Trends in Sustainable Textiles ??
Elizabeth Bhar, RID NCIDQ
Owner of Art of Interiors, Inc ~ Interior Designer ~ Hospitality ~ Workplace ~ Retail ~ Multi-Family ~ Student Housing ~ Furniture Dealer
Sustainable textiles are materials produced and used in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible way. This can include the use of renewable resources, the implementation of energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and the use of natural or organic fibers. Sustainable textiles can also be made from recycled materials, reducing the demand for new resources and helping to divert waste from landfills.
The production of sustainable textiles can have a lower carbon footprint than the production of conventional textiles and can also provide economic benefits to local communities. We wanted to share two incredible products that are revolutionizing the textile industry.?
Bananatex
Bananatex??is a type of sustainable textile made from the fibers of banana plants. It is a natural, biodegradable, and renewable material that can be used to make a variety of products, including clothing, bags, and other accessories. Bananatex is made from the stem and pseudo-stem of the banana plant, which is rich in cellulose fibers.
These fibers are extracted, cleaned, and spun into yarn, which is then woven or knitted into fabric. Bananatex is known for its soft, silky texture and ability to regulate temperature, making it a comfortable and breathable material. It is also resistant to wrinkles and fading, making it a durable and low-maintenance choice for clothing and other items.
Seaqual
Seaqual? is a brand of sustainable yarn made from recycled plastic that has been collected from the oceans. The company works with a network of fishermen, divers, and other partners to retrieve plastic waste from the oceans and coastlines, and then processes the material to create high-quality, recycled yarn.
Seaqual yarn can be used to make a variety of products, including clothing, accessories, and home textiles. One of the benefits of using Seaqual yarn is that it helps reduce plastic pollution in the oceans and prevent it from entering the marine food chain. By using Seaqual yarn, companies, and consumers can also play a role in supporting the cleanup and protection of the oceans.
Textile manufacturers like Camira, Maharam, Mayer Fabrics, and ArcCom have integrated the use of Seaqual? yarn in some of their products and we aim for and support seeing the use of these products expand!
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Pi?atex
Pi?atex is a sustainable and vegan-friendly material made from pineapple leaves, developed as an eco-friendly alternative to leather. The fibers are extracted from the leaves of the pineapple plant and then processed into a non-woven fabric, which can be used as a durable and versatile material for fashion, accessories, and furniture.
Pi?atex was invented by Spanish designer Carmen Hijosa in the 1990s after a trip to the Philippines, where she was inspired by the traditional use of pineapple fibers in textiles. Pi?atex has gained popularity in recent years as a more sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional leather, which has a significant impact on the environment and raises animal welfare concerns.
Pi?atex is biodegradable, and the production process has a lower environmental impact than traditional leather production. It also provides economic opportunities for pineapple farmers in developing countries, where pineapple waste is often burned or discarded.
ECONYL
ECONYL is a brand of regenerated nylon made from post-consumer waste materials such as fishing nets, discarded textiles, and industrial plastic waste. ECONYL was developed by the Italian company Aquafil in 2011 and has since become a popular sustainable material used by fashion and interior design brands. The production process of ECONYL has a lower environmental impact than traditional nylon production since it reduces the need for virgin materials, conserves energy and water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
It is a closed-loop system, which means that the waste materials used to produce it can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality. This makes it a more sustainable and circular alternative to traditional nylon, which is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels and is not biodegradable.
ECONYL carpet fibers are eligible for LEED? points, as part of the definition of worldwide standards for eco-friendly buildings. So you can create performance-driven carpets, carpet tiles, and rugs while giving your clients an innovative sustainability solution.
With more and more products making their way into the sustainable textile market, we are committed at Art of Interiors to being conscious of our textile decisions as the health of the environment is one of our core company values.
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