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Pineapple leaves, fungus fibres, sugar cane, cactus: All botanical elements used in the production of various kinds of plant-based leather. Inspired by the environmentally sustainable thinking now sweeping the world, these so-called vegan leathers have become increasingly popular alternatives to hide leather.
Allbirds, a New Zealand-US firm, has produced a type of sneaker partly made from eucalyptus tree fibre. Pangaia, based in London and New York, has developed a shoe made partly from grape waste. Even French luxury brand Hermès has designed a bag using mushroom-based leather: the Victoria travel bag, made of canvas, calfskin and Sylvania - an amber-coloured fungi thread derivative - should be available by the end of this year.
It s the most widely-used clothing fiber in the world, but as a synthetic material made from plastic, polyester needs a lot of energy to produce and is highly water and air polluting, according to the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
The fashion industry is trying to tackle the issue, but there s no simple solution, according to the CEO of one of the world s largest clothes manufacturers. There isn t so far (a) raw material that is as cheap and as versatile as polyester today, said Roger Lee, who runs Hong-Kong headquartered TAL Apparel.
As well as being inexpensive, polyester doesn t crease and can be washed at low temperatures. However, the laundry process also releases tiny fibers known as microplastics, which can be harmful to marine life. While polyester lasts for years, longevity is a double-edged sword clothes can be worn many times but will likely up in landfill, and don t biodegrade.
Textiles and apparel sustainability update April 2021
This report provides information on the latest product developments and business developments in relation to environmental sustainability.
13th May 2021
Report summary
Environmental sustainability is of growing importance within the global fibre, textile and apparel industry, and pressures to improve their sustainability credentials have prompted several companies to develop innovative new products and adapt their business strategies.
This report provides information on the latest product developments and business developments in relation to environmental sustainability with a particular focus on: business news; denim; dyeing processes; environmentally sustainable finishes; fibres; interior fabrics; mattresses; membranes; performance fabrics; recycling technology; and workwear.