An Uncomfortable Truth in The Fashion
Updated: 6 days ago
Summary
Viscose and lyocell, often labelled eco-friendly, may harm the environment more than polyester, according to recent research. True sustainable fashion lies in conventional natural fibres like cotton, hemp, bamboo, and linen. Partner with NoName, a leading sustainable clothing manufacturer in India, to source genuinely eco-friendly fabrics and create ethical, high-quality collections without compromising on style or environmental responsibility.
Introduction:
Have you ever wondered if your "eco-friendly" clothes are truly as sustainable as you thought they were?
A recent study has revealed an uncomfortable truth about plant-based fibers like viscose and lyocell, suggesting they might be more harmful to the environment than polyester.
The research revealed that earthworms exposed to high concentrations of viscose and lyocell experienced significantly higher mortality rates than those exposed to polyester.
Although there is much scientific research in this industry and much action by the manufacturers and brands, the fact remains that we are still at the initial stages of fully understanding what exactly constitutes sustainability in fashion.
Much more research and development need to happen for that, and in the meantime, conventional sustainable fabrics like cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, jute, etc. are your first choice when it comes to creating sustainable eco-friendly clothes for your brands.
New Study in Fashion Challenges the Sustainability of Viscose and Lyocell
Viscose and lyocell are often seen as "natural" or "eco-friendly" because they come from plant-based sources.
They have become popular in sustainable fashion.
However, a recent study has raised questions about their impact on the environment.
The research, published in Environmental Science and Technology, examined how different fibres affected soil health using earthworms.
The results were concerning under high-concentration test conditions:
Viscose: 80% earthworm mortality
Lyocell: 60% earthworm mortality
Polyester: 30% earthworm mortality
The study also found signs of stress under more realistic conditions.
These included:
Reduced reproduction
Slower growth
Other signs of stress in earthworms
However, this does not mean that viscose and lyocell are automatically worse than polyester in every environmental measure.
Both fibres have important advantages.
They are made from renewable plant-based resources.
They can be biodegradable under suitable conditions.
They can help reduce dependence on petroleum-based materials.
The key takeaway is simple:
A fabric should not be called sustainable based on just one characteristic.
More research is needed to understand the full environmental impact of these fibres.
The Need for a More Comprehensive Understanding of Sustainability
This study highlights an important point:
Sustainability in fashion is not black and white.
A fabric may have one environmental advantage but create challenges somewhere else in its life cycle.
That is why brands need to look at the complete picture.
A proper sustainability assessment should consider the entire journey of a fabric:
Raw material: Where does it come from?
Processing: How is the fiber made?
Manufacturing: How much water, energy, and chemicals are used?
Product use: How durable is the garment?
End of life: Can it be reused, recycled, or biodegraded?
This also means that brands need more research and better transparency before making broad sustainability claims.
It is a reminder for both brands and consumers to ask questions.
A fabric being "natural" or "plant-based" does not automatically make it the most sustainable option.
The Takeaway for Fashion Brands
The study is a useful reminder for fashion brands to look beyond sustainability buzzwords.
When choosing fabrics, brands should:
Research the material before using it.
Understand how the fibre is produced.
Look at its complete life cycle.
Ask suppliers about sourcing and processing.
Work with responsible manufacturing partners.
Be transparent about sustainability claims.
Avoid calling a fabric "eco-friendly" based on only one feature.
Sustainable fashion is not about choosing the fabric with the best marketing story.
It is about understanding the real impact of your choices.
A more complete approach can help brands make better decisions and build greater trust with customers.
Why Conventional Natural Fibers Are Better Choices in Fashion
Until there's more conclusive evidence about viscose and lyocell, it's wise to focus on fabrics with a proven track record of sustainability.
Here’s why conventional natural fibres like
cotton,
linen,
hemp,
bamboo, and
jute should be prioritized:
Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides or fertilizers, organic cotton is safe for both workers and the environment, making it a cornerstone of sustainable fashion.
Linen: Derived from the flax plant, linen requires minimal chemical processing and is highly biodegradable, making it a reliable eco-friendly choice.
Hemp: One of the most sustainable crops, hemp grows quickly, needs little water, and is pesticide-free. Its durability makes it a long-lasting fabric choice.
Bamboo: This fast-growing plant requires minimal resources, is naturally antibacterial, and is excellent for moisture-wicking, making it an increasingly popular sustainable option.
Jute: As a biodegradable and renewable fiber, jute is an excellent material for environmentally friendly fashion, offering strength and versatility.
NoName: Leading the Way in True Sustainability
In this complex landscape, NoName, a leading clothing manufacturer in India, stands out for its commitment to authentic sustainability.
Unlike many brands that rely on buzzwords, NoName delves deep into the facts, carefully assessing the environmental impact of each fabric they use.
They offer a range of ethically produced, eco-friendly fabrics like
organic cotton,
hemp,
bamboo, and
linen fabrics that have proven their sustainability over time.
NoName’s transparency and dedication to ethical practices make them a reliable partner for brands looking to make a genuine impact.
As a sustainable clothing manufacturer in India, NoName specializes in small orders and private-label services, providing an opportunity for emerging fashion labels to create sustainable collections without compromising quality.
Conclusion:
The recent discussions around viscose, lyocell, and other fibres show that sustainability in fashion is a complex issue.
While there are concerns about some plant-based fibres, it’s essential not to draw definitive conclusions from a single study.
The focus should be on understanding the entire environmental impact of materials, from production to disposal.
Consumers play a key role in this transformation.
By supporting transparent and genuinely eco-friendly brands like NoName, we can drive the fashion industry toward more responsible and sustainable practices.
NoName, a leading sustainable clothing manufacturer in India, offers ethical and environmentally conscious options, making it easier for brands to choose sustainability without compromise.
Whether you need a private-label or small-order clothing manufacturer in India, NoName is committed to paving the way for a greener fashion industry.
Choose NoName and be a part of the solution for a more sustainable fashion future.
WhatsApp: +91-9717 508 508
Email: hello@nonameglobal.com
Website: www.nonameglobal.com
Online meeting: https://calendly.com/nonameglobal/meet
About the Author
This blog is written by Shraddha Srivastava, a fashion expert and industry observer known for breaking down complex trends into practical, actionable insights. With a strong understanding of garment manufacturing, retail, consumer psychology, and brand strategy, she also brings hands-on knowledge of apparel import–export processes, global compliance, and cross-border sourcing. Shraddha helps fashion brands navigate sourcing, imports, and market expansion, making growth simple, scalable, and data-driven.
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