Fabrics can be eco-friendly in a couple different ways. The fibers that make up the fabric can be naturally occurring and therefore biodegradable, or the fabric maybe made from recycled fibers, which reduces waste. Companies around the world are becoming more aware of their "footprint" they are leaving on the environment while producing their products, and though they may not yet be considered fully "green" there are some fabrics, and products that have less of an impact on the environment than others.
Naturally Occurring Fibers
Naturally occurring fibers are fibers that are grown, not manufactured. When these fibers are grown without the use of chemicals, and fertilizers they are considered organic.- Cotton: Soft, staple fiber grown from the cotton plant.
- Silk: Protein fiber, derived from the cocoon of silk worms.
- Hemp: Cellulose fiber derived from Cannabis plant.
- Bamboo: Soft, cellulose fiber derived from bamboo stalks.
- Jute: Cellulose fiber derived from the Corchorus plant.
- Tencel®: Cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp.
- Ramie: Bast fiber derived from the Ramie plant.
- Wool: Animal fiber derived from the fur of sheep.
- Linen: Cellulose fiber derived from the Flax plant.
Fibers Made from Recycled Matrerials
- Recycled Polyester: Fibers made from used and recycled polyester.
- EcoSpun: Fibers derived from recycled plastic.
