📰 Our latest News Review covering updates from across the #biobased chemicals and materials sector is now available. 👚 The #textile industry bears a significant responsibility for global CO2 emissions, surpassing even sectors like international aviation and shipping. This industry not only accounts for around 10% of worldwide carbon emissions but it is also known for its resource wastage and the daily disposal of millions of garments into landfills. Another concern is the release of microfibres and microplastics into the environment during the washing of synthetic fabrics. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach, encompassing collaboration among stakeholders, technological innovations, governmental policies, and infrastructure support. Solutions span from technological breakthroughs and regenerative farming models to recycling innovations, biobased materials, and initiatives promoting reuse and resale. All these efforts aim to establish a circular economy and transition from the current linear business model to reduce the textile industry's ecological footprint. 👜 When it comes to technological innovations, various companies are regularly engaging in sustainable projects to minimise their environmental footprint. For instance, HKRITA - The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel Limited, with support from the H&M Foundation, has developed a groundbreaking technology to regenerate biobased #leather from leather waste. Conventional leather recycling often contains harmful chemical residues from the tanning process, such as chromium VI. The reProLeather project, part of the Planet First program, introduced a method to separate chromium VI from shredded leather fibres and create a biobased alternative to traditional PU and PVC binders, thus generating a new form of recycled leather that is #biodegradable and recyclable. In Pakistan, Artistic Garment Industries (AGI Denim) and Huue have collaborated to introduce #denim and jeans made from a biobased technology, known as Huue Indigo. This innovative approach utilises microbial fermentation, engineered microbes that digest sugars to produce natural enzymes that create colours. Huue Indigo mimics the natural world's colour production process, delivering sustainable #dyes that are as effective as conventional ones, minus the environmental impact and toxic chemicals. Luxury label Gucci launched a new iteration of its iconic Horsebit 1955 bag, which will be made using Demetra – an animal-free alternative material that Gucci has developed in-house. Demetra is composed of up to 77% plant-derived raw materials, including biobased polyurethane made from non-GMO wheat and corn, plant-based viscose, and wood pulp. 💡 Read our Review to discover more about these and other recent news in the biobased products sector.
