Biodegradable fabrics will take over the fashion industry in 2023

With sustainability and cost becoming the mainstream brand strategy, biodegradable fabrics may take over the fashion industry in 2023.

The traditional choice between synthetic fabrics such as nylon and organic materials such as cotton is rapidly disappearing, because the emergence of a series of new innovative fabrics uses the latest technology to form the basis of environmental protection and ethical clothing.

According to the data of Future Market Insight, a research and consulting company, it is estimated that the global cellulose fiber market value will reach US $3.8 billion by 2022 and US $5.7 billion by 2032.

It is estimated that the CAGR of the market will be 4.2% in the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. The company is looking for alternatives to petrochemical fibers and turning to environmentally friendly and biodegradable fibers, which is increasing the global demand for cellulose fibers and is expected to promote the growth of the cellulose fiber market in the forecast period.

Cellulose fiber is the result of the transformation of wood pulp extracted from plant bark, leaves and wood. In order to produce cellulose fiber, this wood pulp needs to go through several chemical steps. Cotton fiber, rayon, flax fiber and viscose fiber are examples of cellulose fiber. Some of the most common uses of cellulose fibers are textiles, fabrics and filters.

Figure: Biodegradable fabrics may take over the fashion industry in 2023.

Kerry Bannigan, executive director of Fashion Impact Fund, said: "Brands must understand that they are absorbing nutrients from the deteriorating environment. If there is no feasible commitment to reduce overcapacity, the industry will continue to consume non-renewable resources seriously."

Kerry Bannigan added: "There is a significant disconnect between consumers' buying habits and their understanding of the disastrous impact of the fashion industry on the environment, society and economy."

Last year, LYCRA joined HeiQ and became its first development partner. It is expected that the industry will have billions of dollars of investment in the next 10 years.

"Promoting sustainable development and taking practical action are completely different. Fibers such as polyester and nylon made from non-renewable fossil fuels are widely popular because of their durability, convenience and affordable price. About 70% of all clothing produced in the world each year is made from these fibers. The recyclability of these components is very low, and plastic microfibers and nanofibers will be released into the water every time they are washed." Carlo Centonze, CEO of HeiQ Group, a new fabric developer, said.

"We don't need to cut down a tree, because the available cellulose waste is more than the entire textile industry needs to produce fiber every year. We just need to adjust and expand the supply chain, while making it truly circular."

"Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the investment of fashion and clothing industry in polyester by 2035. The product must be infinite cycle or completely degraded in just three months," added Carlo Centonze.

Source: global textile information