When it comes to developing sustainable fabrics, textile manufacturers have got their work cut out for them. It’s not just about improvement of current favorites like bamboo and cotton, but future-thinking research and development, as well.

Here’s a sampling of what’s being tested and what’s already arrived for you, the fashion-forward green consumer:

Nilit has introduced an eco-friendly nylon yarn that’s made from recycled polymer waste.

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has introduced a new range of Merino wool fabrics for applications such as active wear and sportswear.

Scabal has introduced its Four Seasons fabric made from eco-friendly wool for suits.

Vermont Organic Fiber Company has introduced a fabric called O-Wool Washable that is resistant to shrinking and felting during washing.

Greensource has launched two new styles of jeans made from organic cotton that will be sold in Wal-Mart and Kmart stores.

Agion Technologies is forging its way towards a Gold Cradle to Cradle environmental certification with a new anti-microbial treatment.

Argentina-based Indarra.dtx develops clothing that integrates technology and the latest advances in textile development with natural, biodegrading, recyclable and renewable materials.

Air-Dyes is using 100% recycled polyester made from plastic bottles.

Image: Vincent Boiteau

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Fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, tencel, modal and merino wool are slowly becoming part of our mainstream dialogue when we talk about sustainable clothing. Eco-design pioneers now look to even more contemporary fabrics and manufacturing processes.

According to Eco-Textile news, a magazine for sustainable textiles and clothing, U.S.-based organic wool provider Vermont Organic Fiber Company will show a new range of shrink-proof washable organic wool fabrics called O-Wool Washable at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer exhibition in Salt Lake City, which it says is a first in the USA.

Recognized brands like J. Crew, Loomstate and Patagonia are part of the larger push to work with the wool demanding their clothing’s textiles be processed in a more environmentally-friendly way and with the smallest carbon footprint.

Other companies like ISA Tan Tec, a German/Chinese leather producer, are setting a new standard for footwear giants Timberland, New Balance, Simple and Rockport by utilizing a new concept that will have a considerably smaller carbon footprint than traditional tanneries by monitoring energy and water consumption. The company estimates saving 60,000 liters of fresh water a day with an expected CO2 emission reduction of over 2,000 tons per year for the wastewater treatment alone.

With more companies questioning the traditional supply chain performance, making sure money invested is going towards environmental goals, as well as stricter sustainability indexes or guidelines to grade themselves by, not only does the pioneering continue, the earth gets a little healthier, which is something we all want.

Image: Anna Kika

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