How oranges could revolutionise the textile industry
The polyester issue is omnipresent. Companies are working hard on producing artificial but natural alternatives in order to make the textile industry greener. A fibre made from citrus peels is a recent example of this development.
Many of today’s textile fibres are a chemical product made from non-renewable resources such as petroleum. The Austrian Lenzing Group proves that there are green alternatives. For 25 years, the company has been marketing and producing «Tencel», a synthetic fibre based on natural raw materials such as cellulose, which is obtained from sustainable forestry.
Because an intact environment is the be-all and end-all, the company has long been committed to environmental issues and sustainable manufacturing processes. The latest example is their cooperation with Orange Fiber, an Italian company that produces sustainable fabrics from citrus by-products and has patented the pulp production process required for this.
Together, the two companies aim to produce the first ever lyocell fibre from oranges and wood, which will then be woven into a sustainable textile. With this innovation, both Lenzing and Orange Fiber aim to advance sustainability efforts in the fashion industry.
Dreams of the future
The orange fibres are currently being processed into a sustainable fabric collection that Orange Fiber will launch in October. The environmentally conscious production model aims to play its part in revolutionising the fashion industry in a sustainable way. It’s designed to strengthen brands that value a transparent value chain and use environmentally sustainable textiles made from renewable – instead of fossil – resources for their clothing items.
I can't wait to see which fashion labels will use «Tencel Limited Edition» fabric for their autumn collection. If you support innovative and sustainable solutions and value more transparency in the fashion industry, keep your eyes open this October.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.