Biomaterials: resource for sustainable fashion

The goal of improving the sustainability of the textile and clothing sector is only possible by making its economy circular . There is talk of promoting the reuse and recycling of clothes and accessories. Circular fashion will be the fashion of the future. The average growth of the sector records between 15% and 20% which could reach 75 billion dollars in 2025.

The results of behavioral economics researcher Annarita Colasante examined the habits of Italian consumers in buying bio-based and second-hand clothing . Bio-based is an Italian flagship product, while second-hand clothes are not at all. Statistics have confirmed that Italians are less inclined to second-hand clothes, because they are of poor quality and so they buy bio-based. The important thing for consumers is that fashion is eco-sustainable. Companies must therefore seek sustainability through innovation and also the replacement of materials with more circular ones.

This is how Materially, a company that deals with innovation and sustainability of materials , enters the scene . This company responds well to the great impact that textiles have on the environment. An example is the procedure of creating a dye based on bacteria and not oil. Or another solution is the creation of new fibers such as cellulose . An abundant material and a natural polymer, then it is renewable, available, based on viscose.

In addition, the communication of such news and research to the public must be analyzed to see how it responds. Thus was born AllThings.BioPRO, the EU financial project that unites the contacts of consumers, bio-based and other stakeholders in the supply chain. Its task is to facilitate communication, knowledge and spread the bioeconomy to citizens.

In the fashion sector in particular, consumers find it difficult to understand what is sustainable and where the bioeconomy fits. The goal of AllThings.BioPRO is precisely to inform users through continuous dialogue and co-creation activities.

Veronica Meneghello, Project Manager of All Things.BioPRO

The project partners include the Fashion for Good museum in Amsterdam. It aims to educate everyone about future fashion and textile innovation. Users will also discover silk-like materials with orange peel or leather shoes made from apple peels among the exhibits.

• Biomaterials: an opportunity for sustainable fashion (alternativasostenibile.it)