Analysis tools for sustainable fibers

One of the big questions in the industry is: Which materials are sustainable or more sustainable? However, there is no single answer because it depends on multiple factors that make their analysis extremely complex. Despite this, the purpose of this post is to tell you that there are tools that allow us to have a closer idea about the impacts of each material to integrate them in a critical and responsible way. 

The sustainability of a material goes beyond the fiber itself, we must consider its origin, the processes involved, objectives and use, as well as its ability to reintegrate at the end of the life cycle. 

This has made its analysis complex; however, some tools have emerged that give good starting points to guide us towards an idea of the impacts linked to textile materials. 

Made-by-Environmental Benchmark for Fibers

This is a metric developed by Brown and Wilmanns Environmental (BWE). This analysis included the fibers mostly used in the apparel industry by measuring 28 fibers under 6 parameters: 

– greenhouse emissions 

– human toxicity

– ecological toxicity

– natural resource depletion

– energy expended for their production

– space required for their production (land) 

The result is a table with 5 classifications indicating the most recommended fibers according to their impacts. 

Higg Materials Sustainability Index

This Index was founded by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, an organization that brings together producers focused on sustainable practices. 

This methodology is based on 5 principles under which it measures and tests the different materials. 

1.- Impact on global warming: the material’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

2.- Eutrophication: Evaluation of materials that encourage this process by promoting excess nutrients in the water and excessive oxygen consumption by plants and organisms.

3.-Water Expenditure

4.-Energy expenditure

5.- Use of chemicals and their toxicity. 

These tools are a support and guide for the contribution of life cycle analysis data that allow us to make better decisions that support the creation of more durable and sustainable products.

However, we continue to reinforce the idea that sustainable materials are not the only means of action and solution to create proposals that allow us to add to the construction of a sustainable industry. 

Visit our article on Zero Waste to learn about other possibilities!

At Creamodite we are in a constant search to find solutions and proposals that allow us to counteract the impacts of the industry. 

Creamodite has been researching and promoting the Zero Waste fashion design and patternmaking method since 2016, with sustainable design methodologies capable of achieving garments with zero waste by working with shapes. If you want to learn the method, you have the on-line course and if you already know it you can participate in the fashion alive design contest and you can participate in the catwalk performance in Madrid, Italy and Portugal.

For more info contact us at info@workef.com or at our web creamodite.org