Sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority in every walk of life. The fashion industry is rapidly accepting sustainable fabrics, and every industry is undergoing a significant sustainable transformation. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their various choices, such as food, everyday essentials, and clothing. One way to make a consciously positive difference is by opting for sustainable/eco-friendly fabrics.
This article will explore a variety of eco-friendly fabrics, old and new, that are revolutionising the fashion industry. From organic cotton to innovative plant-based materials, we will explore the options available to today's conscious consumers. By understanding these sustainable fabrics and their immense benefits, you can make informed choices and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Time to Know the Most Sought-After Sustainable Fabrics:
Plant Based Fabrics
1) Organic Cotton Fabric
Organic cotton fabric is made from cotton grown using environmentally friendly methods. This means that no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified seeds are used in its cultivation, and less water is used.
Uses of Organic Cotton: Clothing, Kidswear, Babywear, Underwear, Activewear, Beddings, Table Linens, and Towels.
2) Organic Hemp Fabric
Organic hemp fabric is eco-friendly and sourced from the fibres of the hemp plant. This versatile plant, a relative of marijuana, contains negligible amounts of THC, making it an eco-friendly and durable choice for clothing and other products.
Uses Of Hemp Fabric: Clothing, Bedding, Accessories.
3) Bamboo Fabric
Bamboo fabrics come in types like bamboo rayon, viscose, and mechanically processed bamboo. They are made from bamboo fibres.
Uses of Bamboo Fabric: Clothing, Accessories.
4) Recycled Cotton Fabric
It is made from cotton fabric that has already been processed/reused. The process starts with breaking down processed/reused cotton fabrics into fibres, spinning them into a new yarn, and lastly, creating a new fabric. They are categorised into:
- Pre-consumer cotton fabric waste: Scraps and leftover materials from the cotton textile manufacturing process.
- Post-consumer cotton fabric waste: Discarded clothing, linens, and other cotton products.
Uses of Recycled Cotton Fabric: Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, and Table Linens.
5) Linen Fabric
Linen is an eco-friendly fabric derived from the flax plant. It is versatile and natural, which makes it a popular fabric choice for many people.
Uses of Linen Fabric: Clothing (summer wear), Underwear, bed sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, upholstery, curtains, home decor items, and also industrial uses like (paper, thread, twine).
6) Jute Fabric
This eco-friendly fabric is made using extracted natural Jute fibres and then processed into Jute fabric. It's known for its strength, durability, and eco-friendly qualities. Jute fibers are long, soft, and lustrous, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
Uses of Jute Fabric: Rugs, Curtains, Upholstery, Clothing, Bags, Shoes, and Accessories.
7) Ramie Fabric
Natural fibres extracted from the ramie plant (a member of the nettle family) are used to make Ramie fabric. It's known for its eco-friendly properties, immense strength, and durability.
Uses of Ramie Fabric: Apparels, bed sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, and napkins, industrial applications like ropes, twine, and filter cloths
8) Cork Fabric
Cork fabric is an eco-friendly and innovative textile made from the bark of cork oak trees. This sustainable harvesting process involves removing the bark without harming the tree, which is then processed into thin sheets and laminated onto a fabric.
Uses of Cork Fabric: Bags, Purses, Wallets, Cardholders, Belts, Accessories, Clothing, Furniture, Wall Coverings, Placemats and Coasters, Coasters, Keychains, Decorative items, and Shoes.
8) Nettle Fabric
Fibres derived from the nettle plant are used to make sustainable Nettle fabric. Although this eco-friendly fabric is relatively new to the market, it is rapidly gaining popularity due to its unique properties and environmental benefits.
Uses of Nettle Fabric: Clothing (Shirts, dresses, pants), Accessories, Bedding, Towels, Curtains, Ropes, Fishing nets, Industrial fabrics.
9) Piña Yarn Fabric
Piña yarn fabric is an eco-friendly and luxurious textile made from pineapple leaf fibres. This sustainable material has been used in the Philippines for centuries to create beautiful and durable garments and fabrics for various other accessories.
Uses of Piña Fabric: Clothing (garments, such as blouses, skirts, and dresses), Handbags, Hats, Accessories, Curtains, Tablecloths, and Pillows.
10) Soy Silk Fabric
Soy silk fabric, also known as vegetable cashmere or soy protein fibre, is an eco-friendly textile derived from soy protein.
Uses of Soy Silk Fabric: Clothing (tops, dresses, pants), sheets, pillowcases, curtains, upholstery
Animal Based Fabrics
11) Alpaca Wool Fabric
Alpaca wool fabric is a sought-after fabric derived from the fibres of Alpaca (South American Camelid) wool and processed into a luxurious fabric. Renowned for its unique properties, like softness, warmth, and durability, Alpaca wool is a prized choice for those who appreciate style and comfort.
Uses of Alpaca Wool Fabric: Clothing (Sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, coats, and blankets), Pillows, throws, Rugs, Bags, Scarves, and Shawls.
12) Camel Wool Fabric
Camel wool, also called Camel hair, is a high-quality, sustainable fabric made from the undercoat of Bactrian camels that are native to Central Asia. It offers warmth, comfort, and durability, making it a popular choice for premium clothing and home textiles.
Uses of Camel Fabric: Coats, Jackets, Sweaters, Knitwear, Scarves, Shawls, Underwear, Blankets, Throws, Upholstery, Rugs and Carpets.
13) Cashmere Wool Fabric
Cashmere is derived from the fine, soft undercoat of the Cashmere goat, native to the Gobi Desert and Central Asia. It is a highly priced wool renowned for its exceptional softness, warmth, and luxury.
Uses of Cashmere Fabric: Sweaters, Knitwear, Scarves, Shawls, Coats, Jackets, Dresses, Blouses, Underwear, Blankets, Throws, Pillows, Cushions, Gloves, Hats, and socks.
14) Down Fabric
Down fabric is a textile made from sustainably sourced down feathers, i.e., the soft, fluffy underfeathers of birds like geese and ducks. With exceptional insulation properties, down fabric is incredibly soft, lightweight, and compressible, making it a popular choice for high-quality clothing and bedding.
Uses of Down Fabric: Coats, Jackets, Vests, Sleeping Bags, Parkas, Comforters, Duvets, Pillows, Blankets, Throws, Gloves and Hats
15) Merino Wool Fabric
Merino wool fabric is a sustainable textile made from sustainably sourced fine fibres of Merino sheep. Known for its warmth, breathability, and exceptional softness, it feels incredibly comfortable against the skin.
Uses of Merino Wool Fabric: Base Layers, Sweaters, Knitwear, jackets, coats, Underwear, Blankets and Throws, Pillows, Cushions, Hats, Scarves, Gloves, and Socks
16) Sheep Wool Fabric
Sheep wool fabric is made using sustainably derived fleece from sheep. This eco-friendly fabric boasts excellent insulating properties, durability, and softness, making it a popular choice for a wide range of clothing and textiles.
Uses of Sheep Wool Fabric: Upholstery, Rugs, Blankets, and Clothing.
17) Silk Fabric
Eco-friendly silk is a type of silk produced through sustainable and ethical practices. Organic sericulture prioritises the well-being of the silkworms. Unlike traditional silk production, which can harm both the environment and silkworms, organic sericulture minimises environmental impact. No pesticides or fertilisers are used to cultivate Mulberry trees, which are the primary food source for silkworms.
Uses of Silk Fabric: Sarees, Evening gowns, Shirts, Scarves, Ties, Pillow Covers, and Bed Linens.
19) Upcycled Leather
Upcycled leather fabric is a sustainable and innovative material made by upcycling leftover/discarded leather scraps. This process helps reduce waste and promotes a more environmentally friendly approach to fashion and other industries. It not only gives new life and looks to discarded leather materials but also prevents them from being discarded in landfills.
Uses of Upcycled Leather: Bags, Shoes, Belts, Wallets, Jackets, and Home Decor items.
19) Yak Wool Fabric
Yak wool fabric is made from the sustainably derived fine and soft undercoat of Yaks. It is known to provide exceptional warmth, softness, durability, and moisture-wicking properties, making it an ideal choice for cold-weather clothing.
Uses of Natural Yak Fabric: Sweaters, Coats, Jackets, Scarves, Hats, and Baselayers.
Semi-Synthetic Fabrics
20) Tencel Lyocell Fabric
Tencel Lyocell is an eco-friendly fabric derived from sustainably sourced wood pulp. It's renowned for its softness, breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and comfort, making it a popular choice and one of the best alternatives to traditional textiles.
Uses of Tencel Lyocell Fabric: Shirts, Pants, Underwear, Beddings, Towels, Sheets, Curtains
21) Modal Fabric
Modal fabric is an eco-friendly semi-synthetic textile made from beech tree cellulose. It is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking.
Uses of Modal Fabric: Clothing, Underwear, Pajamas, and Bedsheets.
22) Ecovero Fabric
Ecovero is an eco-friendly type of viscose fabric made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. It's considered a more eco-friendly option than traditional viscose due to its lower environmental impact throughout the sourcing and fabric production process.
Uses of Ecovero Fabric: T-shirts, Dresses, Blouses, Skirts, Pants, Activewear, Towels, Upholstery, Beddings, Curtains
23) Piñatex Fabric
Piñatex is an eco-friendly and sustainable vegan leather alternative made from pineapple leaf fibres. It is partially biodegradable as its composition is of 80% pineapple leaf fibre and 20% PLA coating to make it water resistant. It provides a compassionate and environmentally responsible choice for those seeking stylish and sustainable fashion options.
Uses of Piñatex Fabric: Jackets, Bags, Shoes, Belts, Wallets, Coats, Watch Straps, Upholstery for Furniture, and Home Décor.
24) Bananatex Fabric
Bananatex fabric is an innovative and eco-friendly textile derived from the fibres of the Abacá banana plant, also known as "Manila Hemp." The fibres extracted from the plant's stalks are spun into yarn and then woven into a durable and versatile fabric.
Uses of Bananatex Fabric: Bags, Shoes, Belts, Wallets, Shirts, Coats, Jackets, Furniture Upholstery, and Home Décor.
25) S. Café Fabric
S.Café fabric is a revolutionary eco-friendly textile made from recycled coffee grounds. It's a sustainable and high-performance material that offers a unique combination of comfort, odour resistance, and UV protection.
Uses of S.Café Fabric: Activewear, Footwear, Towels, Beddings, and Curtains.
26) Apple Leather Fabric
Apple leather is a groundbreaking and sustainable vegan leather proxy made using apple waste. It's made by utilising the leftover pulp and peels from the fruit juice and compote industry, which are processed and combined with polyurethane to form a leather-like material. This fabric is partially biodegradable as it is mixed with a very minimal amount of PLA.
Uses of Apple Leather: Bags, Belts, Shoes, Wallets, Coats, Shirts, Jackets, Home Décor, and Furniture Upholstery.
27) Orange Fibre Fabric
Orange fibre is an eco-friendly and sustainable textile made from the waste product of the citrus juice industry, especially orange peels. It is a unique blend of sustainability, luxury, and performance.
Uses of Orange Fibre Fabric: Dresses, Tops, Bottoms, Bed Linens, Curtains, Upholstery, Scarves, Bags, and other fashion accessories.
28) Mycelium Leather Fabric
Mycelium leather is a disruptive material made from mycelium - the root-like structure of fungi. It offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional animal leather, providing a more ethical and eco-conscious choice for fashion products.
Uses of Mycelium Leather: Shoes, Belts, Wallets, Bags, Coats, Jackets, Watch Straps, Home Décor, and Upholstery.
29) Woocoa Fabric
Woocoa is an innovative vegan alternative to wool developed by design students in Colombia. This sustainable fabric is made from hemp and coconut fibers and treated with enzymes extracted from oyster mushrooms. It offers a more ethical and eco-friendly option than traditional wool.
Uses of Woocoa Fabric: Clothing, Accessories, Footwear, Blankets, Rugs, and Upholstery.
30) Cupro /Bemberg Fabric
Cupro/Bemberg is a high-quality and sustainable textile derived from cotton linter. With a silky feel, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, Cupro/Bemberg offers an extravagant and comfortable experience. It's available in a variety of weaves, like satin, crepe, georgette, and organza, making it suitable for a wide range of garments, from flowing dresses to elegant blouses.
Uses of Cupro/Bemberg Fabric: Dresses, Blouses, Shirts, Lingerie, Skirts, Scarves, Shawls, Curtains, Drapes, and Bed Linens.
31) QMilk Fabric
QMilk is an innovative and sustainable textile derived from milk protein, specifically casein, from milk that is unsuitable for human consumption. This eco-friendly fibre is produced and spun into a soft, breathable, and antibacterial fabric.
Uses of QMilk Fabric: Activewear, Outerwear, Underwear, Knitwear, Upholstery, and Bedding.
32) Qmonos Fabric
Qmonos is a revolutionary biomaterial (fabric) created through a process incorporating plant-based biomass, spider silk genes, and microbes. This biosynthetic fibre is a perfect example of biomimicry and showcases the incredible strength and durability of spider silk. It is fully biodegradable and sustainable.
Uses of Qmonos Fabric: High-end Fashion products and High-performance Sportswear
33) Brewed Protein Fibre Fabric
Brewed Protein Fiber Fabric is a new-fashioned textile material created by cultivating microorganisms and extracting a protein-based polymer. Unlike traditional fabrics derived from plants or animals, this innovative material undergoes a fermentation process, offering a sustainable and innovative textile solution.
Use of Brewed Protein Fibre Fabric: Clothing, Footwear, Accessories, Bedding, Upholstery, Curtains, Rugs, and Pillows.
34) Bambor Fabric
Bambor fabric is an eco-friendly and comfortable textile made by blending organic cotton, bamboo, and a small quantity of elastane. This eco-friendly material offers softness, breathability, and durability, making it a consciously responsible choice.
Uses of Bambor Fabric: Everyday wear, Underwear, Activewear, Towels, Beddings.
35) Vitadylan Fabric
Vitadylan is an innovative and sustainable textile derived from seaweed, beechwood, and zinc fibres. It boasts properties like softness, breathability, moisture-wicking, durability, and antimicrobial properties.
Uses of Vitadylan Fabric: Underwear, Everyday wear, Activewear, Towels, and Beddings.
36) Rose Fabric
While rose petals have been used for centuries for various purposes, such as perfume and medicine, their use in textile production is relatively new.Rose fabric is an innovative and sustainable textile produced from rose petals. It offers a luxurious feel like silk while being a more eco-friendly option.
Uses of Rose Fabric: Lingerie, Blouses, Dresses, Shirts, Skirts, Shawls, Scarves, Bed Linens, Drapes, and Curtains.
Synthetic Fabrics
37) Econyl Fabric
Econyl fabric is made from recycled waste products like discarded fishing nets, old carpets, and fabric scraps. It offers a more eco-friendly alternative to conventional nylon, which helps reduce waste and minimise environmental impact.
Uses of Econyl Fabric: Activewear, Swimwear, Carpets, Upholstery, and Rugs.
38) Recycled Polyester Fabric
Recycled polyester (rPET) is an eco-friendly fabric made from recycled plastic, primarily plastic bottles.This cutting-edge material offers a more eco-friendly proxy to traditional polyester, thus helping reduce waste and conserve natural resources.
Uses of Recycled Polyester Fabric: Clothing, Footwear, Accessories, Beddings, Rugs, Carpets, Upholstery, Drapes, and Curtains.
39) Reclaimed (Deadstock) Fabric
Reclaimed fabric is a sustainable fabric created by repurposing discarded or unused materials, such as leftover fabric from clothing manufacturers, upholstery scraps, and even old garments. This aids in diverting these materials from landfills and promotes a more circular and environmentally friendly approach to fashion and design.
Uses of Reclaimed (Deadstock) Fabric: Upcycled/One-of-a-kind Clothing, Quilting, Patchwork, Upholstery, Rugs, Curtains, Carpets, Drapes, Bags/Purses, Hats, and Scarfs.
Conclusion
By choosing sustainable fabrics and supporting ethical brands, you can make a significant impact on the environment. By opting for eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, Tencel, hemp, vegan silk, and recycled polyester, to name a few, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier and greener planet.
Want to make a conscious fashion choice? Check out Upcycleluxe (www.upcycleluxe.com), India's first carbon-neutral and online sustainable marketplace for eco-friendly fashion products and other sustainable products ranging from beauty care to home decor. Upcycleluxe offers a wide range of sustainable and ethical fashion products from certified brands, making it easy for you to shop consciously.
Let's join hands to create a more sustainable future, one conscious purchase at a time.
