Why should we care about the clothing we wear? The environmental impact of the fashion industry is significant, from water usage to carbon emissions. However, making low-impact fabric choices is not always straightforward. There’s an important education piece around understanding which fabrics are more sustainable, as well as ensuring that these materials are fit for purpose—durable, comfortable, and suited to the clothing's intended use. Below are five low-impact fabrics to consider and the environmental effects they have, both positive and negative.
1. Organic Cotton
Why it matters: Organic cotton is a better alternative to conventional cotton, which is notorious for its high water usage and reliance on pesticides. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals, using methods that support soil health and reduce water consumption by focusing on rain-fed farming.
- Positives:
- Water: Organic cotton uses up to 91% less water compared to conventional cotton.
- Energy: Lower energy requirements due to the elimination of synthetic inputs.
- Carbon Footprint: Organic cotton production generates fewer greenhouse gasses, reducing emissions by up to 46%.
- Negatives:
- Yield: Organic cotton often has a lower yield per hectare compared to conventional cotton, meaning more land is required to produce the same amount of fabric.
- Cost: Organic cotton can be more expensive due to the slower farming process and certification requirements.
- Water Dependence: In drought-prone regions, organic cotton can still consume significant amounts of water, especially when it relies on irrigation.
2. Recycled Polyester
Why you should care: Recycled polyester repurposes plastic waste into durable textiles, reducing reliance on virgin plastic. This transformation process consumes less energy and produces fewer carbon emissions than the creation of new polyester.
- Positives:
- Water: Reduces water usage by avoiding raw material extraction processes.
- Energy: Producing recycled polyester requires 33% to 53% less energy than virgin polyester.
- Carbon Footprint: Reduces carbon emissions by up to 32% while addressing the plastic waste crisis.
- Negatives:
- Microplastics: Recycled polyester still sheds microplastics during washing, which can end up in waterways and oceans.
- Non-Biodegradable: Although recycled, polyester is still a synthetic fabric that doesn’t decompose, contributing to long-term waste when disposed of.
- Quality: Recycled polyester may sometimes be less durable than its virgin counterpart due to the breakdown of plastic fibers during recycling.
3. Hemp
The impact: Hemp is a superstar in sustainability. It grows quickly, requires minimal water, and improves soil health by replenishing nutrients. The fabric is strong, durable, and biodegradable, making it an excellent eco-friendly option.
- Positives:
- Water: Hemp uses about half the water that cotton does.
- Energy: Hemp requires minimal pesticides or fertilizers, which reduces energy consumption.
- Carbon Footprint: Hemp absorbs more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits, resulting in a low carbon footprint.
- Negatives:
- Texture: Hemp’s natural texture is rougher compared to other fabrics, and while it softens with wear, this may limit its use in certain clothing items like soft everyday apparel.
- Cost and Availability: Hemp production is less widespread than cotton, leading to higher costs and less availability in the market.
- Processing Energy: While growing hemp is low-impact, the processing of hemp into fabric can be energy-intensive if not done sustainably.
4. Tencel™ (Lyocell)
Why it matters: Produced from sustainably harvested wood pulp, Tencel™ is manufactured using a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents, significantly reducing waste.
- Positives:
- Water: The closed-loop system recycles about 99% of the water and chemicals used.
- Energy: Tencel™ production requires less energy than traditional viscose fabrics.
- Carbon Footprint: It has a much lower carbon footprint than conventional viscose, offering a more sustainable alternative.
- Negatives:
- Source of Wood: The sustainability of Tencel™ depends heavily on the responsible sourcing of wood pulp. If improperly sourced, it could contribute to deforestation.
- Cost: Tencel™ is typically more expensive than other fabrics due to its more advanced production process.
- Limited Availability: Despite its environmental benefits, Tencel™ may not be as widely available as other materials.
5. Recycled Nylon
The impact: Like polyester, traditional nylon is made from petroleum, contributing to fossil fuel dependence. Recycled nylon repurposes waste like discarded fishing nets and fabric scraps into new fibers.
- Positives:
- Water: Recycled nylon production requires less water than virgin nylon.
- Energy: The energy used in producing recycled nylon is significantly lower than for virgin nylon, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Carbon Footprint: Recycled nylon can reduce emissions by up to 80%, significantly decreasing its environmental impact.
- Negatives:
- Microplastics: Like recycled polyester, recycled nylon still sheds microplastics during use and washing.
- Non-Biodegradable: Recycled nylon remains non-biodegradable, meaning it will persist in landfills if not properly recycled again.
- Durability: Depending on the source of recycled nylon, the fibers may lose some durability, making it less robust than virgin nylon.
Why you should care
Every fabric choice has both positive and negative environmental impacts. At LUCKE, we weigh the cost-benefits of each material carefully—balancing sustainability with the need for durability, functionality, and affordability. It’s not always a straightforward decision, but by understanding these trade-offs, we aim to make the most responsible choices possible. To learn more check out our fabrics.
Now it’s your turn: When selecting fabrics or purchasing clothing, consider how the material impacts both the planet and its people. Together, we can make better choices that drive the industry toward more sustainable practices. With every decision, we push forward in creating clothing that cares, helping build a future where sustainability is not a compromise but a priority.