Most of our wardrobes are split between traditional natural fibers like cotton and silk or petro based synthetics like polyester and nylon. Each category has their merits. Synthetic when done right can last long but has a significant environmental impact. Natural fiber, is generally more breathable, but may not as long (also with cotton it uses a lot of water)
In my spare time, I try to learn more about the future of textile. It seems like we are moving toward a period where bio based textiles will become the standard soon. These materials are derived from plant cellulose, like wood pulp or seaweed, but they are processed in a way that gives them the performance of a synthetic fabric.
I recently started looking into specific bio based lines. The chemistry behind this is what makes it a potential replacement for polyester. Because these fibers are engineered, they can have the same moisture wicking and high elasticity properties as synthetics, but they remain entirely plant based and biodegradable. When produced in a closed loop system, where almost all the water and solvents are recycled, the footprint is significantly lower than even organic cotton.
I hope to see more brands start using these synthetics. The scalability of closed loop production makes it a much more sustainable path than just relying on organic cotton, which uses crazy amount of water.
What are your thoughts on the future of fabric? How can we make the production of fashion more sustainable?I would love to hear if anyone else is tracking these bio based trends.
Traveling has been my first love and I recently managed to land my dream job which lets me travel all the time. Problem is how this constant traveling has affected my skin (in a bad way). I don't know but I don't feel like my skin is ever in its best condition whenever I travel compared to when I'm wfh, probably because I have a pretty solid routine that I can't maintain during travels. It's really a hassle to bring everything and I hate having to transfer them in tiny bottles because it wastes so much product. Like, how do people with this kind of lifestyle keep a consistent routine without having to pack your entire bathroom???