The fashion sector is developing with new concerns: ecology. That’s why innovative and responsible materials have been developed that you should know about !
What is an eco-responsible material ?
An eco-responsible material has a low impact on the environment. It is usually recycled but can also be organic or natural. The fashion industry has been developing innovative materials with low environmental impact to meet the growing consumer demand for more responsible materials.
This is only natural as fashion is the most polluting industry on the planet. These innovative materials are often derived from food production. It is also a revolution in the sector, as nothing is lost and everything is transformed. The materials transformed into textiles have various properties: resemblance to leather, ecological, waterproof, etc.
Natural materials
So-called natural materials come from the earth. They are plants, animals or a product of both. Innovations in this sector are dazzling!
1/ In plant materials, hemp is revolutionising the industry !
The plant requires very little water and no fertiliser, is resistant to pests and retains a lot of CO2. Indeed, this is good news for global warming. It is a member of the cotton and linen family, but its low water requirement makes it an eco-responsible plant. It is a very resistant material once processed.
2/ As for animal materials, they are generally plants transformed into leather.
The perfect example is Pinatex, or more commonly known as pineapple leather. This material is made from pineapple skins which are processed and then tanned, resulting in a so-called “vegan” leather. Many designers have taken up this revolutionary material. It is possible to make vegetable leather from many foods, the most used being cactus, apple and mushroom.
3/ And finally, the so-called eco-innovative materials.
They are made from natural resources and require little chemical treatment. There is Tencel, which comes from wood pulp. This fibre grows in large quantities and requires 5 times less water than cotton with a yield 10 times greater. This material is used to create durable and resistant clothing.
Recycled materials
Recycled materials use fewer resources to produce new clothes. There are synthetic materials, derived from rubber, elastane, polyester, etc. Although they are not environmentally friendly in their original production, they can be recycled to create new clothes.
Unprocessed materials are called “up-cycling”. In its use, the garment is transformed or customised but keeps its original function and has a second life. This creative technique allows any material to be given a second life.
Eco-innovative materials
Made from polluting materials such as plastic or nylon, these materials are transformed into an innovative textile that is good for our planet.
New Life” is a polyester yarn made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Q-Nova” is a fibre formed from nylon scraps from its own factory, recycled to form a new fibre. “Econyl” is made from fishing nets and plastic waste recovered from the sea.
Being a responsible consumer also means choosing the right materials for our clothes. The sector of innovative materials is growing to counter the phenomenon of pollution generated by the fashion industry.
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