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What is sustainable fabric?
Sustainable fabric refers to textiles or materials designed to minimize the negative impact on the planet. Sustainability is assessed based on three aspects:
- Environmental sustainability: This involves using materials and resources that help preserve the planet and reduce carbon emissions.
- Social sustainability: This means using fabrics that are woven and produced without exploiting labor or using unethical practices.
- Economic sustainability: Ensuring the price is affordable so that people can purchase and use the products.
However, with the rise of fast fashion, synthetic materials like polyester have had negative impacts on the environment—such as air pollution and water contamination, as wastewater often contains toxic chemicals that harm ecosystems. Additionally, synthetic fabrics can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Sustainable fabrics are materials that are produced and used in a way that is responsible toward both the environment and society.
On the other hand, sustainable fabrics do not put pressure on the environment or society, as they are often made from natural or recycled materials. While no fabric is 100% sustainable, choosing better, safer, and more eco-friendly materials offers clear benefits — including faster biodegradability..
Why should we choose sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics?
1. Improving the sustainability
The textile industry is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world. A large portion of its resources is used to produce synthetic fabrics made from petroleum-based materials. In contrast, sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics are made from natural, renewable, or recycled materials, helping to reduce the overall resource consumption of the textile industry.
Sustainable fabrics make a significant contribution to reducing the impact on textile resources.
2. Reducing carbon emissions
The production of synthetic fabrics generates a large amount of carbon emissions because petroleum is burned during the manufacturing process. The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere contributes to climate change.
The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world.
By comparison, sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics made from natural materials produce significantly lower carbon emissions than synthetic fabrics, as they do not require burning fossil fuels during the manufacturing process.
3. Safe for your health
Synthetic fabrics undergo extensive chemical processing. Studies have shown that more than 8,000 chemicals are used throughout the manufacturing process, including harmful substances such as formaldehyde, azo dyes, chlorine bleach, and heavy metals.
Chemically treated fabrics may offer benefits like wrinkle resistance, water repellency, and long-lasting color. However, these chemicals can be harmful to health, as they may absorb through the skin during wear—causing irritation, rashes, or silently leading to long-term issues such as hormonal disruption or even cancer.
Synthetic fabrics often involve the use of toxic chemicals that negatively impact both workers and consumers.
Many synthetic textiles are treated with flame retardants, stain repellents, and wrinkle-resistant finishes, all of which can pose serious health risks. These chemicals can leach into the environment during washing and may also be absorbed through the skin during wear.
In contrast, sustainable fabrics are typically free from harmful chemical treatments. This not only ensures safety for the end user but also protects the health of workers throughout the production process.
4. Tốt hơn cho phúc lợi động vật
Many sustainable fabrics are also better for animal welfare compared to synthetic ones. For example, faux fur is often made from acrylic or polyester, which are petroleum-based materials. These types of fur are typically treated with harsh chemicals that can be harmful to animals and are not biodegradable in the environment.
Synthetic fabrics take hundreds of years to decompose, causing serious harm to the environment.
In contrast, sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, linen, wool, and alpaca chenille are made from natural fibers that are responsibly sourced and do not require harsh chemical treatments. Moreover, these fabrics are biodegradable and require less energy to produce compared to synthetic fur.
Top 07 Sustainable Fabrics Today
1. Organic cotton
Bông hữu cơ is one of the most natural fabrics available today and is loved by many. Unlike conventional cotton production (often referred to as “the dirtiest crop in the world”), organic cotton is grown without pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or chemical treatments—overall using 62% less energy and 88% less water.
Organic cotton fabric is soft, breathable, and highly absorbent, making it safe for both newborns' skin and people with sensitive skin.
Bông hữu cơ cần đáp ứng rất nhiều tiêu chuẩn khắt khe từ quá trình trồng trọt đến thu hoạch và sản xuất thành phẩm theochứng nhận tiêu chuẩn dệt may hữu cơ toàn cậu GOTS
Organic cotton doesn’t just protect the skin—it also nurtures it. Thanks to its natural properties, organic cotton retains its softness, breathability, and antibacterial ability. However, the price of organic cotton fabric is relatively high because it currently accounts for only 1–2% of global cotton production while consumer demand continues to grow.
Mimi Organic is a leading brand specializing in GOTS-certified organic cotton fabrics and products.
Tại Việt Nam, mọi người có thể tìm mua quần áo và vải dệt bông hữu cơ đạt chứng nhận hữu cơ theo Tiêu chuẩn dệt may hữu cơ toàn cầu GOTS đối với sợi vải và tiêu chuẩn OCS 100 đối với vải thành phẩm tạiMimi Organic & Natural
2. Hemp
Hemp fabric has high yield, requires little water or chemicals, and helps remediate polluted soil. It is considered a carbon-negative raw material—hemp actually absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere, more than most conventional crops.
Hemp fabric has a high level of natural antibacterial properties and offers excellent UV resistance.
In addition, hemp fabric naturally possesses antibacterial properties and provides good sun protection. However, its price is not low — in fact, it tends to be more expensive compared to some other sustainable fabrics.
3. Ramie
Ramie fabric is a natural fiber textile made from the stalks of the green ramie plant. This fabric stands out for its longer fibers compared to flax and its glossy white appearance, similar to silk. Key characteristics of ramie fabric include its natural resistance to bacteria, mold, and insects, high absorbency that keeps the wearer comfortable, and its natural ability to resist stains.
Ramie fabric is known for its durability, softness, and excellent absorbency.
Ramie fabric can withstand high temperatures without damage, has a smooth and glossy surface, retains its shape well, and does not shrink after use. Notably, Ramie is highly durable, with tensile strength eight times greater than cotton and seven times greater than silk. Due to these outstanding properties, Ramie fabric is not only aesthetically pleasing but also long-lasting, offering comfort and convenience to users.
4. Pineapple fiber
Pineapple fiber fabric, also known as pineapple leaf fiber fabric, is a natural textile extracted from the pineapple plant. With tensile strength several times higher than other natural fibers, pineapple fiber fabric produces durable fashion products that minimize stretching and sagging. Pineapple inherently possesses natural antibacterial properties, making this fabric skin-friendly and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Pineapple fiber is a natural material used for fabric, known for its antibacterial properties and heat resistance.
The process of producing pineapple fiber fabric is chemical-free and fully utilizes industrial by-products, requiring no cultivation or the use of any additional supporting materials. Repurposing the massive amount of pineapple leaves into eco-friendly textile material is an effective way to reduce the consumption of other resources.
5. Jute
Jute fabric is a natural textile woven from the fibers of two common jute plants: Corchorus olitorius (white jute) and Corchorus capsularis (tossa jute). Although its surface is coarse and not particularly soft, jute fabric remains breathable and comfortable, offering antistatic properties, good thermal conductivity, and excellent moisture absorption. It is commonly used in the production of plastic bags, paper bags, and various other products.
Jute fabric is widely used in the production of plastic bags, paper bags, and various other products.
There are three common types of jute fabric: white jute, Tossa jute, and Mesta jute. White jute has a white or off-white color and was traditionally used to make clothing for ancient Indians, though it is less durable. Tossa jute, known for its high strength and brown color, is the most widely used type. Mesta jute is a hybrid of white and Tossa jute, featuring a neutral, soft-toned color that is easy on the eyes.
6. Linen
Linen fabric, once referred to by the ancient Egyptians as “the fabric woven from moonlight,” is a natural fiber textile made from the flax plant. It is renowned for its high durability, excellent absorbency, and heat resistance, while its smooth, lustrous surface gives it a luxurious feel. However, due to its low elasticity, linen wrinkles easily and requires proper care to maintain a smooth and neat appearance.
Linen fabric is made from flax fibers and is known for its softness, breathability, and high durability.
7. Silk
Silk fabric is a premium textile woven from the fibers of silkworm cocoons, renowned for its distinctive softness and natural sheen. Its smooth surface provides a luxurious, silky feel to the touch. Key characteristics of silk include excellent moisture absorption, thermal regulation, and breathability, ensuring comfort for the wearer in all weather conditions.
Silk fabric is prone to wrinkling and can be damaged by direct sunlight and harsh chemicals, so it requires proper care and storage to maintain its quality.
Moreover, silk fabric is highly durable and retains its vibrant colors without fading over time. However, it is prone to wrinkling and can be easily damaged by sunlight and harsh chemicals, so proper care and storage are essential.
Choosing sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton helps minimize negative environmental impacts. Each type of eco-friendly fabric not only protects natural resources but also promotes a more sustainable fashion industry. Let’s work together toward a greener future—one fabric choice at a time.
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