Designers are increasingly tapping into renewable material alternatives, from seaweed-based dyes to wood fibre fabrics. These five natural textile-based innovations highlight how environmentally responsible design doesn’t have to come at the cost of material comfort and artistry.
From Dutch Wool and Seaweed
Zeefier
Seaweed-based dye company, Zeefier, joins forces with The Knitwit Stable to produce a high-end, sustainable carpet that aims to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry at scale. Dyed with seaweed and made from Dutch wool, it’s available in a palette of natural tones. The product pioneers local natural resources and production by working with these two often underutilized materials.
Glade
Nordgröna
Glade utilizes the natural sound-absorbing qualities of Scandinavian reindeer moss, an environmentally friendly tactile, textile-like material that’s hand-harvested for Nordgröna products. The acoustic panel is framed in aluminium, comes in three sizes and can be mounted as a pendant or directly on the wall. It’s hypoallergenic and maintenance-free, requiring no sunlight, watering or pruning.
Aloe
Kirkby Design
Reaching for technological and environmental innovation, Kirkby Design presents Aloe – a washable drapery textile, 60 per cent of which is Aloe vera and 40 per cent organic cotton. Unlike conventional materials, aloe vera requires no chemicals, fertilizers or water to grow. Light filters through the sheer textile which comes in a calming neutral palette such as Acid Yellow and Cobalt Blue, for a soft spatial ambience.
Photo: Mikael-Olsson
Wood Fibre Textiles
Fabric Forest
In June 2024, Fabric Forest displayed its sustainable paper textiles at IUFRO World Congress’ Forest & Society Towards 2050 event which centred around the theme of allemansrätten – our right to move freely in forests and nature. Fabric Forest exhibited the innovative technology behind its textiles made exclusively from wood fibres sourced from Swedish forests. Bypassing fossil-based materials in favour of renewable alternatives, the technique produces a range of sustainable yarns, fabrics and other textiles.
The Biophilic Program
Tai Ping
The Biophilic Program by Tai Ping is a collection of 16 rugs crafted from 100 per cent renewable natural fibres and materials. The production method saves at least 60 per cent of water and 85 per cent of energy compared to standard dyed yarn manufacturing. Gradients and multi-level pile heights enhance the natural qualities of the materials.
