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As environmental concerns continue to take center stage, sustainability has become more relevant than ever before. Many businesses have shifted their focus to producing greener, more renewable products to accomodate growing market demands. A concerted global effort to support a greener future has generated renewed interest in sustainable fabrics in particular. For individuals and businesses alike, investing in sustainable fabrics is a fundamental part of making environmentally responsible decisions. With so many products, complex labeling, and greenwashing, it can be challenging to find truly sustainable fabrics. This guide digs deeper into the sourcing, manufacturing processes, and long-term viability of different fabrics to determine which textiles have the lowest impact on the environment. Here are 10 of the most sustainable fabrics available today.
 

1. Bamboo-based Fabric‌

Natural, biodegradable fabric can be made from bamboo.
 

Bamboo is a fast-growing crop that doesn’t require constant watering or harsh fertilizers to thrive. Fabrics are manufactured from bamboo in various ways, but the most ecologically viable methods rely on closed-loop production processes. This means that any chemicals used in breaking down the cellulose of the bamboo are recaptured and reused. Not all bamboo fibers are equally sustainable. For instance, producing Rylon from bamboo creates a substantial amount of harmful waste, including the compound carbon disulfide.‌
 

2. Fabric From Pineapples

It’s possible to transform pineapple leaves into a sustainable leather-like material called Piñatex®. Developed in 2014, Piñatex shows considerable promise as a viable alternative to producing leather from animal skin. Since pineapple leaves are usually discarded at harvest, Piñatex production provides farmers with additional income while simultaneously reducing waste. Piñatex is relatively easy to work with and widely used in the production of handbags, shoes, or jackets.
 

3. Hemp

Hemp has been used to create textiles for thousands of years.
 

‌‌With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, the growing of regulated hemp in the U.S. became legal for the first time since the onset of WWII. Organically grown hemp is a sustainable fabric that is continuing to gain popularity. Hemp fibers can form a strong, breathable, and comfortable fabric for a range of uses. MOSA (the Midwest Organic Services Association) has provided guidelines for how crops like hemp are certified organic. Among the requirements, farmland must be free of chemicals or fertilizers for at least three years before organic growing can begin.‌
 

4. Lyocell

‌This fabric comes from wood cellulose that is broken down and spun into fibers. The process generates almost no waste and the final product is entirely biodegradable. Lyocell is a comfortable material commonly used for clothing and towels. Lyocell is a critical component in the production of modern conveyer belt systems as well. Although Lyocell remains somewhat pricey today, this fabric is one of the best zero waste products available in terms of functional textiles.‌
 

5. Modal

‌Modal is a semi-synthetic material made from the cellulose of beech trees. Modal makes for comfortable clothing and is often used today in women’s fashion. This fabric is produced globally and is not always adequately regulated, so sourcing is an essential factor to consider. Modal is biodegradable, but its sustainability could be a point of contention for some. Several harsh chemicals are needed to produce this fabric and lack of oversight can lead to local ecological damage. Take the time to find responsible suppliers before committing to a purchase.‌
 

6. Organic Cotton

‌Traditional cotton can consume quite a bit of water and energy, but organic cotton is a sustainable alternative. Organic cotton is grown almost exclusively with rainwater and no pesticides are used during cultivation. Organic cotton seeds cannot be genetically modified either. The final result is a fabric that is much less harmful to the environment than other common textiles. Organic cotton should always be sourced from countries that maintain strict regulatory standards and ethical labor practices.
 

7. Responsible Wool

 

Responsible wool suppliers follow strict environmental and animal welfare standards.

‌Another sustainable fabric can be wool, but only under a watchful eye. The responsible wool industry is regulated by RWS ( Responsible Wool Standard). Audits throughout each stage of the supply chain help to enforce compliance with regulations. Certified responsible wool suppliers must observe the Five Freedoms of animal welfare to protect their sheep from unnecessary pain, discomfort, hunger, or distress. Sheep must also have the freedom to behave naturally with one another. Be sure to check where your wool is coming from and if it’s being ethically produced.‌
 

8. rPET

‌The textile industry creates a considerable amount of waste every year. Much of this waste is polyester, a material used to create a sustainable fabric called rPET. Plastic bottles are also converted into rPET to manufacture everything from clothing to handbags. While rPET does reduce waste and encourages recycling of materials, washing this fabric can potentially release microplastics into the environment.‌
 

Miniwiz Applications: Architectural, Industrial, Interior Design, Furniture, Apparel Material: Recycled PET from Drinks Bottles…

 

9. Sustainable Leather

‌Ethically sourced sustainable leather comes from byproducts of the existing livestock industry. Although the ethics of raising animals remains in dispute, supporting sustainable leather helps to slow growth in conventional leather production. Reputable suppliers of sustainable leather should practice environmentally responsible tanning practices by exploring alternatives to chromium. Leather by itself can also outlast cheaply-made plastic clothing items, leading to less waste over time. Consider buying leather secondhand, to extend the usage of the garment and also to avoiding supporting the growth of the leather industry.
 

Another eco-friendly material with similar qualities to leather is muskin, also known as mushroom leather. The tanning of muskin does not require using harmful, toxic chemicals. Leather made from mushrooms is surprisingly durable, making it perfect for applications like shoes or upholstery.
 

10. Cupro

Cupro is another fabric made from cellulose that is both affordable and sustainable. This material is appreciated for its similarity to silk and is often used in producing bedding or apparel. Cupro is made from cotton waste that undergoes chemical processes to form a flexible fabric. A major downside to Cupro is that ammonia is used in the production process, so responsible suppliers should demonstrate strict environmental control standards.
 

Keep in mind that there is no single perfect fabric. Reaching for better standards, fairer treatment of workers, accountability from companies, and products that are kinder to the environment and ourselves are the baby steps that make progress possible. Buying second-hand or reducing purchases altogether are other great ways to fight waste.‌
 

For more than fifteen years, MINIWIZ has been at the forefront of developing innovative, sustainable solutions to modern problems. MINIWIZ is committed to building a streamlined and integrated circular economy where nothing goes to waste. We endeavor to bridge the gap between sustainability and profitability, offering innovative approaches to overcome a range of industry challenges. We continue to develop new sustainable fabrics with customizable textures, colors, and designs. Connect with us to discuss your needs and our team will be happy to help.

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