30 Sep 2024
At the forefront of textile technology: a new era
The bio-based revolution in the textile industry
Fashion is going through a period of profound change, where clothing is no longer just an object to be worn, but a combination of technological innovation, respect for the environment and individual expression. Sustainability is at the heart of this transformation, forcing the industry to rethink its processes and materials. A prime example of this green revolution? The introduction of fabrics made with bio-based yarns, a real breakthrough in the textile landscape, another step that joins a number of other innovations that are improving the sustainability of the industry, such as the use of smart functional fibers, energy-efficient weaving processes and new trends in eco-conscious design.
What are bio-based products?
Bio-based products are made, in whole or in significant part, from raw materials derived from renewable sources. Corn, cellulose, algae, sugar cane, castor beans and agricultural waste. These are just a few examples of the plant and renewable resources from which bio-based products are derived.
But innovation does not stop there. Thanks to ongoing research and development in the textile sector, even materials traditionally derived from fossil sources, such as polyester and polyamide, can now be made from inexhaustible natural resources. A true revolution that opens the door to an increasingly eco-conscious textile production, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Bio-based polymers are a true innovation in the world of materials: by intelligently combining renewable resources, composed of at least 20 percent renewable carbon, and in some cases traditional components, they offer a sustainable alternative without compromising performance. This flexibility makes it possible to create high-performance fabrics while reducing environmental impact and paving the way for more responsible and conscious fashion.
The positive environmental impact of bio-based yarns: the example of EVO and Q-GEO by Fulgar
Bio-based yarns such as EVO and Q-GEO by Fulgar represent a step towards more sustainable fashion. EVO by Fulgar® is a 100% bio-based yarn made from renewable resources such as castor oil and industrial corn. With more than half of the raw material coming from the castor oil plant, EVO offers comfort and high performance while respecting nature. The bio-based Q-GEO yarn, on the other hand, uses industrial corn as a raw material for 46 percent of its composition. Made from renewable resources, both offer numerous environmental benefits:
- Less CO2: these yarns require less energy and resources to produce than traditional materials, reducing environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Less water: EVO, for example, is made from more than 50 percent castor oil, a plant that grows wild in arid areas and requires significantly less water than other textile crops, helping to conserve this valuable resource. Q-GEO also requires significantly less water than conventional cotton.
- Less waste: because of their durability, garments made with these yarns last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacement and waste generation.
EVO and Q-GEO: when sustainability meets performance
The bio-based fabrics revolution is already underway, and yarns such as Fulgar's EVO and Q-GEO are concrete proof of this. Both sustainable yarns have similar origins, being derived from natural and renewable raw materials. But it is the state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that set these yarns apart, offering unique and very different benefits.
EVO is ultra-light, quick-drying and comfortable to wear, making it ideal for sportswear and active lifestyles. Q-GEO, on the other hand, surprises with high moisture management and improved breathability, keeping you cool and dry even on the busiest days. Q-GEO is also flame retardant, adding an extra layer of safety and protection.
Choosing these materials means embracing a new paradigm for the fashion industry, where innovation and research are intertwined to create a more sustainable future.
Learn more about Fulgar's sustainable yarns and join us in creating a greener future for fashion. Contact Fulgar for more information!