7 Trends Driving a Sustainable Future in Textile

Sustainable textiles refer to fabrics produced to minimize harm to the environment and people involved in the process. This encompasses the entire lifecycle of the textile, from the sourcing of materials to the final product and its disposal.

The textile industry releases 1.7 million tons of CO2 annually, which accounts for 10% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Clothing and textile waste is taking at least 7% of the global landscape space. This has become a primary environmental concern. Rising consumer awareness and government pressure have prompted companies in this domain to research sustainable alternatives.

Get an overview of the trends shaping the sustainable textile industry, summarized from our exclusive report on the state of textiles in 2024, which you can get by filling out the form below:

1. Biodegradable Textiles

The alarming reality of 92 million tons of clothing ending up in landfills annually has fueled the textile industry’s strategic shift toward biodegradable clothes. 

Biodegradable textiles address environmental concerns and align with the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly products. Companies incorporating these textiles are not just meeting regulatory standards but strategically positioning themselves to fulfill the market demand driven by conscious consumer choices.

Why is biodegradable textiles an upcoming trend?

• Versatility in Form: Biodegradable materials like mycelium showcase remarkable adaptability. They can form hard, leather-like materials for various apparel and softer suede-like textures for clothing. Additionally, mycelium can be processed into composite fabrics suitable for insulation and technical textile applications. Its capacity to conform to desired shapes during growth further enhances its versatility.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Biobased synthetic fibers, deriving their raw materials from biomass, contribute to a reduced carbon footprint during the synthesis process. This environmentally conscious approach aligns with the broader goals of sustainable textile production.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Biodegradable materials, particularly those in direct contact with the skin, are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than synthetic counterparts. Notably, materials like Mycelium fabric are non-toxic, waterproof, and fire-resistant, making them a safe and sustainable choice for everyday wear.

How are companies manufacturing biodegradable textiles?

Manufacturing fabrics from banana stems

Shroff Industries, an Indian company, creates textured and patterned fabrics using agricultural waste, such as banana stems. They produce fibers, spin yarns, and weave fabrics using agri-waste.

Converting agricultural waste into eco-friendly textile fibers

The international sustainable fashion innovation platform, Fashion for Good, has initiated the ‘Untapped Agricultural Waste Project‘ to validate and amplify technologies capable of converting agricultural waste into eco-friendly textile fibers. 

Collaborating with six fiber innovators—AltMat, Bananatex, Chlorohemp, Agraloop by Circular Systems, HempTex India, and 9Fiber—the platform aims to explore natural fibers and blends derived from agricultural waste sources like rice husks, hemp, wheat straw, banana, and pineapple. The initiative focuses on assessing the technical feasibility of these natural fibers developed by the selected innovators.

Replacing furs and skins with natural sources

Across the world, researchers are attaining remarkable outcomes by harnessing natural sources such as plant leaves and fruit waste, incorporating traditional wisdom, and employing advanced biotechnology techniques, including lab-grown microorganisms. 

Their efforts are directed towards crafting sustainable materials for the fashion industry, ushering in alternatives to fur, leather, and skins. In doing so, they significantly reduce the environmental footprint of one of the planet’s most polluting industries.

Textiles with Fungi to recycle waste materials

Multiple companies across the globe are working on biodegradable textiles. For instance,

• Mycelium Made innovates textured fabrics using mycelium, employing mushroom leathers from Reishi and Amadou varieties. 
• Another biotech startup, Mylium, utilizes mycelium for high-tech leather-like textiles, transforming waste streams into biobased, plastic-free materials. 
• Notably, Bolt Threads and Ecovative introduce Mylo, their version of mushroom-based bio-leather.
• In collaboration with Utrecht University, Officina Corpuscoli, and Mediamatic, Neffa creates garments from MycoTEX, a textile crafted from mushroom mycelium.

Recent Collaborations in Biodegradable Textiles 

• Zara, the renowned global fashion brand, teamed up with Renewcell for an exclusive capsule collection crafted from Circulose®, a distinctive material derived entirely from 100% recycled textiles.
• In partnership with Taiwan’s SINGTEX Group, Modern Meadow, a biotechnology firm based in New Jersey, has introduced BIO-TEX™ SHIELD to the market. These cutting-edge fiber membranes provide waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection, featuring an impressive 58% bio-based content.
• Spinnova, a sustainable textile company, and Renewcell, a textile recycling firm, have collaborated to produce fiber using recycled textile waste.
• Fiberpartner has partnered with Pond Global A/S, based in Aarhus, Denmark, to transform bio-based plastics’ development, production, and marketing for staple fibers.
• Advansa and Asia Pacific Fibers (APF) have partnered to introduce Remotion, a novel fiber crafted from recycled plastic bottles for the sports and activewear market. Remotion is considered biodegradable, with the threads breaking down in marine and landfill environments. 

According to a report by Plug and Play, 60-80% of dyes are carcinogenic. Therefore, the next immediate goal for the industry is to replace the carcinogens from dyeing solutions.

2. Sustainable Dyeing

The World Bank Group has identified more than 70 toxic chemicals that originate solely from textile dyeing. This alarming discovery has pushed government bodies worldwide to address the issue urgently. 

However, with growing awareness and push from regulatory bodies, companies are researching and testing new methods for dyeing textiles.  

Why is sustainable dyeing an upcoming trend?

• Biodegradable: Adopting plant-based dyes in textile production contributes significantly to environmental conservation. These dyes are biodegradable, eliminating pollution concerns during disposal and aligning with sustainable manufacturing principles.
• Rich Color Palette: Sustainable dyeing enables the creation of a diverse and rich color palette using natural sources. These eco-friendly dyeing methods can produce soft and soothing hues, including red, yellow, brown, blue, black, green, and orange, providing designers and consumers with a spectrum of options.
• Safety Assurance: Natural dyes, such as carmine, present a safer alternative regarding health risks. They pose no harm if ingested and contribute to a more environmentally friendly and health-conscious approach to dyeing processes.
• Functional Advantages: Many natural colorants offer additional functionalities to textiles beyond their coloring properties. These functionalities may include antimicrobial, insect repellent, deodorizing, and UV protection properties, enhancing the practicality and appeal of sustainably dyed fabrics.
• Energy Efficiency: Utilizing plant-based dyes in the dyeing process reduces energy consumption throughout production. This energy efficiency aligns with broader sustainability goals, making sustainable dyeing an environmentally conscious choice for the textile industry.

How are companies transitioning from harmful dyes to sustainably sourced natural alternatives?

Brands like Modern Shibori, Sustain By Kat, California Cloth Foundry, Ziran, and California-based Harvest & Mill create naturally dyed clothing using organic, natural fibers and sustainably sourced plant dyes.

Using nature’s solutions

Companies like Archroma and Colorifix harness nature’s solutions to create technical innovations for sustainable textile coloration. Archroma uses agricultural waste to create its EarthColors® dye range. Colorifix uses microorganisms to grow color based on natural DNA codes from plants, animals, and insects applied to textiles without added chemicals.

Using naturally pigmented bacteria

Companies like TextileLab Amsterdam use naturally pigmented bacteria to dye natural and bioengineered textiles.

Impregnating dyes within the fiber

AirDye impregnates dyes within the fiber rather than on the fiber using only a fraction of the water and energy compared to regular methods.

Recent Collaborations in Sustainable Dyeing

• Avient, a leading provider of specialized and sustainable material solutions, is collaborating with Coloro. This universal color system transforms the color landscape by decoding hues to align with the human eye’s perception, marking a groundbreaking advancement in color technology.
• Ginkgo Bioworks and Octarine Bio have partnered to propel the fashion industry toward sustainable alternatives to dyes derived from fossil fuels.
• Italian ALBINI_next, Austrian Vienna Textile Lab, and the Albini Group innovation hub have initiated their collaborative project. This initiative focuses on the potential use of microbial colors for dyeing applications on cotton and other natural fibers. 
• Third-year Elon engineering students are partnering with Solid State Clothing and TS Designs in Burlington. They are jointly focusing their efforts on discovering optimal methods to preserve natural dyes.
• The collaboration between Pulcra Chemicals and Inditex‘s joint venture, ‘Sustineri Coloring,’ has introduced sustainability to the dyeing process. Sustineri Coloring prioritizes shorter processing times and reduced water and energy consumption.

Author’s note: Learn more about the future trends in sustainable dyeing technology here.

3. Managing Textile Pollutants with Recycling Catalysts

Catalysts serve as indispensable agents in textile recycling, driving efficiency, selectivity, and overall effectiveness in converting used textiles into valuable recycled materials. Further, catalytic reactions such as photocatalytic oxidation, Fenton’s oxidation, enzymatic dye degradation, thermolysis, and coagulation are widely used to eliminate textile pollutants. 

The ongoing research aims to discover the optimal methods for efficiently eliminating these pollutants from textiles without compromising environmental integrity.

Why is using catalysis in textile recycling an upcoming trend?

• Anaerobic Digestion: Catalysts play a crucial role in anaerobic digestion, breaking down biodegradable material without needing oxygen. This method efficiently manages textile waste and, in some cases, can generate biogas, a valuable renewable energy source.
• Fermentation: Catalysts contribute to the fermentation process, where enzymes induce chemical changes in organic substrates. In textile recycling, this process breaks down complex materials into simpler ones, facilitating the efficient recycling of textiles.
• Composting: Catalysts play a role in the natural composting process, transforming organic material into a nutrient-rich soil conditioner. This method provides a sustainable approach to managing textile waste, aligning with environmentally conscious recycling practices.
• Fiber Regeneration: Catalysts are integral to fiber regeneration, where textiles are broken down into their component fibers. These fibers can then be spun into new yarns and fabrics, showcasing the significance of catalysts in advancing textile recycling technologies.
• Thermal Recovery: Catalysts contribute to thermal recovery processes, where energy is reclaimed from waste materials through various thermal treatments. This approach recovers energy from non-recyclable textile waste in textile recycling, adding an environmentally friendly dimension to the recycling process.
• Circular Economy System: The rise of the circular economy in the EU and other countries has propelled the adoption of more sustainable concepts. Using catalysts in textile recycling aligns with this trend, contributing to innovative recycling strategies that add significant value to textile and plastic waste within the circular economy framework.

How are companies improving their recycling methods while dealing with textile pollutants?

Using shredded cotton

Cotton Australia, a body of Australia’s cotton growers, initiated a trial. The trial aims to assess the potential of repurposing old cotton textiles to enhance soil quality on a farm in Goondiwindi, Queensland. The shredded cotton demonstrated an increase in soil bacteria and fungus without affecting seed germination. However, tightly woven cotton pieces experienced substantial breakdown within 24 weeks.

Offering partnership opportunities

Many companies across the globe have been partnering with other firms to accelerate their recycling process with catalysts. For instance,

• CheckSammy and Retold specialize in collecting textile waste for a fee, similar to compost-collection services, and they offer potential partnership opportunities.
• Based in Belgium, Valvan N.V. specializes in high-tech sorting and baling systems, providing avenues for collaboration in the textile recycling sector.
• Operating from Austria, Andritz AG actively promotes fiber-to-fiber recycling technology. Through the integration of various technologies and strategic partnerships, they offer sorting and recycling systems, presenting opportunities for collaborative ventures.

Using post and Pre-consumer fiber waste

Patagonia, H&M, and Lindex offer sustainable clothing crafted from recycled fibers. Pure Waste, a Finnish clothing company, produces t-shirts using recycled fiber in factories powered by 95% wind energy. Meanwhile, in Sweden, companies such as Lindex and H&M incorporate post and pre-consumer waste fiber into their latest clothing lines.

Recent Collaborations for using catalysts for textile recycling 

• The Agile BioFoundry (ABF), a US Department of Energy division, collaborates with the US tech company Protein Evolution on a groundbreaking project. This initiative investigates the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and enzymes to break down textile and plastic waste effectively. 
• Tokyo Metropolitan University‘s Professor Kotohiro Nomura and his research team have successfully created two high-performance catalysts to synthesize valuable chemicals from polyester and vegetable oil efficiently, including fine monomers. 
• A key breakthrough was the discovery that heating a mixture of polyester and alcohol could yield exclusive raw materials. This research was part of Japan Science and Technology Agency’s (JST) Strategic Basic Research Programs and Strategic International Collaborative Research Program (SICORP).  (source)

4. Polyester Recycling  

As the athleisure trend continues to surge, the consumption of polyester clothing is projected to double by 2030. However, a mounting concern arises with the protracted timeline of polyester recycling, ranging from 20 to 200 years.

Recognizing this critical environmental challenge, governments across the globe are enacting stringent regulations on waste management and sustainable practices. This regulatory momentum is compelling the industry to seek and implement more efficient methods for textile recycling proactively.

Why is polyester recycling an upcoming trend?

• Energy Efficiency: Polyester recycling demands less energy than virgin polyester production, contributing to overall energy efficiency in the textile industry.
• Reduced Emissions: Polyester recycling reduces CO2 emissions, which benefits the environment and aligns with sustainability goals.
• Resource Conservation: Polyester recycling helps conserve natural resources by decreasing the need to extract crude oil and natural gas. These resources are essential in producing virgin plastic.
• Low Heat Consumption: The recycling process involves low heat consumption, preserving plastic waste’s structure and molecular weight. This approach contrasts with other techniques that may involve higher heat, promoting more sustainable practices in the textile recycling sector.

How are companies restoring virgin-like raw materials?

Using low-energy recycling processes

CuRe Technology, a European company, provides an energy-efficient recycling solution for used polyester and PET to achieve infinite recyclability.

Converting back to virgin-like raw materials

• Worn Again, a company established in the UK through collaboration between Sulzer and H&M is pioneering an innovative textile recycling process. This method transforms textiles back into virgin-like raw materials for their end-use. 
• In the United States, the startup Refiberd employs a combination of AI, robotics, and its proprietary green chemical recycling technology to convert discarded textiles into new, reusable threads.

Offering partnership opportunities

Fashion for Good has initiated the Full Circle Textiles Project to validate and amplify promising technologies in polyester chemical recycling. The project is designed to foster financing and secure off-take commitments within the fashion industry. 

This collaborative effort involves a consortium of stakeholders, including brands, innovators, supply chain partners, and catalytic funders. 

Notable brand partners such as Adidas, BESTSELLER, C&A, PVH Corp., Target, and Zalando are joined by affiliate partners Arvind Limited, Fabrics Division of W. L. Gore & Associates, and Teijin Frontier.

Author’s note: Get an in-depth analysis of the upcoming trends in polyester recycling in 2024 here.

Recent Collaborations in Polyester Recycling 

• US biological recycling company Protein Evolution, Inc. (PEI) has announced an R&D collaboration with Stella McCartney to transform unused polyester and nylon fabrics into products that are “good-as-new,” demonstrating a circular solution for the fashion industry.
• As part of its commitment to circular practices, sportswear company Lululemon has unveiled a new multi-year collaboration with Samsara Eco, a textile-to-textile recycling firm. This partnership aims to produce infinitely recycled nylon and polyester from Lululemon’s own products using Samsara Eco’s circular process.
• Sportstex and RadiciGroup, experts in sportswear and the circular economy, respectively, have partnered to recover polyester textile waste, including sports uniforms. Pure Loop, a specialist in recovery machinery, has been engaged to identify the best available technology for obtaining a new textile fiber.
• Zara has launched its inaugural collection from recycled poly-cotton textile waste in collaboration with Circ, a textile recycling firm. The fast fashion retailer’s line of women’s apparel addresses a significant recycling challenge in the industry by using recycled polyester and cotton fibers.
• Inditex has entered a three-year agreement to purchase textile-to-textile recycled polyester cycora® for over €70 million. Under this offtake deal, Inditex will acquire 70% of Ambercycle‘s production of recycled polyester, sold under the brand Cycora, over the next three years.
• Teijin, JGC, and Itochu are set to collaborate on the chemical recycling of polyester textiles.

Looking for a deeper understanding of the developments in sustainable textiles and the companies and startups leading the trend? Get a customized landscape study that provides comprehensive insights. Talk to our experts now!

As discussions and consumer concerns regarding animal leather grow, various countries and brands are implementing bans on exotic animal skins. This shift has paved the way for plant-based leather to emerge as another upcoming trend in the industry.

5. Plant-Based Leather

According to a recent market report, the plant-based leather market is projected to double by 2028, surging from 107 million USD to 216 million USD. This growth is attributed to the industry’s escalating demand for bio-based leather, with notable brands such as H&M and Adidas leading the charge.

The global adoption of plant-based leather mirrors the overarching trend towards sustainable and responsible business practices. This shift addresses environmental, ethical, and consumer-driven concerns by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional leather.

Why is plant-based leather an upcoming trend?

• No Animal Cruelty: Plant-based leather is produced without animal products, ensuring no animals are harmed or killed. This makes it a more ethical and humane choice for consumers who prioritize animal welfare.
• Environmentally Friendly: Traditional leather production contributes significantly to environmental issues such as deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, plant-based leather is crafted from sustainable and renewable materials, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative.
• Versatile: Plant-based leather can be derived from various materials, allowing customization to meet specific needs and applications. It can replicate the look and feel of traditional leather while offering a range of colors and textures.
• Durable: Plant-based leather can exhibit durability on par with traditional leather, proving easy to clean and capable of withstanding wear and tear. Furthermore, engineers can design it to be water-resistant.
• Cost-effective: Plant-based leather is often more affordable than traditional leather, providing a cost-effective option for consumers seeking a high-quality product without a hefty price tag.
• Low-Impact: Certain vegetable leathers resemble animal leather and match its durability while presenting an attractive and surprisingly leather-like feel and appearance. This low-impact quality adds to the appeal of plant-based leather as a sustainable and ethical choice.

How are companies integrating plant-based leather? 

• Belle and Sofa, a Japanese shoe and accessory brand, opted for vegan leather in crafting designer bags and shoes, steering away from traditional leather.
• PEEL Lab: This Japan-based company is a prominent contributor to the plant-based leather market and actively shapes the industry landscape.
• Modern Meadow: Renowned for producing VERA™, a plant-based bio-leather, this company stands out as a critical player in the evolution of sustainable leather technologies.
• Leap: Specializing in creating leather from leftover apples, Leap contributes to developing innovative and eco-friendly alternatives.
• Toray Industries: Pioneering with Ultrasuede®, currently composed of 30% plant-based raw materials such as sugarcane waste and castor bean oil, Toray is dedicated to researching methods for a 100% plant-derived product.

Recent Collaborations in plant-based leather

• Lenzing and NFW have collaborated to explore sustainable leather alternatives, introducing Tencel-branded fibers as an additional backing option for NFW’s Mirum technology, renowned for its patented plant-based approach.
• Adidas introduces vegan mushroom leather shoes through a collaboration with Bolt Threads, marking a significant step in sustainable and cruelty-free footwear. 
• H&M, the fast fashion giant, partners with Mexico-based Desserto to launch a new collection featuring shoes made from cactus leather, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable fashion 
• Frumat SRL, an Italian company, innovates with a fabric crafted from apple fruit pulp. This material is utilized by designer Tommy Hilfiger in a zero-waste collection, showcasing a unique approach to sustainable fashion. 
• Luxury brand Hermès collaborates with California-based startup MycoWorks to create Sylvania, a leather-like material derived from mushroom root threads. The first product featuring this innovative material is a travel bag. 
• Toray Industries presents Ultrasuede®, an elegant leather alternative embraced by global brands like Lexus, Toyota’s premium car line, and fashion house Issey Miyake.
• A Mexican textile company specializing in “vegan cactus leather” unveils a new material named Deserttex for the automotive sector. The company is set to collaborate with BMW as part of its commitment to alternative materials.

6. Chemical-free Alternatives to Flame-retardant Textiles

The once-conventional use of PFAs to render textiles flame-retardant faces heightened examination over concerns about their carcinogenic nature. This examination has prompted decisive regulatory action, with the EU, UK, and various US states implementing bans on PFAs in textiles. 

The urgency to confront these pressing health and environmental issues has ignited a compelling need among businesses for alternative materials that are natural and free from harmful chemicals. 

Why are natural/chemical-free flame retardant textiles an upcoming trend?

• Health and Safety Concerns: Conventional flame retardant textiles often contain chemical additives that can pose health risks. As awareness of these chemicals’ potential health impacts grows, consumers seek safer alternatives. Natural or chemical-free flame retardant textiles address these concerns by providing a safer option for consumers and workers.
• Environmental Sustainability: Traditional flame retardant chemicals can be persistent and may accumulate in the environment, posing ecological risks. The shift towards natural or chemical-free alternatives aligns with broader sustainability goals and reduces the environmental impact of textile production and disposal.
• Multi-Functionality: Natural flame retardants often serve dual purposes, offering additional benefits beyond fire resistance. For example, textiles treated with natural compounds may also exhibit antimicrobial or UV-resistant properties, providing added value to consumers.
• Innovation and Technological Advances: Advances in technology and material science have facilitated the development of effective natural flame retardants. These innovations provide alternatives that meet or exceed the performance of traditional chemical-based flame retardants, encouraging their adoption in the industry.

What are the natural alternatives to flame retardant textiles?

• Cotton-based Flame-retardant Textiles: Using cotton-based textiles, flame retardancy can be achieved by chemically bonding cellulose in cotton with flame retardants or by coating the cotton textiles with flame-retardant substances.
• Bio-macromolecules: Natural substances such as chitosan, phytic acid, casein, whey, hydrophobins, or DNA are viable alternatives for flame retardants, offering bio-based and environmentally friendly solutions.
• Tannic Acid: Derived from plants such as gall, pomegranate, and others, tannic acid emerges as a plant polyphenol that contributes to the creation of bio-based flame-retardant materials.
• Fire-Resistant Cotton Lines: Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have developed four lines of cotton that possess inherent fire-resistant properties. These lines can create textiles that self-extinguish when exposed to fire, providing a natural and efficient alternative to traditional flame retardants.

Recent Collaborations for natural alternatives to flame retardant textiles

• The University of Huddersfield and Camira, a local textiles firm, have collaborated to explore natural solutions for creating fire-resistant fabrics with a more sustainable manufacturing approach. 
• Researchers at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center, working with the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell), have innovated an environmentally friendly flame retardant designed for natural/synthetic fiber blends. 

Lastly, with applications in various industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals and medical tools, pollution control, construction, and cosmetics, Human hair has also found its way into Textiles.

7. Using Human hair as a waste-based fiber

The return of using hair waste in textiles, inspired by the wisdom of various cultures, has sparked focused research. Researchers are innovatively streamlining the integration of hair waste into textile production to meet contemporary standards of durability, comfort, and versatility. 

Why is hair waste in textiles an upcoming trend?

1. Sustainability: Unlike animal hair, human hair requires minimal processing as it is ready for use once steamed. Additionally, it retains significantly more water than cotton, leading to minimal water usage in its production.
2. Durability: Hair fibers possess exceptional properties such as high tensile strength, thermal insulation, and elastic recovery. The strength-to-weight ratio of hair is comparable to that of steel, and it can stretch to one and a half times its original length before breaking.
3. Predictable Consistency: Unlike traditional textile materials that yield byproducts of varying quality, hair maintains a consistent texture. This ensures that nearly all hair can be utilized without generating waste, unlike discarding “unwanted wool” in traditional processes.
4. Cultural Significance: Various societies historically held cultural significance for hair, utilizing it in textile applications. In Japanese culture, people used hair to create robust ropes capable of moving massive wooden beams. Similarly, in Indonesia, people used hair-made nets for fishing, showcasing the diverse cultural applications of hair in textiles.

Who are the companies working on it?  

• GLO Recycling harnesses the power of human hair to craft sustainable products. The company utilizes hair for stuffing mattresses, toys, and household items, leveraging its elasticity and thermal insulation properties. Furthermore, people use this versatile material to create various fabrics for clothing and blankets. 
• Similarly, Human Materials Loop, based in Amsterdam, has developed a prototype jumper crafted entirely from locally sourced Dutch blond hair.

Recent Collaborations in hair waste in textiles

Green Collective Salon collaborated with the Natural Fibre Co, a wool mill based in Cornwall, to craft a distinctive yarn from discarded salon hair and undervalued wool. 

The resulting yarn, comprised of 40% human hair and 60% wool, boasts a chunky, rope-like thickness. The hair utilized is sourced exclusively from Green Salon Collective member salons, contributing to a circular and sustainable approach.

Simultaneously, all wool used in the project is rescued from undervalued streams destined for composting.

Future Outlook

The future of sustainable textiles is promising, driven by technological advancements, material innovations, and increased consumer awareness. From plant-based fibers to recycled fabrics, the industry is making strides. Further, education campaigns and regulatory efforts are contributing to the growing demand for ethical fashion. 

While these trends indicate a positive shift towards sustainability in textiles, challenges like scalability, cost, etc., still need to be addressed. However, with continued innovation and a collective effort from various stakeholders, the future of sustainable textiles appears promising.

Fill out the form below to access our upcoming 2024’s Sustainable Textile Trend Report and look at future trends in-depth!

Authored By – Ambuj, Sanju, Mukul Intelligence Team and Ridhima, Market Research