The excess use of polyester and leather to make fashion products has contributed to the industry becoming one of the biggest pollutants on the planet. Thankfully, with science and technology advancements, a number of sustainable alternatives to such carbon-intensive raw materials have been produced, leading fashion to a path of innovation and conscious production. Here are five such materials you should know about.
Mylo
Bolt Threads’ Mylo is a mushroom-based sustainable alternative for leather. Mylo is made from mycelium grown in vertical gardens with sustainable processes in place. Mylo is soft, and durable, much like leather and can be used easily instead of its conventional counterpart. Brands like Stella McCartney and Kering have already started using Mylo in their products.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Brewed Protein
Japanese biotechnology company Spiber Inc.’s eco-friendly synthetic spider silk called Brewed Protein is an alternative to petroleum-based fabrics like polyester and nylon. The fabric is made using complex microbial fermentation and can be used even for high-quality sportswear.
Image Source: A PANGAIA hoodie made with a blend of Brewed Protein fiber and organic cotton | Spiber.inc
Spinnova’s Cellulose Fiber
Finnish company Spinnova has developed a technology that transforms cellulosic fiber into fiber that can be used in the textile industry using a mechanical process. the fibers are completely biodegradable and hence prove to be great sustainable alternatives for many cellulose-based fibers that aren’t consciously made.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Econyl
Launched in 2011, Econyl has become quite popular with many swimwear brands in particular. The material is made using depolymerised and shredded waste products like fishing nets before going through an environmentally-friendly regeneration process forms using the closed-loop method and less water.
Image used for representational purposes only.
Tencel
A breathable cellulose fabric, Lenzing’s Tencel is already a popular fabric in the fashion world. It is made using the Refibra technology, which prioritises circularity and uses cotton waste sourced from the garment industry. This is then recycled and blended with lyocell to produce Tencel.