What is Natural Fiber?

Natural fibre is any hairlike raw material directly obtainable from an animal, vegetable, or mineral source and convertible into nonwoven fabrics such as felt or paper or, after spinning into yarns, into woven cloth. A natural fibre may be further defined as an agglomeration of cells in which the diameter is negligible in comparison with the length.

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Understanding more about Natural Fibers

While people have worn natural fiber clothes for centuries, they have become more popular in recent years due to rising awareness of issues with fashion industry waste and pollution generated by the production of synthetic fabrics like polyester. Natural fibers, like organic cotton, are also available with environmental and ethical certifications, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which ensures clothing has been held to the highest standards of sustainability and ethics throughout the entire production process. Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are produced by humans through a chemical synthesis known as polymerisation; a similar process to that of plastic production. The majority of synthetic fibres like polyester, rayon, nylon etc can be regarded as just that, plastic fabrics.

Classification of Natural Fibre

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1. Plant fibres: Plant fibres are obtained from the stem, leaves, and bark of various plants. Examples include cotton, hemp, flax, jute, ramie, bamboo, and sisal.

2. Animal fibres: These fibres are obtained from the hair, fleece, or silk of various animals. Examples include wool, silk, alpaca, llama, and angora rabbit.

3. Mineral fibres: Mineral fibres are obtained from minerals. Examples include asbestos and glass fibres.

4. Microorganism fibres: Those are obtained from microorganisms, such as algae and bacteria.

5. Cellulosic fibres: These fibres are made from cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. Examples include cotton, flax, and hemp.

6. Protein fibres: These fibres are made from protein, and are typically obtained from animals. Examples include wool and silk.

7. Natural composite fibres: Composite fibres are made from a combination of different materials, such as wood fibres mixed with resin, or coconut fibres mixed with rubber.

Properties of Natural Fibre

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Although nature abounds in fibrous materials, especially cellulosic types such as cotton, wood, grains, and straw, only a small number can be used for textile products or other industrial purposes. Apart from economic considerations, the usefulness of a fibre for commercial purposes is determined by such properties as length, strength, pliability, elasticity, abrasion resistance, absorbency, and various surface properties.

Most natural fibres are:

• Biodegradable: Natural fibres can decompose naturally, reducing the environmental impact of disposing of them.

• Renewable: These are produced from plants and animals that can be replenished.

• Absorbent: Natural fibers can absorb moisture and release it again, making them comfortable to wear in warm and humid climates.

• Strong and durable: They are strong and durable, making them suitable for a variety of applications. Insulative: Natural fibres can provide insulation, helping to keep the body warm in cold weather.

However, natural fibres also have some drawbacks:

• Shrinkage: Natural fibre can shrink when exposed to heat or moisture, leading to changes in the fit and shape of clothing and other products made from them.

• Wrinkling: These fibres can wrinkle easily and may require ironing or steaming to restore their shape.

• Pilling: Fabric from natural fibers can pill, or form small balls on the surface, after repeated wear and washing. Cost: More expensive than synthetic fibres due to the cost of growing and harvesting them.

Uses of Natural Fibres:

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Natural fibres have a wide range of uses due to their unique properties and characteristics. Some examples include:

1. Textiles: Natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, and linen are commonly used to make clothing, bedding, and other textiles. They are also used in the production of nonwoven fabrics, technical textiles and industrial textiles.

2. Rope and twine: Hemp, jute, and sisal are strong and durable, making them ideal for use in rope and twine.

3. Paper: Wood, bamboo, and hemp are used to make paper products, such as books, newspapers, and packaging materials.

4. Building materials: Bamboo, hemp, and flax fiber can be used to make building materials like insulation, flooring, and roofing materials.

5. Biocomposites: Natural fibres can be used as reinforcement in biocomposite materials, like wood-plastic composites, natural fibre reinforced plastics, and natural fibre reinforced concrete.

6. Agriculture: Coir and sisal fibers are used to make twine and rope for agricultural applications, such as tying plants to stakes or trellises, and for making biodegradable mulch mats.

7. Automotive: Natural fibres like flax and hemp are used in the automotive industry as reinforcement in biocomposite materials in the body and interior of the cars.

8. Personal Care: Bamboo, hemp and cotton are used in the production of sanitary products, wipes, and other personal care items.

9. Industrial Products: Jute, sisal, and coir are used for making various industrial products such as mats, geotextiles, and abrasive products.

10. Home Textile: Bamboo, seagrass, and sisal are used to make home décor items like rugs, baskets, and placemats.

11. Fashion Accessories: Silk, wool and alpaca are used to make fashionable accessories like scarfs, hats, and gloves.

12. Sports and recreation: Hemp and bamboo are used to make gear such as skateboards, snowboards, and surfboards.

History of Natural Fibres

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The use of natural fibres for textile materials began before recorded history. The oldest indication of fibre use is probably the discovery of flax and wool fabrics at excavation sites of the Swiss lake dwellers (7th and 6th centuries BCE). Several vegetable fibres were also used by prehistoric peoples. Hemp, presumably the oldest cultivated fibre plant, originated in Southeast Asia, then spread to China, where reports of cultivation date to 4500 BCE.

Examples of Natural Fibres

There are many types of natural fibres, each with their own unique properties and uses. Here are some examples of common natural fibres:

1. Cotton: One of the most widely used natural fibres, cotton is known for its softness, breathability, and absorbency. It is used to make clothing, home textiles, and industrial fabrics.

2. Wool: Derived from the hair of sheep, wool fibres are naturally crimped, providing insulation and elasticity. It is used to make clothing, blankets, and carpets.

3. Silk: Produced by silkworms, silk fibres are smooth and lustrous, making them popular for clothing and home textiles.

4. Hemp: A strong, durable fibre made from the stem of the hemp plant, used for rope and other industrial applications.

5. Flax: Fibres from the flax plant are strong and stiff, and are used to make linen fabrics.

6. Jute: Jute is a natural vegetable fibre which is produced from the stem of the plant Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis.

7. Ramie: Ramie is a natural vegetable fibre which is made from the stem of the plant Boehmeria nivea.

8. Coir: Coir is a natural fibre that comes from the husk of coconuts.

9. Sisal: Sisal is a natural fibre that comes from the leaves of the Agave sisalana plant.

10. Bamboo: Bamboo fibres are strong and durable, and are often used in textiles and building materials.

11. Alpaca, Llama and Angora rabbit: Fibres obtained from these animals are used for making clothing, blankets, and other textile products.

12. Wood: Fibres obtained from trees and other woody plants can be used to make a wide variety of products, including paper and building materials.

13. Seaweed and Shells: Natural fibers can be obtained from seaweed and shells, used for making textiles, rope, and other products.

Benefits of using Natural Fibres

Here are nine reasons why you should make the switch from conventional fabric clothing to natural fiber clothes!

1. Breathable Clothing made from natural fibers is softer and more breathable than conventionally and synthetically produced material. Natural fibers are highly permeable. The permeable fabric allows excess heat (sweat) and odors to pass through, meaning that clothes will feel great against your skin all day no matter what the weather. Natural fibers are especially wonderful for people who suffer from sensitive skin, allergies, and eczema.

2. Absorbent Natural fibers are far more absorbent than synthetic fabrics., helping you stay drier and more comfortable. “Moisture wicking”, synthetic fabrics like polyester actually repel water, which makes you sweat and keeps moisture held against your skin.

3. Gentle on Skin Since natural fibers are breathable and naturally antimicrobial, they are the perfect choice for sensitive skin.

4. Durable Natural fibers are more durable and last longer than synthetic fibers. Taking good care of your clothes according to the textile they’re made of contributes to them looking new for longer.

5. Sustainable Natural fibers have less environmental impact than synthetic fibers. Natural fibers, especially organic fibers, are made with fewer chemicals, require less water for processing, and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

6. Biodegradable Natural fibers like cotton and wool break down faster than synthetic fibers like polyester. In a landfill, 100% cotton clothing decomposes in 1 to 5 weeks. In comparison, polyester clothing takes approximately 200 years to decompose and leaches harmful chemicals into the surrounding ecosystem.

7. Ethical Many sustainable clothing brands using natural fibers are also dedicated to higher ethical and environmental standards. Look for clothing that is GOTS, Fair Trade, or B Corporation Certified.

8. Cost-Effective While many perceive clothing made from natural fibers to be expensive, there are lots of options available at comparable cost to clothes made from synthetic fabric. Given its durability, clothing made from natural fibers is cost effective on a "per wear" basis.

9. Use in industry Natural fibres provide many significant advantages and potentials such as low cost when compared to synthetic fibres, low density, lightweight, excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, renewable source, high specific stiffness, acoustic insulation and non-toxicity. Their excellent characteristics are utilised for use in aerospace, automotive, plastics and packaging industries.

Some companies selling Natural Fibres

To help you get started on your natural fibre clothing journey, we’ve listed a few brands below that you can browse through. This is far from an all-conclusive list and the more you delve into the world of natural fibres, the more you’ll find!

1. Brown Living

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2. No Nasties

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3. Ilamra

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4. B Label

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5. Vritti Designs

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Conclusion

In conclusion, we’d like to say that with the global temperature tipping to a point of no-return, the onus is on each one of us to do what we can to combat climate change and revive planetary health. We can and should all make small changes starting with our personal lives and lifestyles, and one of the easiest to make is what we wear and where and how we shop for our clothes. We hope we’ve given you enough food for thought to kick start a sustainable journey into the world of natural fibre clothing!