Organic fashion is a trend that is loved by many followers and has been growing strongly in recent times.
Many fashion brands have “turned around” and sought out materials of natural origin and aimed for sustainable, environmentally friendly fashion. Some organic materials that have been researched and created are considered “breakthrough” achievements in the fashion industry, including the following:
1. Banana Fiber
Banana fiber is made from the stems of banana plants, which traditionally held little value in agriculture. However, for organic fashion, it has become an ideal organic material.
According to research, approximately 1 billion tons of banana plant stems are discarded each year. However, with the advent of banana fiber production technology, these stems are now efficiently utilized to create organic fabric. It takes about 37 kilograms of banana plant stems to produce 1 kilogram of banana fiber.
Banana fiber is known for its incredible strength and can even replace silk. It was first discovered in Japan in the 13th century and is also known as “musa fiber.” Besides being biodegradable, this fiber is strong and provides a breathable feel when used for weaving and clothing production.
2. Pineapple Leaf Fiber
Pineapple leaf fiber is an innovative concept introduced by Dr. Carmen Hijosa, a visionary entrepreneur with a desire to develop sustainable fashion. She recognized the negative environmental impact of leather and aimed to find a suitable replacement.
In Vietnam, Mr. Nguyen Van Hanh, the director of Hạnh Phúc Nghệ An Pineapple Co-op, successfully researched the production of pineapple leaf fiber. At the GWAND Sustainable Festival, Vietnamese pineapple leaf fiber was introduced for the first time and received enthusiastic support from environmentally conscious individuals and sustainable fashion enthusiasts.
With its lightweight and smooth texture, pineapple leaf fiber is being used as an alternative to expensive leather or cotton. Beyond clothing, it has the potential to be used in creating furniture and may become a trend in the future.
3. Apple Waste Leather
Apple waste leather is produced by blending apple waste with natural rubber and applying it to a fabric base made from cotton and wood fibers, creating a three-layer structure that can be separated when the product is no longer in use. Apple waste leather reduces CO2 emissions in production by up to 85% compared to traditional leather and requires only 1% of the water.
Apple waste can create a material that is more aesthetically appealing than coconut or pineapple, although it depends on some binding agents. However, apple waste contains a high level of short fibers and polymers in its waste, which, if used correctly, can be activated to provide the necessary strength and hardness for the final product.
4. Cactus Leather
Adrian and Marte are the innovators behind cactus leather and have been granted patents for their unique conversion process. After years of research and development, the first organic fashion products made from cactus leather have been introduced. Although there are still some limitations in terms of design and color, this product shows promise as a potential replacement for animal leather in the future.
