2021 will be the beginning of a new era of meaning for sustainable fashion. From fast fashion to mass production, the future of the fashion system lies in the ways, how we consume natural resources. The continuous accumulation of textile wastes, toxic substances has serious consequences on our environment, human health & labourer’s lives. But is there any hope?
Apart from recycling old clothes, consuming less water, and chemical usage in garment production, can we find items of clothing and fabrics which are more sustainable? And, here are our favourite eco-friendly fibres that are reinventing the fashion industry which we could help you to look out for a sustainable way of living.
What Exactly is Sustainable Fashion?
Sustainable and ethical fashion is the methodology towards procuring, manufacturing, designing, and marketing articles of clothing for ecological integrity, and social justice.
We believe the below-mentioned aspects, comprehends the sustainable & ethical fashion:
- Ethical & Sustainable manufacturing
- Supply Chain Transparency
- Quality sustainable materials
- Recyclable and upcycled fashion
- Cruelty-free products
To help you out, the Garmmo team has listed some of the most commonly used natural, processed, and innovative fibres in the sustainable fashion industry. Also, we’re sharing their glossary, with the reasons why like it, and why it’s better for our environment. so that you know how to choose the best option for a sustainable way of living!
Photo by Utopia By Cho on Unsplash
Photo by Tijana Drndarski on Unsplash
1. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is one of the most popular eco-friendly fibres, grown organically without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
Why we love it:
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Made from natural fibres
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No toxin substances used
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Natural defoliation
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Protects ecosystem
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Biodegradable
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Soft feel and breathable
Organic cotton is better for the environment, and here’s why:
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Lower greenhouse gas emissions
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Reduces soil erosion
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Reduces water contamination up to 98%
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Lower chance of global warming
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Reduce negative impacts on human health, soil and water quality.
Limitations
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Expensive to produce
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Excessive water consumption
2. Organic Bamboo
Organic bamboo is a highly sustainable crop and this fabric is made from pulp bamboo fibres.
Why we love it:
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Natural origin
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Stronger fabric
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Affordable
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Absorbent and breathable
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UV protection
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Anti-bacterial properties
Organic Bamboo is better for the environment, and here’s why:
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Biodegradable
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No fertilizers and pesticides required
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Bamboo produces 35% of oxygen
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Consumes carbon dioxide
Limitations
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Organic Bamboo fabric wrinkles easily compared to other natural fibres.
Photo by Takeo Kunishima on Unsplash
Photo by Hannah C on Unsplash
3. Cactus Vegan Leather
Cactus leather is manufactured from plant-based material, invented by Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, Mexican entrepreneurs. Essentially, Leather is an animal-based fiber, but vegan leather is created out of cactus leaves which are making a positive difference by replacing an animal-based fibre with a plant-based alternative.
Why we love it:
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Organic & eco-friendly fibre
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Soft & durable
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Cruelty-free product
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Free of Phthalates, and PVC
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Recyclable
Cactus vegan leather is better for the environment, and here’s why:
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Biodegradable
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Absorption of carbon dioxide
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Plastic waste is reduced
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Cactus naturally regenerates soil
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Minimum consumption of water
What can you make with cactus vegan leather?
Cactus leather material is used in the application of Footwear’s, handbags, apparel, interiors, and types of furniture.
4. Recycled polyester
Recycled polyester, also known as rPET, is manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyester fibre is obtained by melting down existing plastic and by re-spinning them.
How sustainable is recycled polyester:
Recycled polyester is a new trend in the eco-fashion industry. As tons of plastics are sent to landfills every year, this creates the necessity for the recycling process. Thus, recycled polyester fabrics are considered partially sustainable.
Why we love it:
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Strong and stretchable
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Wrinkle resistant
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Produced from industrial polyester wastes
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Has a smaller environmental footprint
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Requires less energy for the production
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Helps minimize tons of plastics
Limitations
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Releases microplastics
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The recycling process has a significant environmental impact
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Not guaranteed to be recyclable
Photo by Marc Newberry on Unsplash
5. Hemp
Hemp fabric is produced from the fibre of the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp fibres are one of the most significant eco-friendly fibre and also one of the first plants to be spun into usable fibre 50,000 years ago.
Why we love it:
- Natural fibre
- Hypo-allergenic
- UV Resistant
- Exceptionally durable and Longer lifespan
- Can be blended with any natural or synthetic fibre
Hemp is better for the environment, and here’s why:
- Biodegradable
- Recyclable fabric
- Reduces carbon emission
- Saves water consumption
- Controls soil erosion
Limitations
- Hemp fabric is expensive
- Tends to crease and wrinkle
Photo by Ethan Bodnar on Unsplash
Photo by Maite Oñate on Unsplash
6. Linen
Linen is nearly the same as hemp in terms of sustainability. Linen is a textile is produced from the fibre of the Linum usitatissimum, a flax plant. Linen is one of the significant sustainable fabrics as it is made from natural fibres, plants of the genus Linum belonging to the family Linaceae.
Why we love it:
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Natural fibre
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Lightweight fabric
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Absorbent
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Machine-Washable
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No toxic substances required
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Resists dirt and stains
Linen is better for the environment, and here’s why:
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Reduces carbon footprint
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Biodegradable
Limitations
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Wrinkle easily
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Excessive water consumption
At Garmmo, we strive to create a more Eco-friendly and Ethical business. Here are a few measures we’ve taken to play our part in environmental responsibility:
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On-demand and Tailor-made
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Fair and Ethical Business Practices
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High quality and timeless designs
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Biodegradable packaging’s
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Sustainable dyeing materials
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Utilization of over 50% solar energy
We hope this post serves as a helpful guide for some of the world’s most sustainable fibres, and for the awareness of the sustainable Fabrics of the fashion industry.
