What is sustainability in textiles and fashion?

Sustainable living is no more an option but a necessity for preserving the world around us for the generations to come. It is the responsibility of each one of us to alter our methods of living so that we would be able to reduce our carbon footprint. So is the case with the textile and fashion industry. Experts are looking for potential resolutions for more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion industry. Sustainability in textiles and fashion can be achieved by using eco-friendly products. With conscious collaborations to bridge the gap between fashion and other industries, they are coming up with eco-friendly materials that will have a low carbon impact.

Sustainability in fashion industry

Read on to learn more about the ethical textiles that may have a low impact on the environment and can act as a perfect alternative to reduce the use of pesticides, polyester, and chemical processes in the production of textiles.

Orange Silk is a soft, multipurpose, and renewable source of fiber. To maximize the reapplication of citrus juice by-product, a company in Italy came up with an idea of utilizing this left-over citrus waste into a high-quality finished fabric for the fashion industry. Exclusive, silky, and ethereal, this fabric is extracted by spinning the citrus cellulose into a completely new sustainable fabric to meet the demand of sustainability and innovation of fashion brands. Interpreting its creativity through an innovative process and visionary spirit, they created a silk-like cellulose yarn that can blend with other materials as per the requirements and specifications.
Micro-silk, which can act as a low-impact alternative to silk is made of spider webs. It is durable, water-resistant, and renewable. Bio-genetic engineering has made this textile commercially viable with a relatively simple process of fermentation using sugar and water. They spun the raw liquid silk into fibres to weave them into the finished garments. This spider silk is completely sustainable and renewable without the use of polyester or any other toxic chemical processes.
Pinatex is a non-woven leather textile produced from the pineapple leaves. Dr. Carmen Hijosa, a leather-goods expert created a sustainable alternative of leather by researching for seven years by simply altering the by-product of agricultural waste. She developed the first automated machine for decortication, to extract the fibre from the leaves in the form of mesh which is then transformed into a natural leather-like product. This cruelty-free textile is now used by many brands.
Polylana is a recycled fibre from recycled wool, organic cotton, cashmere, nylon, and merino which can act as an alternative to wool or acrylic fibres. It is believed that during the production of this fibre 19% less Co2 emission and 76% less wastage is produced. Polylana is an innovative yarn maker creating with impressive environmental benefits.
Mestic is a bio-textile manufactured from cow dung, recycled bio-plastics, and bio-paper. Jalila Essaïdi, a Dutch designer proposed to use the manure containing 35% cellulose from cattle to produce bioplastic and sustainable fibres. It is considered as the best option to replace the crop with has the highest carbon footprint that is cotton.

Proponents of sustainable living have come up with many other sustainable alternatives to regular toxic textiles. To balance the symbiotic relationship of humans with nature, experts have come up with innovative ideas to deal with this frantic situation. The demand for professionals in this domain is increasing at a drastic rate. So, if you are interested in joining the future leader, then develop your skills and knowledge with Fashion and Textile Design courses and be a part of this dynamic industry.

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