Trying to quickly figure out the most sustainable materials in 2023? You’ve come to the right place. Today we’re briefly comparing our four favourite conscious clothing materials to help you make more informed decisions and protect our planet.
Organic Cotton
One of the most popular sustainable options.
Pros:
It’s grown without the use of pesticides, which reduces the impact on the environment and is also a better choice for farmers, who are otherwise often exposed to harmful chemicals.
Cons:
Organic cotton requires more water to grow than conventional cotton, which can be a concern in water-scarce areas.
Hemp
An all-natural alternative.
Pros:
Hemp is a durable and fast-growing plant that requires minimal water and pesticides to grow. It can also be grown in a variety of climates and soil types, making it a versatile option. Hemp is also biodegradable, which means it will not contribute to pollution when it eventually breaks down.
Cons:
Hemp is not yet as soft as other fabrics, which can make it less comfortable to wear.
Tencel (Lyocell)
Also known as Lyocell, and made from wood pulp.
Pros:
It’s produced using a closed-loop system, which means that almost all of the solvents used in the process are reused. Tencel is also biodegradable and requires less water to produce than cotton.
Cons:
The production process still requires a lot of energy, and the wood pulp used may come from forests that are not sustainably managed.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is a material produced from recycled plastics.
Pros:
It’s a sustainable option because it reduces the amount of plastic waste in the environment and can be made into a variety of fabrics, including activewear and swimwear.
Cons:
The microfibers shed by the fabric can contribute to pollution, and like Tencel, the production process also requires lots of energy.
So, which to choose?
Ultimately, there’s no perfect option as all sustainable clothing materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the fabric for our own t-shirts supporting critically endangered species, our verdict from cross-comparing all of the available data and research was that Organic Cotton came out on top. That said, we’re still constantly on the look out for the next innovative developments that can continue to progress the industry.
The fact that you’re here reading this shows how much you care about nature and want to contribute to a better world. Thanks for sharing our values, supporting brands like us, and striving to protect our planet and all of its incredible species. Click the pic below or visit lessthan.co to learn more.
Hawksbill Turtle T-shirt