Eco-Friendly Fibers and Organic Fibers - Ahk Fabrics A Trusted Fabrics Supplier

Eco-Friendly Fibers and Organic Fibers - Ahk Fabrics A Trusted Fabrics Supplier

All natural fibres are not Eco-friendly Fibers

Natural fibre, such as cotton fibre is free of impurities but only when no harmful pesticides or insecticides are used in its cultivation. If so, then it is environmentally friendly. However, even if they are produced sans any of these harmful substances, they can become ‘polluted’ when processed for making yarns and fabrics because of all the textile chemicals used on them.

Same is the case with animal fibre like wool which can get contaminated due to pesticides used in sheep dips or a variety of drugs used for treating animal diseases. However, when the plant fibre, cotton for example once again, is cultivated without any harmful pesticides and with the help of composted manures and cover crops then only can it be said ‘organic cotton’ which is 100% eco-friendly fibre.

Man-made fibres can also be Eco-friendly Fibers

Natural fibres are obtained from plants (such as cotton, hemp, jute etc.), from animals (such as wool, fur etc.), or insects (such as silk). Man-made fibres can be divided into two categories synthetic fibres and regenerated fibres. Synthetic fibres are completely made from chemicals like polyester fibre or nylon fibre. Regenerated fibres are made by transforming natural polymers through the chemical-based process.

These fibres again have two categories – one having protein origin and the other with cellulose origin. Regenerated fibres of protein origin come from plant protein such as corn, soy, peanut etc. or from animal protein such as casein from milk. Regenerated fibres of cellulose origin come from the cellulose of wood pulp or leaves.

Examples of such fibres are bamboo, rayon, lyocell, tencel, viscose etc. Thus, these man-made regenerated fibres (some of which are sometimes called synthetic fibres like rayon), are also eco- friendly fibres.

Ecology

The eco-problems in textile industry occur during some production processes and are carried forward right to the finished product. Controlling pollution is as vital as making a product free from the toxic effect. There is a need to produce the material which is eco-friendly. So, the materials can be considered ‘environmentally friendly for a variety of reasons’.

The chemicals used which are responsible for polluting air are chlorine gas, acetic acid fumes, kerosene, diazotisation fumes, acid fumes etc. A new parameter that today increasingly vital is ecology. With respect to clothing & textiles the phrase ‘Ecology’ can be classified into:

    Production ecology

    This refers to the process of production and manufacture of fibers, textiles, and garments which should be environmentally friendly and should satisfy the rational conditions for the conservation of air purity, water purity, waste treatment, and for the protection against noise.

    Human ecology

    Effect of textiles has on the user, apparels next to skin on health. The concentration of substances which, according to the present knowledge, could induce dangerous effects on humans during normal use must be avoided in the textiles.

    Disposal ecology

    Effect of textile waste (solid as well as liquid) on a clean environment. Sustainable Textile is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present but also for generations to come.

Since, the very idea of sustainable development revolves around the progress which is taking place in the present, keeping in mind the future, somewhere. Since eco-textiles are the need of the hour and also are of the primary goals of millennium development goals in sustainable environmental development.

What are Eco-Friendly Fabrics?

Eco-­friendly fabrics are made from fibres that do not require the use of any pesticides or chemicals to grow. They are naturally resistant to mold and mildew and are disease free. Hemp, linen, bamboo, and ramie are eco­friendly fibres.

Why Go Organic or Eco­Friendly?

Social responsibility: Chemicals and pesticides invade drinking water and groundwater, polluting its fish and even reaching human consumption. Organic and eco fibres grow without any pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Biodegradable: Eco and organic fabric biodegrade naturally over time. Synthetic fibres eventually become waste and let off harmful toxins when they degrade.
Health: Many people are allergic or dislike wearing synthetic textiles. Eco fabrics have all the properties of the new synthetic breathable fibres with added softness and drape. They feel better against the skin.

Absorption: Not only do its chemicals reach the groundwater, but conventional clothing is also worn next to the most porous organ­skin.Organic and eco­fibers are natural and do not contain irritating chemicals. Many of them are also considered
hypoallergenic and naturally anti­bacterial.

Popularity: Organic foods have been around for a while and it is a natural evolution that organic and eco-friendly fabrics will also gain popularity. Eco and Organic fabrics once considered an alternative is now entering into the mainstream.