Eco Living
Sustainable Textiles That Don't Cost the Earth
Make smart choices by using textiles that look good, perform well and have sustainability credentials too
Evidence of the toll that large-scale, chemical-reliant commercial textile production takes on the environment is growing, and it’s not a pretty story – pollution, irreparable damage to ecosystems, depletion of fuel and water supplies, even loss of life. On the other end of the scale, some manufacturers are considering materials that leave a gentler footprint on the planet, developing uses for otherwise discarded organic byproducts and refining processes to address sustainability concerns. Here are some top candidates fighting the good fight to protect the planet.
Going bananas
The fast-growing banana plant is raising its profile as a renewable fibre source for fabrics, and as a plantation timber alternative. Enormous amounts of organic material are wasted after harvest and some countries, such as India, Nepal and the Philippines, are capitalising on the potential for a second bite at the banana.
The process is mostly mechanical and chemical-free, and the fibre is high-grade and easy to spin into a resilient, lustrous satin-like textile for curtains, rugs, furniture and more. Flexible, fire resistant and cost effective, it is completely biodegradable and almost totally carbon neutral.
The fast-growing banana plant is raising its profile as a renewable fibre source for fabrics, and as a plantation timber alternative. Enormous amounts of organic material are wasted after harvest and some countries, such as India, Nepal and the Philippines, are capitalising on the potential for a second bite at the banana.
The process is mostly mechanical and chemical-free, and the fibre is high-grade and easy to spin into a resilient, lustrous satin-like textile for curtains, rugs, furniture and more. Flexible, fire resistant and cost effective, it is completely biodegradable and almost totally carbon neutral.
Banana-fibre fabric is sometimes labelled abaca. Nepalese artisans have used banana fibres for centuries, and these beautiful silky rugs and mats are gaining a global following. The moisture-wicking properties of the fibre make abaca floor coverings ideal for tropical climates. This gorgeous hand-knotted ikat-style rug is an example.
Flexible abaca fibres can be woven into seating and light shades such as these. Its earthy, un-dyed tones and handcrafted feel make it a perfect fit for a relaxed interior.
This fun little rocking chair, the PS Gullholmen from Ikea, is made from a steel frame covered with banana fibre and rattan, with a clear protective lacquer.
If you fancy a chunkier look, banana fibres are also used in these delightfully chubby chairs.
Pineapple
Speaking of fruit, the leaves of the pineapple plant provide a substantial byproduct for textiles. Philippines company Ananas Anam has developed Pinatex as an alternative to chemical-dependent leather and petroleum-based textiles. The fabric is biodegradable, renewable and performs like animal leather at a much lower cost. It also creates a byproduct that can be used as fertiliser following harvests. It is attracting attention as a textile for bags and shoes, furniture and car interiors – Mercedes Benz is a client, among several other big names.
Speaking of fruit, the leaves of the pineapple plant provide a substantial byproduct for textiles. Philippines company Ananas Anam has developed Pinatex as an alternative to chemical-dependent leather and petroleum-based textiles. The fabric is biodegradable, renewable and performs like animal leather at a much lower cost. It also creates a byproduct that can be used as fertiliser following harvests. It is attracting attention as a textile for bags and shoes, furniture and car interiors – Mercedes Benz is a client, among several other big names.
Organic cotton
Cotton is the most widely used fabric on the planet. Conventional cotton is a heavy user of water and chemicals, with less than a third of crops being rain-irrigated. Organic cotton is grown from non genetically modified seed and with significant reduction in chemical and water use. Whereas conventional cotton is a monoculture, organically grown cotton supports biodiversity, reduces soil pollution and is often grown under Fair Trade initiatives (ACT State of the Environment Report 2015).
Cotton is the most widely used fabric on the planet. Conventional cotton is a heavy user of water and chemicals, with less than a third of crops being rain-irrigated. Organic cotton is grown from non genetically modified seed and with significant reduction in chemical and water use. Whereas conventional cotton is a monoculture, organically grown cotton supports biodiversity, reduces soil pollution and is often grown under Fair Trade initiatives (ACT State of the Environment Report 2015).
There is no completely impact-free fabric. At present organic cotton farming is labour-intensive and the fibres may be processed and dyed using the same chemicals as other cotton. Yields are lower and thus prices are generally higher. Organic certification can take several years and standards vary, with some organic-labelled fabrics containing differing percentages of organic cotton, according to Cotton Australia, the body representing Australia’s cotton-growing industry. Despite these drawbacks, it’s a conscious choice in favour of the environment.
Hemp
For strength, durability and eco-friendly properties, hemp has staked a claim as a versatile fabric for interior soft furnishings. Its rapid growing habit stifles weeds and it requires few pesticides and herbicides. Similar to heavy linen, producing double to triple the fibre yield of cotton, hemp is a breathable, compostable fibre with the rustic, organic appeal that’s so popular in interiors right now.
Natural hemp rugs, such as this one from Armadillo & Co, enhance the beauty of timber floors, adding texture and interest.
For strength, durability and eco-friendly properties, hemp has staked a claim as a versatile fabric for interior soft furnishings. Its rapid growing habit stifles weeds and it requires few pesticides and herbicides. Similar to heavy linen, producing double to triple the fibre yield of cotton, hemp is a breathable, compostable fibre with the rustic, organic appeal that’s so popular in interiors right now.
Natural hemp rugs, such as this one from Armadillo & Co, enhance the beauty of timber floors, adding texture and interest.
For wallpaper with a handwoven look, hemp is a great option. It is also suited to bathroom environments – a claim not all wallpapers can make. This earthy but elegant wallpaper is Manila Hemp Rivets in ‘Silver on Elephant’ from Phillip Jeffries.
Hemp’s superior insulating qualities give it the edge for window coverings, especially in heavier versions. Its weighty, robust quality means it hangs beautifully, yet the coarse weave allows for soft light diffusion. Dyed hemp has a subtle, almost faded look that’s perfect for a casual French country aesthetic.
Mango wood
The furniture industry has come under recent scrutiny for putting luxury before sustainability. Not a fabric fibre, but rather waste timber from mango crops, mango wood is a recent candidate for a sustainable hardwood. When mango trees reach the end of their fruiting life, the trunk is processed into furniture rather than discarded. It is densely grained, easy to work with and stain, and provides income in less-developed economies such as Indonesia.
The stunning bed above shows the distinctive grain and rugged appeal of mango wood.
Guide to buying responsibly sourced timber
The furniture industry has come under recent scrutiny for putting luxury before sustainability. Not a fabric fibre, but rather waste timber from mango crops, mango wood is a recent candidate for a sustainable hardwood. When mango trees reach the end of their fruiting life, the trunk is processed into furniture rather than discarded. It is densely grained, easy to work with and stain, and provides income in less-developed economies such as Indonesia.
The stunning bed above shows the distinctive grain and rugged appeal of mango wood.
Guide to buying responsibly sourced timber
Peace silk
You can also be a caring consumer in your clothing fabric choices. Silk production has a relatively low environmental impact and little waste, but traditional methods have quite the opposite effect on the unfortunate silkworms, who don’t survive the process. For the squeamish, Peace silk, sometimes called Ahimsa silk (a Buddhist concept meaning ‘non-violent’) allows the silkworm to complete its life cycle before the fibres are processed.
In wallpaper, cushions, rugs, bedlinen and curtains, the fabric has all the properties and luxurious charm of conventional silk, and spares the lives of millions of silkworms.
TELL US
Have you used any of these materials in your home? Tell us what you think of them in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or save this story. Join the conversation.
MORE
7 Everyday Steps to an Environmentally Friendly Home
You can also be a caring consumer in your clothing fabric choices. Silk production has a relatively low environmental impact and little waste, but traditional methods have quite the opposite effect on the unfortunate silkworms, who don’t survive the process. For the squeamish, Peace silk, sometimes called Ahimsa silk (a Buddhist concept meaning ‘non-violent’) allows the silkworm to complete its life cycle before the fibres are processed.
In wallpaper, cushions, rugs, bedlinen and curtains, the fabric has all the properties and luxurious charm of conventional silk, and spares the lives of millions of silkworms.
TELL US
Have you used any of these materials in your home? Tell us what you think of them in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or save this story. Join the conversation.
MORE
7 Everyday Steps to an Environmentally Friendly Home
‘Natural’ has become somewhat of a revered mantra as we embrace rugged woven textures and nature-based textiles for everything from upholstery and floor coverings to furniture. However, ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean ‘good’. Despite being biodegradable, some natural fabrics come at a massive environmental cost. Consider the following kinder options.