Product

Denim's Future With Regenerated Fibers

July 22, 2022
by
the Editorial Team
Regenerated Fibres: The Future of the Denim Industry
Gen Z and the Millennial generation are becoming more cautious when it comes to buying clothes due to the ever-growing concerns about the textile industry's energy and waste consumption.

The textile industry produces approximately 13 million tons of waste each year, with only 1% of it being recycled into clothes

Neela believes that embracing regenerated fibre is the most optimal method of upcycling fibre and reducing our environmental impact.  

Here's how Neela is incorporating this to make a difference: 

By regenerating fibre, we are reducing post-consumer waste, upcycling discarded materials, and reducing our impact on the environment.

In addition to Soybean fibres and bamboo fibres, we work with key fibre companies that specialise in regenerated fibres, such as CiCLO®, Naia, and Agraloop Fibre.

CiCLO®

Source: CiCLO

CiCLO®  is an additive for nylon and polyester that allows these materials to biodegrade in the following ways: 

  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludge – 88% in 847 days
  • Natural Seawater Environment – 91.53% in 844 days 
  • Anaerobic Digester Conditions (Landfill) – 91.1% in 1,278 days 
  • Soil – 91.1% in 1,171 days 

It works by making plastic fabric behave like natural fibres, such as wool, where biodegradation can occur naturally.

Source: CiCLO

By embedding biodegradable spots throughout the plastic matrix, microbes can access these spots as nutrient sources. 

As one of the most recognized textile regeneration solutions, CiCLO® has earned the ECO passport from OEKO-TEX® as well as recognition from The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Naia

Source: Naia Eastman

Naia is made from sustainably sourced wood cellulose. Its low-impact manufacturing process, biodegradability, and ability to get upcycled makes it an eco-friendly option.

As shown on its sustainability page here, the company has a strong commitment to transparency with its manufacturers and consumers. On this page, you can learn more about their wood pulp supplier source and find infographics demonstrating these results.

Source: Naia Eastman

Along with this, they have been recognized by organisations like Together for Sustainability (TfS) and OEKO-TEX® 100 Product Class.

Agraloop™ Fiber

Source: Agraloop

We also offer fabrics made with Agraloop fiber, a bio-fibre made from leftover food and medicine crops. 

Using a unique wet processing method, they can regenerate cellulose fibres from stems and leaves into soft bundles that can be spun into yarns.

By doing so, the LCA Report for CVD Hemp EU points out that it can reduce water consumption by 99% and CO2 emissions by 47% when compared to conventional hemp.

Source: Agraloop

We are striving to use these materials in our products and offer a more reasonable method of manufacturing for the denim industry. This will promote upcycling by recycling old materials into something new.

Our use of regenerated fibre is just one example of our efforts to reduce our environmental impact. Visit our blog section to learn more.