Fabrics are made from fibers that fall into three main categories: natural, synthetic, or a blend of both. Each type offers distinct advantages and disadvantages in terms of appearance, durability, texture, and tactile qualities. Natural fibers are derived from plants and animals, while synthetic fibers are produced from human-made chemical compounds, such as petroleum. Both are valued in the textile industry for various reasons.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers include materials such as wool, cashmere, cotton, linen, and silk, among others. These fibers are spun into threads or yarns and then woven or knitted into fabrics. Although natural fibers are sourced from plants and animals, their availability is largely determined by the seasons and environmental factors. For example, plant-based fiber crops are typically harvested only once a year, which can lead to storage and supply challenges, particularly when harvests are disrupted by droughts, floods, pests, or other unpredictable conditions.
Despite these limitations, natural fibers are prized for their breathability, comfort, and sustainable production processes. Fabrics like cotton and linen, for instance, are known for their softness and moisture-wicking properties, while wool and cashmere provide excellent insulation. Silk, renowned for its luxurious feel and sheen, remains one of the most sought-after natural fibers in the world.
Synthetic Fibers
Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, spandex, nylon, rayon, and acrylic, are produced through chemical processes. The development of synthetic fibers was driven by the need for cheaper and more readily mass-produced alternatives to natural fibers. The first synthetic fiber, nylon, was created in 1935 by the petrochemical company DuPont. Since then, synthetic fibers have played a significant role in the textile industry.
These fibers are often made from fossil-fuel-derived resources, including petroleum-based chemicals and petrochemicals. Synthetic fibers can be engineered with specific properties that exceed those of natural fibers. For example, many synthetic fabrics are designed to be more elastic, water-resistant, and stain-resistant than their natural counterparts. As a result, they are commonly used in activewear, outdoor gear, and other applications where enhanced performance is required.
However, synthetic fibers also have environmental drawbacks. The production of these materials often involves non-renewable resources and generates pollutants that can negatively impact ecosystems. Additionally, synthetic fabrics may not biodegrade as easily as natural fibers, contributing to long-term environmental waste.
The Rise Sustainable Alternatives
In recent years, the textile industry has begun to shift toward more sustainable practices, including the development of semi-synthetic fibers. Semi-synthetic fibers are made from natural materials, such as cellulose, that are chemically treated to produce fabric. An example of a semi-synthetic fiber is rayon, which is derived from wood pulp but undergoes chemical processing to create a fabric with characteristics similar to both natural and synthetic fibers.
As part of this growing movement, new innovations aim to reduce reliance on fossil-based fibers. KERTEX is one such innovation, with a focus on developing materials that have a smaller ecological footprint compared to conventional synthetic fibers. Our team at KERTEX is dedicated to creating fabrics that are not only functional but also have less impact on humans and the environment. These efforts reflect a broader industry trend toward sustainable textile production and a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of fabric manufacturing.
Why KERTEX?
Emission Reductions
Synthetic fibers are most often made from petrochemicals. The production of KERTEX is more sustainable than synthetic textiles, like polyester, in terms of carbon footprint: delivering a roughly 50% savings in production process emissions
No Seasonality
Fiber crops are grown specifically for their fibers which are used to make cloth, in addition to things like paper and rope. Fiber crops are generally harvested just once per year, leading to storage and sourcing issues if harvests are difficult.
Resource Savings
It takes 10,000 liters of water to produce 1 kilogram of cotton - or 2,700 liters to make 1 cotton t-shirt. KERTEX offers significant environmental savings in reduced water use and energy consumption during the manufacturing process.
KERTEX is a novel, and sustainable bio-based alternative to currently available synthetic and natural fibers. At scale, it will reduce global reliance on synthetic, petroleum-based materials while mitigating the drawbacks associated with natural fiber materials. The production of KERTEX is more sustainable than synthetic textiles like polyester in terms of carbon footprint, delivering a roughly 50% savings in production process emissions. It also provides significant environmental, technical, and process advantages, including significantly reduced water use and energy consumption when compared to natural fiber growing and harvesting, and decreased chemical use when compared to synthetic fiber manufacturing.