Why organic textiles are the best alternative

You've probably heard it said that fast-fashion is a highly polluting industry, and this statement is not without foundation. Indeed, the manufacture, distribution and transportation of fast-fashion products generate an enormous mass of greenhouse gases.

This is mainly due to the synthetic fibers used to manufacture clothing, the most widespread being nylon, polyester and acrylic. According to statistics, the textile sector is responsible for 10% of CO2 emissions, compared with only 5% for air and sea transport.

As well as the ecological aspect , fast fashion also raises ethical concerns. To mass-produce a large number of garments, many brands neglect the human aspect. The workforce is forced to work in dangerous conditions, with long hours and low wages. Statistically speaking, 93% of brands do not pay their workers a decent wage.

This is where sustainable fashion comes in: it's both ecologically and ethically beneficial! Whether it's recycled fibers, plant fibers, animal fibers or semi-synthetic fibers, all these more natural solutions save us considerable resources . They require little water and energy, are biodegradable, reduce waste through recycling and, to top it all, have a low environmental impact.

In addition, ethical labels use fair-trade products, guaranteeing a fair wage for the workforce. What's more, no toxic dyes harmful to workers' health are used to dye garments. Instead, natural or recycled dyes are used, and in many cases, no dyes at all!

A closer look at ecological alternatives

• Cactus leather

A recent innovation, cactus leather is a vegan alternative to traditional leather. As its name suggests, this leather is made from cactus leaves, and offers many advantages! In addition to being an abundant plant, the cactus requires little water and pesticides, thus saving resources. As a result, cactus cultivation is not dependent on irrigation systems; instead, it feeds on occasional rainwater . What's more, cactus leather is easy to handle thanks to its elasticity. It is also adaptable and breathable, very similar to animal leather.

• Pineapple leather

Pineapple leather, or Pinatex, is a vegetable leather made from pineapple leaves. This material reduces waste by transforming the pineapple's residual plant fibers into leather. Produced without pesticides or toxic fertilizers, this natural leather combines suppleness and flexibility. It's also entirely biodegradable and vegan! A low carbon footprint, no harm to animals - what more could you ask for?

• Eucalyptus leather

Natural and durable, eucalyptus leather is a textile made from eucalyptus leaves. A robust, fast-growing plant, eucalyptus is one of the best alternatives to animal leather. What's more, eucalyptus cultivation requires little water or energy, making it a very environmentally-friendly activity. Eucalyptus is also made up of strong fibers that are both breathable and biodegradable.

• Hevea leather

Also known as forest fabric, rubber leather is made from the sap of the rubber tree, or latex. This fabric is made from cotton or jute cloth, onto which rubber milk is poured. To obtain different colors, the milk can then be dyed with vegetable dyes, so that the final product is free of toxic substances! Hevea leather is renowned for its suppleness, comfort and durability. It is commonly used to make leather bags just as soft as those made from animal leather!

• Liège

A 100% natural product, cork is used not only for corks, but also for accessories, bags and key rings! An ideal alternative to animal leather, cork has remarkable properties that make it easy to work with: it's light, waterproof and resistant . What's more, it's ecological and ethical, as it's a biodegradable and recyclable material that doesn't harm flora and fauna.

New textile: mushroom leather

Vegan leather, made from 100% mushrooms, is a fairly recent discovery. In addition to being environmentally friendly, this type of leather is highly versatile and offers original textile designs!

It's also worth noting that mushroom crops are far more abundant than those of animals. Mushrooms are known for their incredibly rapid growth, expanding by a few centimetres every day. Another advantage is that it is totally cruelty-free: no animals are mistreated in the production of mushroom leather.

In short: biodegradable, nature-friendly and sustainable.

Seaweed: an excellent alternative to classic fabric

Another revolution in the world of fashion is the seaweed-based textile SeaCell ™. This is made from a combination of algae and cellulose, using the Lyocell process.

To produce this textile, dried seaweed is ground and then incorporated into cellulose fiber, from which textiles for a wide range of uses are obtained.

In addition, Seacell is a highly advantageous fiber because it doesn't retain moisture, is crease-resistant and has anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it the perfect material for sportswear and underwear!

Did you know that researchers have developed a fabric made from living algae? In fact, a small collection based on this fabric was produced for Paris Fashion Week.

From an ecological point of view, algae are incredibly beneficial. That's why the production of micro-algae is taking off today: they have the ability to absorb CO2 and convert it into oxygen. A smart way to clean up our cities.

Organic fur: an eco-responsible exclusivity

Real fur is synonymous with animal cruelty, so there are other ways to stay in fashion, including faux fur!

Made from recycled plastic, corn or even hemp, they come in all shapes and colors, without endangering the animals.

In the same vein, the famous Ecopel brand has designed a semi-synthetic organic fur known as Koba. It's made from a blend of corn and recycled polyester, making it both ecological and ethical!

Things to remember

With the current ecological crisis, it's more important than ever to make eco-responsible fashion choices.

With a growing number of brands converting to sustainable fashion, we have a wide choice of clothes, shoes and accessories!

That said, it's important to know the difference between true sustainability and green washing.

Stay in step with trends while reducing your environmental impact by choosing fair trade and ethical products!