Fashion

Beyond Cotton and Polyester: Exploring the Next Generation of Sustainable Textiles
(That Aren’t What You Think)

By admin
On June 19, 2025

Cotton and polyester currently dominate the global textile market. According to the 2022 report The Future of Synthetics, approximately 47 million tonnes of polyester are used worldwide, while cotton reached 23 million tonnes of usage in the same year. Meanwhile, LinkedIn reported that they account for over 81% of all fibers produced, with 56% polyester and 27% cotton.

Although cotton is often perceived as a “natural” and eco-friendly option, it is an incredibly environmentally taxing resource. In which, cotton requires around 10,000 liters of water to produce just one kilogram. Meanwhile, polyester, a synthetic fiber derived from fossil fuels, contributes significantly to microplastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

As climate concerns accelerate and consumer awareness deepens, the fashion industry is at a critical turning point. Sustainability is no longer just a marketing buzzword; but now a core value. As we look beyond the conventional choices, a new generation of textiles is emerging. These materials aren’t just innovative. They challenge everything we think we know about fabric. The future of fashion may grow on trees, sprout in labs, or even come from your breakfast leftovers.

A Brief Reality Check of Why We Should Rethink Polyester and Cotton

With their popularity and comfort, polyester and cotton seem like near perfect choices. However, let’s consider these realities before deciding:

Cotton’s Thirst and Toll

While cotton is biodegradable and breathable, its environmental cost is staggering. Aside from the enormous water footprint, it accounts for 16% of the world’s pesticide use, more than any other major crop, as the Environmental Justice Foundation reported. These chemicals harm ecosystems and expose farmers to health risks.

Polyester’s Plastic Problem

Polyester, on the other hand, is cheap, durable, and versatile, but it’s derived from petroleum. Producing polyester releases an estimated 706 billion kilograms of CO2 annually, as reported by SWOP. Worse, each wash of polyester garments sheds microplastics that eventually contaminate oceans and enter food chains.

Given these considerations, the fashion industry can no longer rely solely on its traditional staples. Innovation isn’t just desirable; it’s urgent. Thankfully, it’s already underway.

The Agri-Food Innovators: Spinning Gold from Scraps

Several materials may initially be looked down upon, but they can become more sustainable raw materials without sacrificing comfort. Some of them even come from waste and leftovers. Here are some of them:

Piñatex (Pineapple Leaf Fiber)

A standout in a circular fashion, Piñatex is made from pineapple leaf waste, which is an agricultural byproduct that would otherwise be discarded. This leather alternative is animal-free, biodegradable, and supports farming communities. Its downside? The finishing process still requires chemical treatments, and durability doesn’t yet rival traditional leather.

Orange Fiber (Citrus Peel Cellulose)

Orange Fiber harnesses Italy’s juice industry waste by turning citrus peels into silk-like fibers. It’s biodegradable and luxurious, ideal for blending with other fibers. However, scalability and market penetration remain challenging.

Nature’s Blueprint as Bio-Fabricated Futures

Several easy-to-found materials are sometimes underrated while they have great potential. Here they are:

Mycelium Leather (Mushroom-Based)

Mycelium, a mushroom’s root structure, can be grown into sheets of leather-like material within weeks. It’s fast-growing, cruelty-free, and has a much lower carbon footprint than animal leather. However, achieving uniformity and scale is still an issue.

Algae-Based Textiles

Algae grow rapidly, doesn’t require arable land or freshwater, and even sequesters CO2. Innovators are now turning algae into threads and foams for fashion and footwear, such as AlgiKnit and Bloom Foam). While promising, its current limitations lie in durability and energy-intensive processing.

Lab-Grown Leather (Cellular Agriculture)

Labs are creating real leather without animals by fermenting yeast to produce collagen, the key protein in animal leather. This innovation has the potential to drastically reduce land and water use, but high R&D costs and energy consumption make it not yet commercially widespread.

Milk Fiber

Some people avoid dairy products because they have side effects on human health. However, you can wear them instead of consuming them.

Milk fiber is made from casein protein extracted from sour or expired milk. It’s soft like silk, naturally antibacterial, and utilizes waste that would otherwise be discarded. Modern processes avoid toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, but issues like scaling up remain.

Hurdles on the Path to Mainstream

While these innovations sound like a breath of fresh air, the path to them isn’t always easy, and some aspects may be obstacles.

Scaling Up & Cost Down: Many next-gen fabrics remain niche due to high production costs and limited supply chains. Scalability is key to mass adoption.
Performance and Durability: Consumers expect their clothes to be stylish, comfortable, and long-lasting. To compete with conventional options, new textiles must meet or exceed these benchmarks.
Infrastructure & Investment Gaps: Producing innovative fabrics requires specialized equipment and facilities. Without adequate investment, progress slows.
Consumer Education & Acceptance: Public perception plays a vital role. People need to understand what these materials are and why they matter.

Remember that just because something is biodegradable or made from waste doesn’t automatically make it sustainable. An LCA evaluates a material’s total environmental impact, from raw material sourcing to disposal, providing a more accurate sustainability profile.

Besides, as sustainability becomes a hot selling point, some brands exaggerate their eco-credentials. Transparent data and third-party certifications are essential to weed out misleading claims.

Let’s Set the Future by Changing Our Textiles!

The next generation of sustainable textiles offers a transformative lifeline beyond novelty. But realizing this potential requires us to look beyond the familiar, embrace the unusual, and demand transparency. Fashion is, after all, about evolution, and this one starts with a conscious choice.

So, stay curious, question labels, and support brands that walk the talk. Because the future doesn’t just look different but feels different, too.

References :

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-much-polyester-used-fashion-industry-lutz-walter-yzn5e/
https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/9157/cotton-vs-polyester-similarities-and-differences
https://www.fabricsight.com/blogs/posts/the-sustainable-alternatives-for-polyester-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOoolbFSH8pj2pZ1LAIRFbEX1BLjuYRDl5kKy7MqwOZs6xH0JVeZ-
https://ejfoundation.org/news-media/the-casualties-of-cotton#:~:text=Cotton%20accounts%20for%20just%202.4,contribute%20to%20this%20toxic%20chain
https://www.shop-without-plastic.com/blogs/how-much-do-contribute-to-pollution/the-dirty-truth-how-much-do-clothes-contribute-to-pollution#:~:text=Fabrics%20such%20as%20polyester%2C%20nylon,185%20coal%2Dfired%20power%20stations
https://worldmagzone.com/hemp-vs-cotton-comparing-the-environmental-impact-and-economic-viability-of-both-textile-crops/
https://casigncompany.com/category/eco-friendly-signs/

Image Source :

Beyond Cotton and Polyester: Exploring the Next Generation of Sustainable Textiles (That Aren’t What You Think)