured from petrochemicals such as nylon, polyester or acrylic do not naturally decompose. Natural fibres such as wool, cotton, hemp, bamboo, silk, cashmere, mohair etc. do decompose.
Below we have compiled a list of new and innovative materials derived from natural compounds. This list is by no means comprehensive and we’re adding to it as we find new sources.
Sustainabletextiles Club
STEXC are fabric wholesalers of true sustainable eco-textiles that have minimal negative impact on the environment and maximum impact on the welfare of all people along the supply chain. Their focus is on sustainable, biodegradable natural plant fabrics, in particular those made from ‘waste’ fibres that are traditionally removed after harvest.
Aim is to create fabrics from unused parts of a crop to nullify water waste, and support the “Wealth From Waste” philosophy and a global circular economy. STEXC supports farming communities who currently pay to have their crop waste removed, which is often burnt thus adding to air pollution.
Repreve Fibers
The world’s leading recycled fiber, Repreve is made from a sustainable collection of fiber and resin recycled from ocean-bound plastic bottles..
Unifi
Non-woven end markets such as automotive carpet, mattress fabrics, and weed control fabric using recycled flake and resin.
Piñatex
Natural, sustainable non-woven textile made from pineapple leaves fibres.
http://www.ananas-anam.com/pinatex/
QMilk Textil
Protein fiber with silk qualities.
https://www.qmilkfiber.eu/qmilk-faser-modische-anwendung?lang=en
Orange Fiber
Fabric produced from citrus juice waste byproduct “pastazzo”.
http://orangefiber.it/en/fabrics/
Ingeo by NatureWorks
Polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers made through use of the carbon stored in plants by photosynthesis in the form of dextrose sugar. Ingeo is described as thermo-regulating, hypoallergenic, low odor retention, and as outperforming PET fabrics for breathability, comfort and insulation.
http://www.natureworksllc.com/Ingeo-in-Use
Econyl by Aquafil
Nylon 6 from 100% regenerated waste materials.
https://www.aquafil.com/sustainability/econyl/
Alternatives to conventional plastic
Australasian Bioplastics Association
Plastics that are biodegradable, compostable and based on renewable resources.