Using Eco-Friendly Textiles to Support Sustainability in Fashion

The fashion industry is growing rapidly—at least in volume. However, this growth is accompanied by mounting waste problems, as seen in the Atacama Desert in Chile. Developing eco-friendly textiles can offer a potential solution to address the waste issue and support a more sustainable fashion industry.

Waste from the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry heavily consumes resources and generates significant waste. It is the world’s second-biggest consumer of water, using around 215 trillion liters annually. Additionally, harmful chemicals used in textile processing can degrade soil fertility, and the dyeing and finishing process of fashion items is responsible for an estimated 20% of global water pollution. The industry also produces 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions globally.

The fashion industry also brought along the issue of microplastics. The demand for cheap and trendy clothes has led companies to use cheaper synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Research by the European Parliamentary Research Service reveals that a  single load of laundry containing these materials can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers, which end up contaminating the environment and human bodies.

Eco-Friendly Textiles

One way to support sustainability in the fashion industry is by using more sustainable fabrics. Eco-friendly textiles are usually sourced from bio-based materials or recycled fibers and produced with significantly less water, energy, and chemical use.

Innovation in this field is advancing rapidly. Take lyocell, a semi-synthetic fabric made from eucalyptus tree cellulose. Though chemically processed, lyocell is produced through a closed-loop system using organic solvents.  Another example is piñatex, or pineapple leather, an alternative to animal or synthetic leather made from discarded pineapple leaves—agricultural waste that would otherwise be thrown away.

Furthermore, research shows that using organic cotton helps conserve water and maintain soil health, while recycled fibers converted from plastic waste can reduce dependence on virgin materials and minimize waste. Additionally, fabrics made from hemp and bamboo are also viable options for eco-friendly textiles, as they naturally decompose.

Businesses around the world are emerging to support this shift. For instance, Shroff Industries in India produces textured fabric from banana stem fibers, while companies like Archroma and Colorifix develop sustainable dyeing methods using agricultural waste and microorganisms.

Change Starts with Collaboration

There is no one fix to addressing waste problems in the fashion industry. Using eco-friendly textiles is one potential solution that can also present an opportunity for exploration and innovation by fashion companies in their sustainability efforts.

Meanwhile, the transition to a sustainable fashion industry also needs support and participation from governments and policymakers to create and implement clear regulations, policies, and programs. As consumers, we can also make conscious choices in buying and caring for our clothes to make them last as long as possible. Through collaborative efforts, we can shape a future where fashion is both something to express oneself and an industry that is environmentally friendly and socially responsible.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma & Kresentia Madina

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