Brands increasingly adopt sustainable fibre alternatives to synthetics.
The performance apparel sector is increasingly turning to cellulosic fibres, including man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs), plant-based fibres, regenerated fibres and wool, as environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibres, according to a new report from global business information company Textiles Intelligence.
The 27-page report, Natural and Man-made Cellulosic Fibre Alternatives to Synthetic Fibres for Performance Apparel, highlights how growing pressure on manufacturers to reduce environmental impact is accelerating the search for alternatives to petroleum-derived synthetic fibres.
Synthetic fibres have traditionally offered an attractive combination of cost efficiency, durability, moisture management and performance. However, concerns surrounding environmental sustainability and microplastics pollution are encouraging brands and manufacturers to explore alternative fibre solutions.
Consumer expectations are also evolving. Performance is increasingly being associated with attributes such as thermophysiological comfort, softness, odour management and environmental responsibility. As a result, natural and man-made cellulosic fibres are becoming increasingly relevant in performance apparel applications.
Cotton is benefiting from advances in yarn engineering, fabric construction and fibre blending technologies, helping to address its traditional limitations in moisture retention. Modern moisture management technologies now allow cotton fabrics to wick perspiration away from the skin much more effectively than conventional cotton fabrics. Companies including Under Armour, Nike and Polartec have developed technologies aimed at improving cotton’s suitability for performance apparel.
Merino wool has also secured a strong position in outdoor apparel and activewear markets. Its thermoregulation, moisture management and natural odour resistance properties have supported increased adoption by brands such as icebreaker, Ortovox and Smartwool.
Man-made cellulosic fibres are also gaining momentum in performance apparel. Lyocell, modal and viscose are increasingly being engineered for use in next-to-skin garments, sportswear and outdoor apparel due to their softness, breathability and moisture management capabilities. Growing concerns over microplastics pollution are further supporting the adoption of MMCFs because they are biodegradable under appropriate conditions.
Several fibre producers are investing heavily in next-generation MMCF development. Lenzing, for example, has positioned its Tencel fibres as technical performance materials suitable for sportswear and outdoor apparel applications.
Significant innovation is also taking place in regenerated cellulose fibres derived from textile waste and agricultural residues. Companies including Circulose, Infinited Fiber Company, Spinnova and Evrnu have developed technologies capable of converting waste materials into new textile fibres suitable for performance apparel.
Despite these developments, natural and regenerated fibres continue to face challenges in demanding performance applications. Compared with synthetic fibres, they generally exhibit lower durability, slower drying speeds, reduced elasticity and scalability limitations.
Consequently, many performance apparel innovations are focused on fibre blends that combine the comfort and environmental benefits of natural and regenerated fibres with the performance advantages of synthetic materials.
According to Textiles Intelligence, the increasing adoption of cotton, wool, MMCFs and regenerated fibres reflects a broader transformation within the performance apparel industry, with these materials emerging not only as alternatives to synthetic fibres but also as key components of a more diversified and environmentally sustainable sector.
The above content is reproduced from“Knitting Industry”