Sustainability in the Home Textiles Industry

The bedding and home goods industry is one that is on the rise, with global market revenue estimated to reach $29.5 billion by 2023. As consumer preferences and the environment shift, the industry is embracing new trends in the types of fabrics, materials, and sustainability measures used.

Sustainable fabrics refer to the fabrics that are created from natural or recycled resources, such as sustainably cultivated fiber crops or recycled materials. The goal is to minimize the damage on the environment that is caused during the manufacturing process. These sustainable fabrics can also help with waste minimization, conservation of water, carbon reduction, and soil restoration.

As the world becomes more conscious of their environmental impact, with making soda bottles from 100% recycled plastic, and seeing more energy efficient cars on the road, the home textile industry is doing their part as well but using more sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials. Sustainability has shifted from a nice-to-have to a must-have for businesses. Most sustainable fabrics produce fewer carbon emissions than their traditional counterparts. This means incorporating organic, reusable, and recyclable materials that are free from hazardous chemicals. This is why natural materials, such as organic cotton, linen, bamboo, and hemp, are becoming increasingly popular in the bedding industry.

• Organic cotton production utilizes 62 %less energy and 88 % less water than traditional cotton farming. Organic cotton is grown without using hazardous pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or seeds that have been genetically modified (GMOs).
• Linen is a plant-based natural fiber. The grass-like fibers need to be grown, treated, and processed for months before they are soft and supple enough to be weaved into garments. When discarded, Linen will biodegrade, offering a more environment-friendly alternative. It is a super soft and breathable textile derived from flax plant.
• Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing, regenerative plants which doesn’t need fertilization and is frequently promoted as a sustainable fabric. It doesn’t need a lot of resources and can survive just on rainwater. Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that is used for a variety of purposes. It grows quickly, doesn’t degrade the soil, uses a lot less water, and doesn’t need pesticides.
• Hemp produces a long-lasting fabric that does not cause irritation to the skin and has a wide range of applications. Since this fabric has a lot of benefits such as being naturally UV resistant and antimicrobial, it is usually more expensive and less accessible to everyone.

As the home textiles industry continues to grow, it is important to keep sustainability and eco-friendly sourcing initiatives top of mind. By making textiles more sustainable and environment-friendly we can help reduce the carbon footprint and help conserve the planet for future generations.