There is a search for alternatives to petroleum-derived fibers like polyester and acrylic. Natural fibers like cotton and wool have been losing market share to synthetics for some time but the tide is turning.

Currently two-thirds of new clothing is made from synthetic fibers and washing these clothes is significantly contributing to plastic pollution in oceans, with each polyester garment shedding thousands of microplastic particles adding up to tons of ocean plastic pollution over time.

Microplastic fibers carry chemical endocrine disruptors that influence hormone functions and chronic disease. Microplastics in the oceans predominantly come from machine-washed synthetic textiles. The last two decades have seen an escalation in synthetic fiber production along with fast fashion supply chains driving consumption to double.

Progressive retail fashion businesses are now including sustainability and transparency targets in their strategic planning. A sustainable clothing approach includes the realization that less shopping and washing makes household economic and ecological sense.

Growing concern about plastic in our environment sees natural-fiber industries poised for resurgence if they demonstrate eco-credentials to discerning customers. But while technological recycling solutions are emerging, issues include difficulties in separating blended fibers and downgraded quality of reprocessed natural fibers. As the world’s largest natural fiber industry, cotton carries some historical baggage.