Eco-Friendly Fabrics- A Brief Account

23 March, 2010- All natural fabrics are not eco friendly fabrics. Know the truth behind Environment friendly fabrics and get introduced to some real eco friendly fabrics.

There are two broad categories of fabrics- natural fabrics and synthetic fabrics. Both of them are derived from different fibers. The natural fibers are used to make the natural fabrics, for example cotton fabric and silk fabric. Synthetic fibers are made from chemicals that are further used to make synthetic fabrics such as polyester fabric and nylon fabric. There is a general understanding that all natural fabrics are eco friendly because they are not made up of chemicals. However, it is not a fact. There are certain criteria which a fabric must fulfill before being labeled as an eco-friendly fabric?

What is an Eco-Friendly Fabric?

Eco-Friendly Fabrics are those fabrics which do not pose any harm to environment. If a fabric is made from fibers, for example, cotton fibers that are grown with the help of pesticides or genetically- altered seeds, then it can not be said eco-friendly. However, if these fibers are grown with the help of crop rotation, composted manures, cover crops, trap crops for controlling insects and pests and innovative weeding strategies instead of herbicides and toxic defoliants, then it can be called an eco-friendly fabric. Cotton grown in such a manner is popular as organic cotton. Now, if this organic cotton is subjected to chemicals during fabric manufacturing process, then such a fabric again can't be called eco-friendly fabric. Therefore, eco-friendly fabrics are necessarily processed in nature friendly ways causing minimal harm to the environment.

Some Real Eco-friendly Fabrics

Eco-friendly fabrics have fast gained popularity due to the rising environmental awareness among masses. Some of these fabrics are widely used for clothing and other purposes and some others are on their way to become popular.

Bamboo fabric: It is made from bamboo fiber, which is derived from the pulp of bamboo plants. Bamboo fabric can be called eco- friendly only when bamboo fiber is extracted mechanically and there is no chemical processing involved throughout. Bamboo fabrics are soft, smooth, absorbent and naturally antibacterial. Due to its luxurious and silky feel, bamboo is preferred as an apparel fabric. Due to its absorption and antibacterial qualities, it is also used as home furnishing fabric, especially for making towels and kids blankets.

Banana fabric: It is made up of banana fiber obtained from banana plant. Banana fiber is extracted by hand stripping and decortication- a mechanized process in which, cut stalks are first crushed by roller and fibers are scraped by means of revolving wheels with knives. As such, it is a 100% eco-friendly fiber. Banana fabric is strong, shiny, lightweight and bio-degradable which absorbs moisture very efficiently. It is a fine fabric for rugs and carpets. However, it is also finding wide acceptance in fashion circles for making stylish clothing.

Milk Protein Fabric: It is yet another very good eco friendly fabric made from milk yarn, which is obtained from milk. Milk protein fiber contains eighteen amino-acids, that are beneficial to human health. It is often spun with cashmere, silk, cotton, wool, ramie and other fibers to make fabric blends. The milk yarn fabric is very skin friendly and keeps away allergies and even wrinkles. It is used in making apparels and home furnishings like bedsheets. It is also a very good hosiery fabric due to its skin friendly nature and is primarily used in manufacturing top-grade underwear, loungewear, etc.

There are many fabrics from India that are known for distinguishing features of intricate patterns, vivid designs and bright colors. Read about them and Dazzle with Indian Fabric