"6 Key Trend Shaping a Sustainable Future in Textile"

Sustainable textiles refer to fabrics produced to minimize harm to the environment and people involved in the process. This encompasses the entire lifecycle of the textile, from the sourcing of materials to the final product and its disposal. The textile industry releases 1.7 million tons of CO2 annually, which accounts for 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Clothing and textile waste is taking at least 7% of the global landscape space. This has become a primary environmental concern. Rising consumer awareness and government pressure have prompted companies in this domain to research sustainable alternatives.

Get an overview of the trends shaping the sustainable textile industry.

1. Biodegradable Textiles

The alarming reality of 92 million tons of clothing ending up in landfills annually has fueled the textile industry’s strategic shift toward biodegradable clothes. Biodegradable textiles address environmental concerns and align with the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly products.

Why is biodegradable textiles an upcoming trend?

• Versatility in Form: Biodegradable materials like mycelium showcase remarkable adaptability. They can form hard, leather-like materials for various apparel and softer suede-like textures for clothing.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Biobased synthetic fibers, deriving their raw materials from biomass, contribute to a reduced carbon footprint during the synthesis process.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Biodegradable materials, particularly those in direct contact with the skin, are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than synthetic counterparts. Notably, materials like Mycelium fabric are non-toxic, waterproof, and fire-resistant, making them a safe and sustainable choice for everyday wear.

2. Sustainable Dyeing

The World Bank Group has identified more than 70 toxic chemicals that originate solely from textile dyeing. This alarming discovery has pushed government bodies worldwide to address the issue urgently. However, with growing awareness and push from regulatory bodies, companies are researching and testing new methods for dyeing textiles.  

Why is sustainable dyeing an upcoming trend?

• Biodegradable: Adopting plant-based dyes in textile production contributes significantly to environmental conservation. These dyes are biodegradable, eliminating pollution concerns during disposal and aligning with sustainable manufacturing principles.
• Rich Color Palette: Sustainable dyeing enables the creation of a diverse and rich color palette using natural sources. These eco-friendly dyeing methods can produce soft and soothing hues, including red, yellow, brown, blue, black, green, and orange, providing designers and consumers with a spectrum of options.
• Safety Assurance: Natural dyes, such as carmine, present a safer alternative regarding health risks. They pose no harm if ingested and contribute to a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious approach to dyeing processes.
• Functional Advantages: Many natural colorants offer additional functionalities to textiles beyond their coloring properties. These functionalities may include antimicrobial, insect repellent, deodorizing, and UV protection properties, enhancing the practicality and appeal of sustainably dyed fabrics.
• Energy Efficiency: Utilizing plant-based dyes in the dyeing process reduces energy consumption throughout production. This energy efficiency aligns with broader sustainability goals, making sustainable dyeing an environmentally conscious choice for the textile industry. 

3. Managing Textile Pollutants with Recycling Catalysts

Catalysts serve as indispensable agents in textile recycling, driving efficiency, selectivity, and overall effectiveness in converting used textiles into valuable recycled materials. Further, catalytic reactions such as photocatalytic oxidation, Fenton’s oxidation, enzymatic dye degradation, thermolysis, and coagulation are widely used to eliminate textile pollutants. 

The ongoing research aims to discover the optimal methods for efficiently eliminating these pollutants from textiles without compromising environmental integrity.

Why is using catalysis in textile recycling an upcoming trend?

• ·Anaerobic Digestion: Catalysts play a crucial role in anaerobic digestion, breaking down biodegradable material without needing oxygen. This method efficiently manages textile waste and, in some cases, can generate biogas, a valuable renewable energy source.
• Fermentation: Catalysts contribute to the fermentation process, where enzymes induce chemical changes in organic substrates. In textile recycling, this process breaks down complex materials into simpler ones, facilitating the efficient recycling of textiles.
• Composting: Catalysts play a role in the natural composting process, transforming organic material into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. This method provides a sustainable approach to managing textile waste, aligning with environmentally conscious recycling practices.
• Fiber Regeneration: Catalysts are integral to fiber regeneration, where textiles are broken down into their component fibers. These fibers can then be spun into new yarns and fabrics, showcasing the significance of catalysts in advancing textile recycling technologies.
• Thermal Recovery: Catalysts contribute to thermal recovery processes, where energy is reclaimed from waste materials through various thermal treatments. This approach recovers energy from non-recyclable textile waste in textile recycling, adding an environmentally friendly dimension to the recycling process.
• Circular Economy System: The rise of the circular economy in the EU and other countries has propelled the adoption of more sustainable concepts. Using catalysts in textile recycling aligns with this trend, contributing to innovative recycling strategies that add significant value to textile and plastic waste within the circular economy framework.

4. Polyester Recycling  

As the athleisure trend continues to surge, the consumption of polyester clothing is projected to double by 2030. However, a mounting concern arises with the protracted timeline of polyester recycling, ranging from 20 to 200 years.

Recognizing this critical environmental challenge, governments across the globe are enacting stringent regulations on waste management and sustainable practices.

Why is polyester recycling an upcoming trend?

• Energy Efficiency: Polyester recycling demands less energy than virgin polyester production, contributing to overall energy efficiency in the textile industry.
• Reduced Emissions: Polyester recycling reduces CO2 emissions, which benefits the environment and aligns with sustainability goals.
• Resource Conservation: Polyester recycling helps conserve natural resources by decreasing the need to extract crude oil and natural gas. These resources are essential in producing virgin plastic.
• Low Heat Consumption: The recycling process involves low heat consumption, preserving plastic waste’s structure and molecular weight. This approach contrasts with other techniques that may involve higher heat, promoting more sustainable practices in the textile recycling sector.

5. Plant-Based Leather

According to a market report, the plant-based leather market is projected to double by 2028.  The global adoption of plant-based leather mirrors the overarching trend towards sustainable and responsible business practices. This shift addresses environmental, ethical, and consumer-driven concerns by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather.

Why is plant-based leather an upcoming trend?

• No Animal Cruelty: Plant-based leather is produced without animal products, ensuring no animals are harmed or killed. This makes it a more ethical and humane choice for consumers who prioritize animal welfare.
• Environmentally Friendly: Traditional leather production contributes significantly to environmental issues such as deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, plant-based leather is crafted from sustainable and renewable materials, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative.
• Versatile: Plant-based leather can be derived from various materials, allowing customization to meet specific needs and applications. It can replicate the look and feel of traditional leather while offering a range of colors and textures.
• Durable: Plant-based leather can exhibit durability on par with traditional leather, proving easy to clean and capable of withstanding wear and tear. Furthermore, engineers can design it to be water-resistant.
• Cost-effective: Plant-based leather is often more affordable than traditional leather, providing a cost-effective option for consumers seeking a high-quality product without a hefty price tag.
• Low-Impact: Certain vegetable leathers resemble animal leather and match its durability while presenting an attractive and surprisingly leather-like feel and appearance. This low-impact quality adds to the appeal of plant-based leather as a sustainable and ethical choice.

6. Chemical-free Alternatives to Flame-retardant Textiles

 The once-conventional use of PFAs to render textiles flame-retardant faces heightened examination over concerns about their carcinogenic nature. This examination has prompted decisive regulatory action, with the EU, UK, and various US states implementing bans on PFAs in textiles. 

The urgency to confront these pressing health and environmental issues has ignited a compelling need among businesses for alternative materials that are natural and free from harmful chemicals. 

Why are natural/chemical-free flame-retardant textiles an upcoming trend?

• Health and Safety Concerns: Conventional flame-retardant textiles often contain chemical additives that can pose health risks. As awareness of these chemicals’ potential health impacts grows, consumers seek safer alternatives. Natural or chemical-free flame-retardant textiles address these concerns by providing a safer option for consumers and workers.
• Environmental Sustainability: Traditional flame-retardant chemicals can be persistent and may accumulate in the environment, posing ecological risks. The shift towards natural or chemical-free alternatives aligns with broader sustainability goals and reduces the environmental impact of textile production and disposal.
• Multi-Functionality: Natural flame retardants often serve dual purposes, offering additional benefits beyond fire resistance. For example, textiles treated with natural compounds may also exhibit antimicrobial or UV-resistant properties, providing added value to consumers.

 What are the natural alternatives to flame retardant textiles?

• Cotton-based Flame-retardant Textiles: Using cotton-based textiles, flame retardancy can be achieved by chemically bonding cellulose in cotton with flame retardants or by coating the cotton textiles with flame-retardant substances.
• Bio-macromolecules: Natural substances such as chitosan, phytic acid, casein, whey, hydrophobics, or DNA are viable alternatives for flame retardants, offering bio-based and environmentally friendly solutions.
• Tannic Acid: Derived from plants such as gall, pomegranate, and others, tannic acid emerges as a plant polyphenol that contributes to the creation of bio-based flame-retardant materials.
• Fire-Resistant Cotton Lines: Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have developed four lines of cotton that possess inherent fire-resistant properties. These lines can create textiles that self-extinguish when exposed to fire, providing a natural and efficient alternative to traditional flame retardants.

Prospective Insights

The future of sustainable textiles is promising, driven by technological advancements, material innovations, and increased consumer awareness. From plant-based fibers to recycled fabrics, the industry is making strides. Further, education campaigns and regulatory efforts are contributing to the growing demand for ethical fashion. 

While these trends indicate a positive shift towards sustainability in textiles, challenges like scalability, cost, etc., still need to be addressed. However, with continued innovation and a collective effort from various stakeholders, the future of sustainable textiles appears promising.

AL HAFIJ PRODHAN