The top 3 most sustainable materials

The textiles we are producing and consuming are polluting our planet at a high rate. We know this, but what are the options to preserve our resources? New alternatives have come to save the day. Take a look at the top 3 most sustainable materials on the market today.

Hemp

Yes, you heard it right! Hemp is becoming the textile of the moment due to its extreme durability and versatility. The great thing about hemp is that it uses 50% less water compared to cotton, and on top of that it’s super healthy for our environment, as it naturally fertilises the soil. Hemp is so good that it is actually considered a carbon negative raw material, as it can absorb CO2 from the atmosphere.

Because it has so many benefits (like being naturally sun protective and antimicrobial), it’s ideal for summer blouses, pants, blazers, but it can also be used for furniture.

Mycelium

What if we told you that one of the most sustainable materials has been growing under your feet for billions of years? Mycelium is a type of network of fungi that can be transformed into textiles that are carbon-negative and can be naturally dyed to any colour. The fabric created from mycelium is non-toxic, waterproof, and fire-resistant. Next to that it also has excellent insulating and moisture-absorbing properties.

MycoTEX and Mylo are already creating textiles from Mycelium with great success. Brands such as Adidas and Stella McCartney are incorporating this leather like material into their shoe and accessory collections, don’t say we didn’t tell you!

Upcycled fabrics

Shocker, using textiles that otherwise would be discarded is one of the most sustainable alternatives of using resources! Giving value to materials that would be considered waste is the best option of all. In the EU, approximately 2.2 million tons of textilewaste were generated in 2018. Unfortunately the amount of textile waste has doubled over the last 20 years.

In Europe, only about 50% of collected textiles are reused (for example, exported to other countries) and about 50% are recycled, of which only 1% is made into new clothes. This represents a loss of more than $100 billion worth of materials each year, which are compounded by the high costs of textile waste disposal.

By making use of already existing materials the production of new raw resources is reduced, which translated to a reduction of energy usage, air pollution, water pollution and CO2 emissions. The key? Use your creativity to innovate with what already exists and create one of a kind products!

Which materials are you curious to incorporate into your product range? Don’t wait any longer and create the most sustainable products locally on Manufy.com with these 3 types of materials and more.

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