One of the biggest sources of pollution on the planet today is the fashion industry. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to make conscious choices and prefer eco-friendly fabrics to safeguard our planet. In this article, TLD Apparel will explore eco-friendly materials and find out why they can make a difference to the environment. Read on to find out more about the best materials to choose.

What Are Sustainable Fashion Materials?

Eco-friendly fabrics, also known as sustainable apparel materials, are textiles derived from environmentally responsible sources, such as recycled fabrics or responsibly farmed fiber crops. However, sustainability is not just about the origin of these materials, it also depends on the manufacturing processes. For a fabric to be truly sustainable, it must have minimal environmental impact at every stage of production, from cultivation and harvesting to spinning and dyeing. Embracing these eco-friendly materials is crucial for encouraging the fashion industry toward a more sustainable future.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Materials?

As consumers become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their purchases, the demand for sustainable clothing has been increasing. This shift towards sustainability is not just a passing trend, it is a crucial step towards creating a more ethical and environmentally friendly fashion industry.

The Top 8 Eco-Friendly Materials

Recycled and Organic Cotton

Cotton is one of the most used fabrics because it is lightweight and breathable, the perfect combo for fashion staples. However, producing and dying conventional cotton can be a chemical-intensive process. It often requires a lot of pesticides that can damage the soil and affect the farmers who grow it.

Both organic and recycled cotton are sustainable alternatives that have become much more common in recent years. Organic cotton does not require synthetic substances and all farming techniques are natural. Recycled cotton is made from post-consumer or post-industrial cotton waste, helping to keep clothing fabric out of landfills and remove harmful chemicals. Collectively, both cotton varieties aim to minimize the environmental impact of routine cotton production while reducing water and energy consumption. 

Recycled Polyester

We previously mentioned polyester as a harmful fabric, but recycled polyester is made from plastic bottles that are compacted and broken down into small fibers. This fabric helps divert plastic from our landfills and can continually be recycled. Recycled polyester production requires far fewer resources than new clothing fibers and generates far less CO2 emissions. Recycled polyester is a great alternative for underwear and athleticwear that can’t be made entirely from natural fibers. Plastic bottles are easy to throw away, but even better to throw on.

Bamboo Linen

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the globe because of its extraordinary ability to regenerate quickly. Bamboo doesn’t need a lot of inputs and, like hemp, absorbs more CO2 than other trees. Additionally, it can endure just rain. Bamboo can be made into a sustainable material if it comes from certified sustainably managed forests. However, this is only possible if the bamboo is processed mechanically rather than chemically.

Instead of choosing bamboo fabric that has been chemically plasticized to create bamboo rayon or viscose, look for raw organic bamboo fabric. There will be more on this later, as it’s crucial to understand the difference, considering that the sustainable variety of bamboo only makes up a small portion of what is available for purchase.

Bamboo Lyocell

The pulp of bamboo grass is used to make the sustainable fabric known as bamboo lyocell. It is noted for its softness, breathability, and remarkable moisture-wicking characteristics. From an eco-friendly perspective, bamboo lyocell offers various benefits. Bamboo is a resource that grows quickly and doesn’t require pesticides or much water. 

In addition, the manufacturing process of bamboo lyocell is closed-loop, meaning that 99% of the solvents and water utilized are recovered and repurposed, greatly lowering the product’s environmental impact. There are no harsh chemicals used in the production of bamboo lyocell. In contrast to alternative techniques for producing bamboo fabric, the Lyocell technology dissolves the bamboo pulp using safe solvents. 

Reducing waste and pollution, the resultant wastewater is filtered and used again in the following production cycle.  Bamboo Lyocell is frequently utilized in apparel and bedding items like pillowcases and sheets. Its silky, smooth feel and ability to drain away moisture make it appropriate for summer clothes and sleepwear.

Cashmere

The best fabric for the environment, known as cashmere, is derived from cashmere goats. It is highly valued because of its remarkable warmth, tenderness, and longevity. The word “cashmere” comes from the archaic spelling of Kashmir, a place in South Asia where the material was first produced.

Nonetheless, there has been discussion regarding cashmere’s sustainability. Cashmere is renewable, natural, and biodegradable and only needs a small amount of processing. However, overgrazing by cashmere goats can cause desertification and soil degradation, especially in China and Mongolia, the two countries that produce the most cashmere worldwide. 

Hemp

One of the greenest natural materials is hemp. It is a high-yielding plant that helps soil through phytoremediation, which is the process of replenishing soil nutrients and eliminating contaminants such as heavy metals and other toxins without the need for water or chemicals. 

It is regarded as a raw material with zero carbon. It absorbs more CO2 from the atmosphere than the typical plant does. Hemp tends to be slightly more expensive than other sustainable organic materials because of its many wearing benefits (such as its inherent antibacterial and sun protection qualities) and difficulty in growing, but we should expect to see more of it in the future. 

Piñatex 

Piñatex or pineapple fabric is a sustainable textile made from the fibers of pineapple leaves, which are typically discarded as waste in the pineapple farming industry.

This sustainable fabric is made from pineapple leaf fibers, a byproduct of pineapple farming. The fibers are extracted, cleaned, and processed into a non-woven mesh, which can be used for clothing, accessories, and footwear.

As an eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternative to leather, pineapple fabric helps reduce waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise be discarded.

Tencel

For those looking for something a little more futuristic, Tencel is a lightweight fabric derived from cellulose fibers that come from dissolving wood pulp. Lenzing uses eucalyptus wood, sustainable practices, and responsible sourcing to create its fabrics with far less water and energy than traditional fashion production. Plus, the chemicals used to make the fiber go through what’s called a closed-loop system, meaning the solvents are recycled to reduce harmful waste.

Conclusion

TLD Apparel is a leading company in the garment industry with years of experience and a strong commitment to sustainable fashion. We understand that the future of fashion lies in environmentally friendly practices, and we continuously strive to incorporate eco-friendly materials into our production processes. Our mission is to provide high-quality, sustainable products that not only meet industry standards but also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of textile production.