Biodegradable textiles are fabrics made from materials that can naturally decompose back into the environment without leaving harmful residues, reducing landfill waste and environmental impact. They are typically crafted from natural fibers like cotton, hemp, linen, and wool, or modern biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA). These materials break down through natural processes like microbial action and decomposition, transforming into nutrients for the soil or dissolving into harmless byproducts.
SOURCES OF BIODEGRADABLE TEXTILES:
- Plant-based fibers: e.g., bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, linen, jute, Tencel™ (lyocell)
- Agricultural waste: pineapple leaves (Piñatex), banana plant (Bananatex), coconut husks
- Biofabricated materials: algae, mycelium, bacterial, and yeast cellulose grown via fermentation
Biodegradable textiles offer a transformative solution to the mounting environmental challenges posed by synthetic fibers and fast fashion. As consumer awareness of climate change, plastic pollution, and ethical fashion grows, demand for eco-friendly materials is rising rapidly. This shift is being supported by strong regulatory pushes in the US, EU, and other markets for circular economy practices, along with increasing investments from global brands and startups.
