ADOPTING NEXT GEN MATERIAL MIX

A significant portion of a material’s environmental footprint is determined by how its inputs are cultivated, extracted and processed, making it a crucial area for innovation. Fashion for Good focuses on increasing the commercial availability of next gen materials. Next gen materials are defined as innovative fibres and materials that have improved environmental or social outcomes when compared to conventional options and are not yet at scale. These materials are essential to reaching the industry’s net-zero targets, addressing the environmental costs tied to traditional production.

Problem Statement

While 51% of brands have committed to using preferred sustainable materials by 2030, the current global production of next-gen materials is less than 1%​. Despite numerous innovations, there are significant barriers to scaling these materials. Challenges such as insufficient investment and financing, limited access to reliable feedstock, a need for increased collaboration within the supply chain and a lack of large-scale demand make commercial growth difficult. Overcoming these hurdles is vital to achieving a regenerative fashion industry.

*51% of brands commit to sustainable solutions by 2030; FFG partner brands committed to 100% preferred solutions by 2030 Source: 1. FFG analysis. 2. Textile Exchange (2023) Materials Market Report. 3. Fashion Revolution (2023) Fashion Transparency Index.

What do we hope to achieve by working in this area?

Fashion for Good’s mission is to drive widespread adoption of next-gen materials, through increasing supply and ensuring demand for such materials. Through collaboration with brands, innovators, and manufacturers, Fashion For Good aims to scale innovative alternatives. By increasing production and encouraging early adoption, we support the development of a thriving ecosystem that will lead to commercially viable, low-impact materials.

ANIMAL FIBRE & LEATHER ALTERNATIVES

Down Alternatives

Down alternatives are synthetic or natural materials designed to mimic the soft, insulating qualities of traditional down feathers, often used in bedding, jackets, and other insulated products.

Leather and Polyurethanes Alternatives

Leather and polyurethane alternatives are innovative materials that replace traditional leather and synthetic polyurethanes with sustainable options. Examples include plant-based leathers like Bananatex, made from Banana fibres, and mycelium leather from mushroom roots. Bio-based polyurethanes derived from renewable sources such as agricultural waste offer biodegradable and less negatively impactful solutions, aligning with sustainability goals.

NATURAL FIBRES & LOW IMPACT MMCFs

Bast Fibres

Bast fibres are strong, cellulosic fibres obtained from the phloem or outer bark of plants such as flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf. These fibres are annually renewable and are known for their fineness and flexibility, distinguishing them from coarser leaf fibres.

Low Impact MMCF

Low-impact Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) are sustainable alternatives to conventional fibres, produced from renewable sources like recycled textiles and agricultural residues. These fibres offer reduced carbon emissions and environmental impact compared to traditional virgin wood-based MMCF.

Agriwaste Feedstock MMCF

Agricultural feedstock-based Man-Made Cellulosic Fibres (MMCF) are derived from non-wood sources like waste food, soy, and sugar cane. Utilising these alternative feedstocks can enhance the sustainability of MMCF production by reducing reliance on traditional wood sources and promoting the regeneration of agricultural land.

RECYCLED FIBRES

T2T Combined Mechanically Recycled

Textile-to-Textile (T2T) combined mechanical recycling processes involve collecting and processing textile waste, such as polyester fibres, through mechanical means like shredding and melting. This method transforms discarded textiles into new fibres, promoting a closed-loop system that reduces waste and conserves resources.

T2T Chemically Recycled Cellulose

Textile-to-Textile (T2T) chemically recycled cellulose involves converting cotton-rich textile waste into new man-made cellulosic fibers through chemical recycling processes. This approach reduces reliance on virgin materials and minimises textile waste, promoting a closed-loop system in the fashion industry.

T2T Chemically recycled PET & PA

Textile-to-textile (T2T) chemical recycling transforms post-consumer textile waste into new garments by breaking down materials like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PA (polyamide) to their molecular components. This process enables the production of high-quality recycled fibres, reducing reliance on virgin resources and minimising environmental impact

BIOSYNTHETICS

Partly Bio PLA, PBS, PA, ELS & PET

Partly bio-based polymers are derived partially from renewable resources, offering a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. Here are brief definitions of the specified materials:

  • PLA (Polylactic Acid): A biodegradable polymer made from fermented plant starch (e.g., corn), used in textiles and packaging.
  • PBS (Polybutylene Succinate): A biodegradable polyester with properties similar to polypropylene, utilised in packaging and agricultural films.
  • PA (Polyamide): Commonly known as nylon, this polymer can be partly bio-based when derived from renewable resources, used in fabrics and engineering plastics.
  • ELS (Extra-Long Staple Cotton): A high-quality cotton variety with longer fibres, resulting in softer and more durable textiles.
  • PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): A widely used polyester, which can be partly bio-based, employed in fabrics and beverage bottles.

These materials contribute to the development of sustainable fashion by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing biodegradability.

100% Bio PET

100% bio-based PET (Bio-PET) is a renewable alternative to conventional PET, with identical properties but derived entirely from biological sources. It is non-biodegradable, highlighting that bio-based materials can share characteristics with fossil-based counterparts.

100% Bio PLA & PBS

Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) are 100% bio-based, biodegradable polyesters derived from renewable resources like fermented plant starches and sugars. They serve as sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics in various applications, including packaging and textiles.

100% Bio PHA

100% Bio PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a fully bio-based, biodegradable polymer produced by microorganisms. It offers a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-derived plastics, being both marine and soil compostable, thus reducing environmental impact.

How do we address this area?

Fashion for Good is addressing the barriers to next-gen material adoption through several key initiatives:

  • Validation: FFG validates the performance and impact of these technologies through our multi stakeholder projects and pilots. 

  • Demand Aggregation/pooling: FFG brings together brands, innovators, and suppliers to create demand for next-gen materials and build scalable supply chains

  • Financing: FFG works to unlock funding mechanisms that enable innovators to scale their solutions. Collective action through consortia and demand pooling helps reduce costs and de-risk investments​

  • Supply Chain Integration: By fostering partnerships between innovators and manufacturers, FFG helps improve process efficiency, ensuring that next-gen materials meet technical requirements and are cost-competitive

Relevant Resources

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