A textiles innovation laboratory in Mexico is working to develop an apparel fiber based on agave. Agave is the plant ingredient used to make tequila and agave liquors.

The facility, Innlab, hopes to make an apparel fiber from the agave bagasse. The laboratory opened only last August and its mandate is to help make garments from intelligent textiles and nano fibers.

Innlab will sell the fiber to Mexican apparel firms. It hopes to help Mexican apparel makers as they prepare for a possible rise in domestic sourcing from new fast fashion brands entering the market.

Agave fiber has unique characteristics. It’s dimensionally stable, has low moisture absorption and a lower specific gravity than minerals. It has an unique swirl look and excellent chemical and mold resistance.  Several kinds of agave plants contain distinct varieties of fibers. Agave can grow in drought-tolerant environments and it thrives in dry, sterile soils. The fiber is used to manufacture textiles, industrial fillers, paper, filters, mattresses, carpets and a variety of ropes and twines.

Traditionally, indigenous people, including the American Indians, used agave fiber to make twine. Today manufacturers commonly use agave fiber in the textile industry. Other applications for agave fiber include wall coverings and yarns made for specialty products such as durable carpets and rugs.