You have probably heard about some of the new textiles that are being made from natural sources, as the fashion industry is one of the most polluting ones some brands are looking to innovate in the way they source their textiles and have more sustainable alternatives. We have put together some of the ones we found most interesting.
- Banana stems: Different textiles with different weights can be made from banana stem, depending from what part of the banana stem the fibers are extracted from. The fabrics made from banana fibre are soft, breathable and a natural sorbent. They are often compared to hemps and bamboo fabrics, although not as durable. They are seen as a sustainable alternative to cotton and silk due to the fact that they are nearly carbon neutral.
- Pineapple leaves: Fabrics made from pineapple are also a very sustainable option. The result are textiles that look like leather and wove which is making this option very popular in the fashion industry. The plant leaves are separated from the trunk and then the fibers are manually detached from the leaves by a method of scraping, the leaves strands are then knotted to create a continuous filament yarn which is then weaved by skilled artisans.
- Coconut husks: The textile made from coconut husks is called coir, which is a durable and antibacterial fabric, considered to be one of the thickest and most resistant natural fibers available. Its durability and strength makes this textile a sustainable option for sports and outdoor wear, the yarn made from coconuts is even resistant to saltwater.