Cotton needs a lot of water to grow, Polyester releases micro plastics, and leather production needs not only toxic materials, but also raises ethical questions.
Some seek to solve or reduce these problems by using innovative materials, that haven’t played any role in fashion yet, or are just new inventions.
Milk
The milk textile fibre is produced from milk, which cannot be used for consumption, and is a 100% renewable resource. The production is low in CO2 emission and it only takes 2 litres of water to produce 1 kg of fibre, whereas it can take more than 20.000 litres to produce 1 kg of cotton.
Milk, Wool & Viscose by QmilkGlobal Fashion Agenda
Milk by EuromagliaGlobal Fashion Agenda
Bark
Bark Cloth’s bark fabrics are made from the tropical fig tree and once a year the bark is harvested without felling the tree. Bark fabrics do not contain binders, paints or other additives. Each square meter requires less than one liter of water and it is manufactured in a low-energy, partly CO2-emission-free-processes since it is produced exclusively with muscle power. Tree bark fleece from Uganda is said to be the most ancient textile in the history of humanity and is on UNESCO’s list of World Cultural heritage.
Cork
Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree. Harvesting the cork doesn’t harm the tree itself, because only the bark is extracted. It regrows within a couple of years and can then be harvested again. Cork forests support high levels of biodiversity and foster a great diversity of plants and endangered species. Its growth reduces up to two times the amount of CO2 compared to other trees. Besides, it offers fair remuneration and a high employment rate to farmers and workers. Cork is reusable, and biodegradable. It is OEKO-TEX® certified 100% Tencel® fabric. They only use water-based glue and a water-based finish to guarantee long lasting quality and durability as well as a fully sustainable approach.
Cork by Ronan SayburnGlobal Fashion Agenda
Cork production in Portugal
Cork by Ono Creations Ltd.Global Fashion Agenda
Cork by Ono Creations Ltd.Global Fashion Agenda
The Fabric Source
Bark Cloth
Euromaglia
Qmilk
Ono Creations Ltd.
Linas
Seidentraum
