The harmful environmental impact of fashion products and their production processes is immense, but not impossible to avoid. This is being proved by innovations across the board that are turning plant and agricultural waste to renewed materials that adorn accessories, clothes and a lot more. Here are some of these innovations that are grabbing global eyeballs and transforming fashion for the better.
Piñatex
Image Source: Instagram/pinatex
Made from waste pineapple leaf fibre, Piñatex is a natural leather alternative. The material shares many characteristics with conventional leather, namely water resistance, softness and appearance. Colour is applied on Piñatex using Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified pigments. The pineapple leather, which is the brainchild of Spanish designer Dr. Carmen Hijosa, is currently being used by over 1000 fashion as well as lifestyle brands like H&M, Hugo Boss and Hilton Hotels. Closer to home, brands like A Big Indian Story and Aulive are using the eco-friendly material to make accessories.
Mylo
Image Source: Instagram/ boltthreads
Invented by biomaterials producer Bolt Threads, Mylo is another leather alternative derived from mycelium, from which mushrooms grow. Mycelium is grown in a controlled indoor organic environment and is then turned into a leather-like material, Mylo. It is a natural fiber textile by ISO standards. The natural leather is being used by Adidas and Stella McCartney for upcoming collections.
Desserto
Image Source: Instagram/ desserto.pelle
Desserto is a cactus-derived leather alternative made by Mexico-based Adriano Di Marti. It is soft, breathable and partially biodegradable. The material, which is durable and doesn’t stain for upto 10 years is incredibly sturdy as well, all the while being much more sustainable than conventional leather which contributes to water pollution and large energy consumption levels. The Fossil group has already launched a line of bags using this cactus leather.
Fleather
Image Source: Newindianexpress.com
Kanpur-based Phool was already making incense out of flower waste from temples and mosques when they chanced upon the invention of a new material from their floral waste, Fleather. The brand prevents water pollution of the river Ganga by recycling used flowers and turning them into useful products. The company is set to open two more plants in the country for its Fleather production.
Malai
Image Source: Malai.eco
Malai is a leather-like material made from cellulose derived from coconut waste sourced from southern India. The material is flexible, durable, compostable and water resistant. Malai is already being used by international brands like Eva & Lucie, Libena Roccova and Crafting Plastics to make shoes, bags and upholstery. Malai was founded by Slovakian material researcher Zuzana Gombosova and Kerala-based product designer Susmith C S.
Which innovation did you find most interesting? Tell us in the comments below!