When it comes to the perfect ‘me-made’, fabric has a big impact. Colours and patterns are often a magpie for choice – tactility and softness are important. But what about performance, durability, structure and fluidity? And what cloths are better when it comes to the planet? From raw materials to the production processes, fabric has an environmental footprint, some of which are greater than others.
So, what are the more sustainable fabric choices? Natural fibres are always preferable to synthetics; they are biodegradable and easier to recycle. Synthetics derive from crude oil (fossil fuel); the manufacturing process is highly pollutive and they shed plastic micro fibres. So, what about cellulose fibres? Made from wood pulp (or even post-consumer cotton waste now!), they undergo a chemical process which can be highly pollutive. So how do you know which ones are the more sustainable option?
