Sustainable Fabric - the Planet’s Cutting Edge Apparel

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of pollution? Big oil companies? Factories? Well, you may have to rethink your options. Research says that fashion industries are one of the greatest polluting industries on the planet. Gone are those days where the customers didn’t care about what they wore or consumed. Consumers these days have become increasingly conscious about the products they purchase. The majority of them have gravitated towards companies that are found to produce sustainable products. Due to the drastic shift in customer’s tastes and preferences, companies have become mindful of their carbon footprints, and are found to be jumping on to the sustainability wagon. Although recycling is one practice that is often found to be eco-friendly, it is not entirely so. There is a need for sustainability right from growing the fiber crops, manufacturing, dyeing, and selling the apparel. Sustainable fabrics seem to be very popular amongst the masses. 

Trending Sustainable Products That Help Save the Planet

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Organic Cotton

Organic Cotton has reached enormous heights by proving its benefits and claim for sustainability. Studies say that organic cotton causes 98% less water pollution when compared to traditional cotton. Likewise, Organic cotton produces 98% less greenhouse gas emanations. Apart from the environmental benefit it offers, it offers various other benefits such as saving money on pesticides, providing a healthy work environment, and it’s proven to be skin-friendly. 

Plant Leather

Leathers made out of fruits are beginning to gain traction. One such leather is the Pineapple ‘leather’. As the name suggests, this leather is completely animal-free. It does not necessitate the use of toxic chemicals that are detrimental to wildlife, and is found to be more sustainable than traditional leather itself. 

Flax Linen

Linen which is made out of the popular Flax plant is also seen to be gaining some popularity. Nearly 3/4th of flax is grown in the EU. It is found to be very good for soil health, as it does not require the use of pesticides nor does it need too much water.

Eco-Design: Prime Focus of Sustainable Textiles

With the increase in awareness of environmental sustainability, industries have shifted gears in creating Unique Selling Propositions, with novel innovations like, “Eco-fashion tags”, to draw the customer’s attention. These tags mean that the garment was cultivated using eco-friendly methods such as organic dyes or recycled water. Eco-design refers to products that are less detrimental to the environment and pose to be eco-friendly. Products like shoes, bags, clothes are designed keeping in mind the various positive and negative environmental impacts. Eco-Design offers a myriad of benefits such as using recycled materials, use of organic cotton, durability, plant-based dyes, and a fair wage and working conditions for the manufacturers and suppliers.

Sourcing Sustainable Fabrics

To become an eco-friendly fashion brand, companies should start with sustainable fabrics. Choosing the proper materials has an impact on how the garment is worn, for how long it is worn, and what happens to it once it is discarded. A mixture of natural and synthetic materials, for example, might make recycling extremely difficult, while choosing polyester for a frequently washed garment can result in increased microplastic shedding into the water. Brands like The Thread Tales source their sustainable fabrics from various parts of the world. They have fabrics such as Lotus Fiber, Spun silk, Eco-Dyes, Seacell, Eri-Silk, Bespoke threads, etc.

Is Sustainable Fashion Affordable?

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A sustainable outfit is found to be relatively costlier than that of a fast-fashion outfit. Each stage, starting from using eco-friendly substances to paying the artisans comes with an added cost. Choosing ‘sustainable’ is more about buying into the philosophy than it is about buying a product. When a person truly understands the concern and effort that went into the making of the product then one is likely to understand the positive impacts it comes with. Sustainable fashion cannot be equated with price, its real value is the impact a consumer can have on human lives through their purchase.

Companies Being Trend-Setters in Sustainability

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As mentioned earlier, companies have taken a drastic shift from toxic to eco-friendly products. Here are some of the trendsetters who have revolutionized the world of sustainability. “Organic Basics'' uses organic cotton and other recycled fabrics. People Tree is a UK-based company that uses Tencel and organic cotton. Mio Bors, which is based out of Delhi, produces bags made out of vegan leather. Liva, by the Aditya Birla group creates highly absorbable and biodegradable garments.

The Future of Sustainable Fabrics

With sustainability becoming the norm of the day, younger generations seem to have changed the fashion business in dramatic ways. Sustainable fabrics have crept into mainstream culture. Fashion industries have now taken note of the change in habits and have shifted gears accordingly. According to Neilson's study, 66% of the consumers are willing to pay more for products that are found to be eco-friendly. This trend has been exponentially growing. Witnessing the staggering growth, it is certain that sustainable fabrics are the future of fashion.