Sustainability in Textiles 2025: Eco-Friendly Materials and Responsible Practices in the Textile Industry

Vanvino
May 18
10 min read

Updated: May 19

Pillow and blanket made with hemp — Vanvino 2025. Hemp

In 2025, the textile industry finds itself at a crossroads: reducing its environmental and social impact has become essential for its continued existence. Home fashion, and hospitality textiles have historically contributed significantly to pollution and waste. Every year, 92 million tons of textile waste are produced worldwide, and only 8% of the fibers used come from recycled materials. Furthermore, textile production generates around 10% of global CO₂ emissions and consumes enormous amounts of water—an estimated 85% of textiles end up in landfills each year. Faced with these alarming figures, consumers, businesses, and regulators are demanding change.

Ecological and innovative materials in textiles

Choosing sustainable materials is the cornerstone of reducing the environmental impact of textiles. Traditionally, fibers such as conventional cotton or virgin polyester dominated production, but today, more environmentally friendly alternatives are gaining ground:

Organic cotton : Grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, it reduces soil and water pollution. It maintains the softness and breathability of conventional cotton, but with a much smaller environmental footprint. Furthermore, its sustainable cultivation protects biodiversity and supports responsible agricultural practices. Major fashion brands have committed to using only organic or sustainable cotton; for example, Inditex announced that by 2025 all of its raw cotton will be organic, recycled, or from sustainable sources.

Alternative natural fibers : Textiles such as organic hemp and linen are making a comeback. Hemp requires less water and no pesticides, and is very durable, ideal for long-lasting blends. Organic linen (traditionally grown in Europe) also reduces water consumption and provides freshness and durability. Another notable material is bamboo, which grows quickly without chemical inputs; its fibers are soft, antibacterial, and highly absorbent. These biodegradable natural fibers decompose more quickly at the end of their useful life, preventing waste buildup.
Recycled materials : Recycling textiles and plastics has given rise to sustainable fibers such as recycled polyester (rPET) and regenerated nylon. For example, Econyl is a nylon obtained from recovered fishing nets and plastic waste, which offers the same quality as virgin nylon but with 80% less climate impact . Global initiatives aim to increase the recycled fiber rate beyond the current 8%. A clear example is REPREVE, a recycled polyester fiber used by numerous brands to manufacture everything from activewear to upholstery, utilizing post-consumer plastic bottles. These options promote the circular economy, giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in the trash.

Bio-based innovations : The search for revolutionary materials has led to textiles made from unusual renewable resources. One notable example is vegan cactus leather (a material developed in Mexico known as Desserto ), which uses nopal leaves to create an alternative to animal leather, with the appearance and durability required for leather goods but without animal cruelty or toxic tanning. Similarly, mushroom leather (mycelium) has become a commercial reality: a flexible and durable biomaterial is grown from fungal mycelium, already used by luxury brands. Other innovations include pineapple fiber (Piñatex), obtained from pineapple leaves, used in accessories and footwear, and algae-derived textiles that provide antibacterial properties.
Tencel/Lyocell : This semi-synthetic fiber, obtained from wood pulp from sustainably managed forests, has positioned itself as one of the most eco-friendly materials. Its closed-loop production process reuses 99% of non-toxic solvents, minimizing waste. The result is a soft, durable, and highly biodegradable fabric, ideal for fashion and home textiles. Due to its low impact, Tencel has even been incorporated into the collections of major retailers as part of their "conscious" lines.

Each of these eco-friendly materials reduces the industry's environmental burden, whether by avoiding hazardous chemicals, reducing water and energy use in production, or utilizing existing waste. Furthermore, opting for organic or recycled fibers promotes social responsibility in the supply chain: many of these fibers support farmers with sustainable methods and improve worker conditions by eliminating toxins from processes.

Responsible practices in the textile industry

Adopting sustainable materials is only part of the solution. Textile sustainability also requires reexamining how fashion is produced, distributed, and consumed. Below, we address the key responsible practices that leading companies are implementing throughout the textile value chain:

01 Low environmental impact production

Textile manufacturing processes traditionally consume enormous resources and generate pollution, but technological innovation now allows for a dramatic reduction in that footprint. For example, digital dyeing and other cold dyeing techniques are replacing conventional dye baths, using up to 90% less water and chemicals . Likewise, many manufacturers are integrating renewable energy (solar panels, wind turbines) into their factories to power machinery, reducing their carbon emissions. Another increasingly common practice is the recycling and treatment of industrial water: textile finishing plants install closed-loop systems that recover and reuse washing and dyeing water, reducing overall water demand. These investments in clean technologies not only protect the environment but, in the medium term, reduce operating costs—lower water and energy consumption means financial savings.

Regarding the use of chemicals, programs like ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) promote the elimination of toxic substances in dyes and finishes. Certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 guarantee that final textiles are free of chemicals harmful to health and the ecosystem. Innovation is also reaching dyes: biotechnology startups are developing organic dyes using bacteria in the laboratory, achieving high-quality pigments without petroleum derivatives. These bioengineering solutions herald a future where dyeing and printing fabrics will be possible without polluting rivers or exposing workers to toxins .

02 Transparency and traceability in the supply chain

Transparency has become a differentiating factor in the textile sector. Brands and suppliers are adopting tools to track every stage of production, in response to consumers demanding to know where their garments come from and under what conditions they are manufactured. One emerging technology is blockchain, which allows the steps a product follows to be recorded in an immutable digital ledger: from the cotton farm or recycling plant, through spinning, dyeing, sewing, and all the way to the store. Some companies already offer their customers the option of scanning QR codes on the label to learn the complete history of the garment, fostering trust.

Another key element of transparency is certifications and standards. Labels such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) verify organic content and responsible processes throughout the entire chain (from fiber to finished garment), while Fair Trade and SA8000 certify fair working conditions. In the environmental field, in addition to Oeko-Tex, Bluesign stands out, which certifies chemical control and resource efficiency during textile production. For recycled materials, GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certification ensures authentic recycled content and ethical sourcing practices. These labels provide credibility: professional or end customers can distinguish truly sustainable products from simple greenwashing strategies.

Digital advancements also include platforms that gather data on the impact of each garment (carbon footprint, liters of water consumed, etc.), comparing it with industry averages. This motivates companies to continually improve their metrics and allows investors and regulators to monitor progress.

03 Circular economy and end-of-life of products

A fundamental paradigm shift is moving from the linear "produce-use-throw away" economy to a circular economy in fashion. This involves designing garments with their after-use in mind, so that materials remain in circulation rather than becoming waste. Several initiatives illustrate this trend:

Recycling and collection programs : Major brands and retailers (H&M, Zara, Patagonia, among others) invite customers to return used clothing to their stores, offering incentives (discounts, coupons). These collected garments are recycled into new fibers or reused as secondhand clothing. For example, in many countries, there are specific textile recycling bins in neighborhoods and shopping centers. These initiatives address the enormous volume of waste: remember that millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills each year if not recovered.

Design for recyclability : Designers are innovating in eco-design . They are seeking to create garments made from single materials (e.g., 100% recyclable polyester) or with easily separable components for recycling. They are also avoiding the use of difficult-to-recycle blends or glued embellishments that prevent reprocessing the fabric. An example is sneakers made from a single raw material and assembled without glue, facilitating their subsequent shredding and complete recycling.

Secondhand, rental, and new business models : The secondhand clothing market and resale platforms (Vinted, ThredUp, etc.) are growing rapidly, driven by young consumers who value sustainability and economy. Likewise, clothing rental services (renting) have become popular in luxury fashion and event attire, extending the usefulness of a garment among multiple users. Even in the hotel and events sector, there is talk of renting textiles (tablecloths, uniforms) to optimize use. However, internal studies suggest that purchasing durable textiles instead of renting them can reduce both costs and environmental impact in certain cases: in the hotel industry, owning your own sheets and towels allows you to control their quality and use, achieving a longer lifespan and avoiding the constant use of external washing machines. (In our blog, we explore how purchasing high-quality bed and bath linens directly leads to "true sustainability" thanks to a smaller environmental footprint and long-lasting durability, compared to conventional renting). In short, circular fashion not only reduces waste, but also opens up business opportunities, builds customer loyalty, and often generates long-term resource savings.

04 Social responsibility and work ethics

Sustainability in textiles also encompasses the human dimension. Responsible practices entail ensuring that workers throughout the entire chain—from natural fiber farmers to garment workers—work in decent and safe conditions, with fair wages. Initiatives like the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) focus on improving cotton growing conditions and farmers' quality of life. Meanwhile, movements like Fashion Revolution push for greater transparency about "Who Made My Clothes?", raising awareness about ethical garment factories, and eliminating labor exploitation.

Many leading companies publish Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports detailing factory audits and improvement goals (e.g., eliminating child labor from their supply chains, ensuring gender equality in factories, etc.). Likewise, certifications such as Fair Trade for garments guarantee that producers have been paid a fair price and that fundamental labor rights are respected. The connection between sustainable materials and social responsibility is close: by preferring organic ingredients and certified suppliers, brands promote agricultural practices that benefit rural communities and reduce worker exposure to toxic chemicals. In short, a truly sustainable textile industry must be sustainable not only for the environment but also for people.

Trends and perspectives 2025: towards a truly sustainable textile industry

Bed with linen sheets — Vanvino 2025. Linen

Despite progress, the path toward full sustainability in textiles presents challenges. Paradoxically, only 18% of fashion executives consider sustainability a priority risk factor for growth in 2025, compared to 29% who considered this in 2024. This decline in concern, attributed to recent economic pressures, suggests that some players may be relegating green initiatives in the short term. However, the general direction of the industry and the demands of the global context indicate that sustainability is not a passing fad, but a strategic imperative. International organizations such as the UN emphasize that sustainable fashion is key to addressing the triple planetary crisis (climate, biodiversity loss, pollution), and new regulations—especially in the European Union—are underway to require more durable, recyclable, and safer textiles by 2030.

Brands leading the way understand that investing in eco-friendly materials and responsible practices strengthens their resilience and reputation . For example, global companies have joined the Fashion Pact, committing to concrete goals for emissions reduction, ocean conservation, and forest protection in their supply chains. At trade shows and industry forums, the conversation revolves around sustainable innovation: at Heimtextil 2024, a major home textiles trade show, the central theme “ New Sensitivity ” highlighted bio-based and circular solutions for a more conscious textile future. We’re also seeing collaborations between tech startups and large manufacturers to scale chemical recycling processes for blended textiles, or to develop lower-impact lab-grown fibers (such as synthetic silk or low-emission polyester).

In short, textile sustainability has gone from being a niche to becoming a key focus of innovation and competitive strategy. Companies that adopt eco-friendly materials and responsible practices not only contribute to a healthier planet, but also gain the trust of consumers and investors, stay ahead of upcoming regulations, and open up new business avenues (from green product lines to collection and recycling services). For design, fashion, and hospitality professionals, understanding and leading these trends is no longer optional: it's part of delivering value in an increasingly conscious world.

Frequently asked questions about sustainability in textiles

What are eco-friendly textile materials?

These are materials whose production and life cycle have a low environmental impact compared to conventional textiles. They include organic natural fibers (such as organic cotton, linen, or hemp grown without pesticides), recycled fibers (RPET polyester obtained from bottles, regenerated nylon from fishing nets, etc.), and innovative bio-based materials (for example, vegan leather from cactus or mushrooms, and fabrics based on bamboo or algae). These eco-friendly materials reduce the use of natural resources (water, energy) and avoid toxic chemicals in their manufacturing. They are also often biodegradable or recyclable, reducing end-of-use waste.

What sustainable practices are implemented in the textile industry?

The textile industry is adopting multiple sustainable practices throughout its value chain. In manufacturing, low-impact technologies such as digital dyeing (which drastically reduces water and chemical consumption) are being used, and renewable energy is being incorporated into production plants. Transparency is being promoted through blockchain traceability and certifications (GOTS, OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade) that ensure environmental and social standards. Furthermore, the circular economy is being fostered: recycling programs for used clothing, garment design with recyclability in mind, the use of recycled/biodegradable packaging, and business models such as resale and rental of garments. In the social sphere, audits of working conditions and partnerships with ethical suppliers are being strengthened. All of these measures seek to minimize the ecological footprint of textiles and ensure that their production is responsible for people and the planet .

Why is sustainability important in the textile industry?

Because the textile sector is one of the most environmentally impactful: it generates a significant proportion of global carbon emissions, consumes enormous volumes of water, and produces millions of tons of waste each year. Without sustainable practices, these impacts contribute to climate change, ecosystem pollution, and the exploitation of finite resources. Furthermore, the industry employs millions of workers worldwide, so social sustainability—fair working conditions and safety—is essential to prevent abuses and improve the quality of life in producing communities. Implementing sustainability in textiles means reducing pollution, promoting recycling and reuse, and ensuring that human rights are respected from fiber cultivation to garment manufacturing. It also responds to a growing demand from consumers and corporate clients seeking responsible products. In short, moving toward sustainability allows the textile industry to continue thriving in the long term, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, while protecting the environment and the people involved in the supply chain.