Encouraging Sustainable Fashion : The Rise Of Eco-Friendly Silks Made From Banana And Cactus

Do you know about the trend which is being heavily seen in the fashion industry these days? Well, I guess the answer is no; it is actually sustainable fashion. One of the reasons why sustainable fashion has become a huge thing these days is not only for the demand of the consumers but also because the brands have realized that they need to provide a positive contribution to the environment. Don’t worry. In this article, we will not talk about any history of how sustainability got incorporated into the fashion segment; that’s for another day.

In this article, we will talk about silk, one of the leading components of designing clothes and how this component is playing a massive role in sustainable fashion by getting a massive eco-friendly treatment thanks to Banana and Cactus, which I bet you also never imagined!

Banana Silk: How a household fruit item became a leading pioneer for sustainability?

This variant of silk these days is in huge demand for fashion brands. The silk is primarily made from the stems of banana plants. The specific species of banana which being used for cultivating this silk is being named Muso Textiles.

Why is banana silk on the rise in the process of eco-friendly fashion?

One of the prime reasons for this process is that they are being generated through organic materials in this process, which also is biodegradable. This totally matches with the criteria of being an eco friendly fashion. Unlike traditional clothes, which are made of synthetic or plastic, they take a long time to degrade; however, due to the nature of being biodegradable, the case here is totally the opposite.

Since protecting animals also comes under the rights of sustainable fashion, this also blends well in this particular thing as the entire process is plant-based. Both of them are some of the most popular reasons why there is a risk of using this particular thing. However, you must be getting a curiosity being projected in your mind about how these thing gets produced that are sure to meet all of the sustainable fashion criteria?

How banana silk is produced

The first thing which is being done in this process is to ensure that the fibres on banana peels and stems get separated from the components which are non usable. Then, the fibers which have been separated get dried with inner and outer fibres. The third step in this process is to ensure that the fibres being sorted out based on the quality. The best fibres which get sorted out which being moved forward to produce the Banana Silk, which everyone is aware of.

Some prominent fashion companies which use Banana silk in their fashion lineup

I bet you are amazed by knowing how a thing like a Banana that is mainly used for eating can actually be helpful in several ways, like playing a part in a sustainable fashion. Then you will be more surprised to see the role of cactus in a sustainable fashion, which I bet the majority of you are don’t fond of due to the spines of it !. However, after reading it, you will actually be fond of this plant.

Cactus silk: A variation of silk no one ever imagined

Cactus silk is also known as Sabra Silk; it is a species of Cactus which is mainly found on the outskirts of the Sahara desert. It is a part of the agave family.

Why is cactus silk on the rise in the process of eco-friendly fashion?

The main reason is due to the particular silk is part of the Agave family, and the Agave has a prime characteristic of growing organically without providing any specific harm to the environment as a whole. Besides that, the silks of this genre don’t end up in landfills like the traditional way; instead, they can also be used on various other things after their requirement is over, like as a fertilizer in landfills in this process. Despite how it has a long contribution to sustainable fashion, the development of this particular thing goes into a couple of steps, and one of the steps is very important and requires very careful monitoring.

How cactus silk is produced

The first step in this process which is being done is to sort out cactus leaves. In the next steps, the leaves are crushed and soaked till the fibres of this plant get disposed of. The fibres then being conducted in the traditional way by using the hands. In the following step the silk then gets colored. This process is one of the most time-consuming processes in this entire step of development; however, this is also the most important step because, in the final output, this ensures that the particular silk is free from the influence of any sort of toxic chemicals or elements.

In the next step, the silk is woven into looms, often mixing various fabrics in this process, like chenille, cotton yarn or camel wool, to produce successful silk that can help keep the characteristics of sustainable fashion.

Some prominent fashion companies which use cactus silk in their fashion lineup

Final Thoughts

It can be seen from this article that why both elements a rising elements of Sustainable fashion. However, besides that, in this process couple of limitations the fashion companies or any other associated with the fashion segment encounters. Some of them are the lack of availability and the high amount of cost which is associated with it. Meanwhile, the lack of education also prevents many fashion companies from having a single idea about how these components are a major asset in this aspect.

 In this process, the Governments of various countries need to come forward, and it is not only to promote it but also to ensure the export of the necessary amount of Banana and Cactus Silk so the issue of lack of availability doesn’t arise. Also, it would be great if the Governments of various countries distributed them to the fashion companies at a relatively lower price compared to the traditionally high price which it has.

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