.jpeg)
Why We Need Biodegradable Fibres | Biodiversity in Fashion
Trends change fast! And fashion companies drop new collections to match even faster. It becomes easy to get caught up in our own worlds, chasing after the latest fashion rage and style. Admit it, we are all guilty of indulging in it. But in this relentless cycle, have we ever paused to consider the effects of our fashion choices?
It is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture as we scroll through our social media feeds, where celebrities and influencers flaunt their newest looks and reel us in. While we crave the latest new design, we forget to pay heed to the dark reality behind the fast fashion industry where the environment is the ultimate loser and we are mercilessly contributing.
From the heavy toll of mass production and overconsumption the environment has to pay, to the exploitation of garment workers, let us confront the glaring realities of our fashion choices. And then let us breathe a sigh of relief as we consider the solutions on offer.
Biodegradable and sustainable fibres are the saving grace in an industry plagued by environmental degradation and ethical concerns. These innovative materials offer some hope, promising a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for fashion.
But what exactly are biodegradable fibres, and why do we need to make their use more prevalent in fashion?
Let’s find out!
What are Biodegradable Fibres?
Fibres that can break down and decompose into smaller simpler elements through natural composting, such as microbial action, sunlight, and moisture are biodegradable in nature. Unlike conventional synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon which are freely used in the fashion industry and which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, biodegradable fibres offer a sustainable alternative that minimises environmental impact.
These biodegradable and sustainable fibres can be produced from renewable resources like plant-based cellulose (e.g., cotton, hemp, bamboo) or produced through innovative technologies that create biodegradable versions of synthetic polymers (e.g. biodegradable polyester).
Why Do We Need Biodegradable Fibres?
Synthetic fibres are a menace. Our seas are overflowing with microplastics and our landfills are drowning in waste all thanks to this type of polyester. Biodegradable polyesters are the solution that can help us tackle the issues created by synthetic textiles on various fronts.
Here is why we need biodegradable fibres;
- Traditional synthetic fibres are extremely slow to decompose, taking hundreds of years to do so. As a result, the vast amounts of waste created by the fashion industry end up in landfills. This causes serious pollution issues. Biodegradable fibres can help take care of this problem. They can break down naturally, minimising pollution in soil and water bodies.
- The production of synthetic fibres leads to high greenhouse gas emissions and contributes 10% of global air pollution. By opting for biodegradable and sustainable fibres, fashion companies can contribute to lowering the carbon footprint associated with clothing production. These fibres often come from renewable sources like bamboo or organic cotton. The result is fewer resources being used and fewer greenhouse gases being emitted during cultivation compared to conventional materials.
- Biodegradable fibres help set up a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, or naturally decomposed at the end of their lifecycle.
- The cultivation of natural fibres for biodegradable textiles often involves practices that support biodiversity and ecological balance. Think about organic farming methods for example. The use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers is at a minimum protecting soil health and promoting biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.
It is clear that introducing biodegradable fibres into the fashion industry will have far-reaching effects and will contribute positively towards a greener tomorrow.
What is the Connection Between Biodiversity and Fashion?
Fashion and biodiversity might seem unrelated at first glance. But there is a strong link between them.
Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It helps run ecosystems and provides resources for various industries, including fashion.
However, fashion contributes significantly to biodiversity loss. The industry constantly demands raw materials. At the same time its production processes take a big toll on ecosystems, and this in turn speeds up biodiversity loss. Even materials not directly derived from living species, such as oil-based synthetics, have environmental implications.
The choices made by the fashion industry have serious consequences for ecosystems everywhere.
- The cultivation of conventional cotton and the overgrazing of livestock for wool and cashmere are exhausting natural resources.
- The use of pesticides in conventional cotton farming not only harms soil but also reduces biodiversity in agricultural lands.
- The demand for leather and viscose results in deforestation in our very precious ecosystems like the Amazon and Indonesia, leading to habitat loss for countless plant and animal species.
- Waste generated at every stage of fashion production is a serious threat to biodiversity. Chemical runoff from textile processing contaminates waterways and soil, while discarded textiles and garments accumulate in landfills, contributing to soil fertility issues and air pollution.
- Microfibers shed during textile production and laundering, further complicate the problem, emerging as a major source of marine pollution.
In light of these challenges, the fashion industry must urgently address its negative impacts on biodiversity.
Preserving Biodiversity in Textile Production
Several initiatives and practices in the fashion industry must and are being taken to prioritise biodiversity conservation:
Responsible Sourcing: Fashion brands are increasingly sourcing materials from suppliers committed to biodiversity conservation and ethical practices. For example, sourcing organic cotton supports biodiversity by reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers harmful to ecosystems.
Regenerative Agriculture: Some fashion companies advocate for regenerative agriculture practices that restore soil health, and enhance biodiversity.
Wildlife Conservation Partnerships: Collaborations between fashion brands and conservation organisations aim to protect endangered species and their habitats.
Circular Economy Initiatives: Embracing circular economy principles, fashion brands promote resource efficiency and minimise waste generation.
CELYS™: A Sustainable Solution
The professional team at INTIMITI Australia has come up with an outstanding solution. The game-changer CELYSTM compostable fibre is a breath of fresh air and is proving to be a phenomenal substitute for traditional problematic polyester.
CELYS™compostable fibre has been developed through cutting-edge research and development at the science-backed company and can compost completely within 179 days in industrial conditions. Unlike conventional synthetic fibres, which refuse to decompose for centuries, CELYS™ fibres break down into harmless byproducts, such as water, carbon dioxide and biomass - contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and ecological balance.
CELYS™ is the first step in the right direction. It is a starting point for a circular economy where materials are reused, recycled, or returned to their natural environment.
