Considering the steps taken towards a sustainable fashion, we can see some developments that will make both the industry and consumers happy. However, we should note that a “transformation of mentality” and an “end-to-end implementation framework” should lie at the core of all these efforts. Or, we might end up getting lost in romantic requests and unfruitful practices.
So, what are the most pivotal roadmaps and practices that will carry us to the future on the axis of people, brands and the world?
Biodiversity is definitely one of the most key answers to this.
Bio-fabrics and bio-based materials feed the textile industry constantly and take the leading role in sustainability.
While garments that can photosynthesize and self-cleaning shirts are on the bottom rung of the ladder, these are striking examples for the results delivered by bio-based materials. The pigments derived from rose petal silk, cactus skin, seaweed and wildflowers have started to be involved in the production processes adopted by a range of brands.
Many companies have acquired biodiversity-based patents, producing sustainable fabric from by-products of citrus juice or obtaining natural textiles from pineapple leaves. Another source of a new generation of sustainable fabric and leather is the mycelium, the root of fungi. A robust bio-based leather alternative to animal skin, mushrooms are especially a great resource for growing fast, being carbon negative and not harming nature. Cactus skin, pineapple skin and grape skin have become one of the fastest growing areas since everyone is sensitive when it comes to skin.
General production standards now include the use of nettle for linen fabric, Eucalyptus pieces for accessories, and aloe vera, coconut and sugar cane for vegan shoes. Today, castor oil, hemp and bamboo are used in the outsole components of shoes preferred by famous athletes.
Still, all this biodiversity should incorporate waste management since the subject is circular economy and environment.
For example, it is possible to make clothes from waste milk fibers or vegetable leather grapes left over from winemaking. Numerous companies discovering that crop waste is valuable to the fashion industry turn this waste into fibers, yarns and textiles. Especially, cashmere made from waste soy protein is a revolutionary step in this field.
The largest brands of the world follow the development of plant-based pigments and plant-based dyes, establishing biotechnology units.