Overview
This lecture reviews a range of sustainable textiles, their properties, benefits, and limitations, guiding the evaluation of eco-friendly fabric choices for the apparel industry.
Cotton
- Cotton is a widely used fiber; output has tripled in 80 years due to pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs.
- Most cotton is genetically modified, which is controversial and increases farmer exploitation.
- 30% of cotton is shipped internationally for manufacturing, raising its carbon footprint.
- Organic cotton avoids GMOs and chemicals, improves soil, but is more expensive and does not use less water.
- Cotton agriculture contributes to water scarcity and environmental damage, especially in arid regions.
- Fair trade cotton ensures farmers receive fair prices and stable trading relationships.
- Fair trade is distinct from ethical trading, which focuses on labor standards across supply chains.
Hemp
- Hemp is highly sustainable, grows quickly, needs no pesticides, and prevents soil erosion.
- Has eight times the tensile strength of cotton, is durable, hypoallergenic, and resists mildew and UV.
- Hemp wrinkles easily, can be scratchy, and its color is not long-lasting.
Peace Silk (Ahimsa Silk)
- Peace silk is produced without killing silkworms, aligning with nonviolent principles.
- Production results in the loss of many embryos or hatchlings, raising ethical concerns.
- Wild peace silk allows pupae to live but is less available.
Bamboo
- Bamboo grows rapidly, needs no pesticides or irrigation, and prevents soil erosion.
- Mechanically processed bamboo resembles linen but is rare; most bamboo fiber is chemically processed into rayon.
- Chemical processing uses toxic chemicals, reducing bamboo’s ecological benefits.
Tencel (Lyocell)
- Tencel is made from eucalyptus pulp, absorbs moisture well, and is durable.
- Manufactured in a closed-loop process with less dye and water than cotton.
- The yield is much higher than cotton with enhanced sustainability.
Piña
- Piña fiber comes from pineapple leaves, is lustrous, durable, and used for various textiles.
- Resistant to wear, easy to clean, and suitable for fashion and home products.
Banana Fiber
- Derived from banana plants after fruit harvest; fine, strong, lightweight, and shiny.
- Has good moisture management; biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Wool
- Wool is natural, renewable, biodegradable, and thermoregulating.
- Requires less energy and water than many fibers and does not shed microplastics.
- Wool supports carbon sequestration and is compostable.
Piñatex
- Piñatex is made from pineapple waste and resembles leather.
- Strong, breathable, lightweight, and sustainable, needs no extra resources for production.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Organic Cotton — Cotton grown without GMOs or synthetic chemicals, relying on crop rotation and natural pest control.
- Fair Trade Cotton — Cotton meeting international standards that ensure farmers get fair compensation.
- Tencel (Lyocell) — A fiber from wood pulp produced in a closed-loop process; eco-friendly and moisture-wicking.
- Peace Silk — Silk produced without killing silkworms, also known as Ahimsa silk.
- Piñatex — A leather alternative made from pineapple leaf waste.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Take a break, then proceed to watch part three on textile innovations and sustainability trends.