Sustainability has become a trend in the fiber industry, according to the China Fibers Fashion Trends Report for 2021 to 2022 published in Shanghai on Wednesday.
Compiled by the China Chemical Fibers Association, Donghua University and the China Cotton Textile Association, the report highlights the use of biodegradable fibers produced from starch of crops instead of crude oil.
Made using natural fiber materials such as corn, cassava, sweet potato and sorghum, bio-based fibers are more environmentally friendly than polyester, and its production can alleviate the shortage of oil resources, the report stated.
Regenerated fiber from waste textiles and plastic bottles is another featured material in the report. With chemical regeneration technology, the recycled fiber can reduce carbon emission and energy consumption by 52 percent and 39 percent respectively.
"With growing attention on the environment, chemical fiber manufacturing has turned from consuming resources to coexisting in harmony with the nature," said Duan Xiaoping, chairman of the China Chemical Fibers Association. "Green industrial chains and sustainable solutions are the new trend now."
Shao Xinyan, associate professor of Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, wrote in the report, "A large proportion of the fabrics are wasted in clothing production. They are usually burned or buried, which creates a lot of pressure on the Earth. Responsible designers have started thinking of reducing the waste generated during the manufacturing process in recent years."
Zuo Anxiao, an internet fashion celebrity, said, "Girls all want to be pretty, but being pretty doesn't mean we have to wear new clothes all the time. Through matching clothes with different accessories, we can be stylish as well. It's the sustainable way of fashion."
A fashion show of clothes designed by Wang Peiyi with green fibers was also staged during the release of the report.
