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No longer relegated to the fringes of society where for so long it was mocked for being 'weird' or 'extreme', veganism is going mainstream. Finally recognized for its positive impact on sustainability and animal welfare without the need to sacrifice taste or style, vegan living is starting to become the norm.

The continued proliferation of vegan and plant-based business stories and developments that have occurred during the past year demonstrate that this movement is just getting started in making its mark - and entrepreneurs are leading the way.

Here are some of the key reasons you should consider veganizing your business in 2018:
The numbers speak for themselves
Sales of plant-based food in the US went up by 8.1% during the past year, topping $3.1 billion, according to research carried out by Nielsen for the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and the Good Food Institute.

Plant-based dairy alternatives are expected to represent 40% of the combined total of dairy and dairy alternative beverages within three years, up from just 25% in 2016, according to research firm Packaged Facts. The company predicts new types of dairy-free milks to find wider audiences in 2018, including barley, hemp, pea, flax and quinoa.

Vegan cheese has taken off in a big way, with the global market estimated to be worth just under $4 billion by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.6% from 2016 to 2024, according to a report by research firm Bharat Book.

The humble pea is revolutionizing the plant-based sector as global revenues of pea protein are estimated to be worth $104 million by 2026, according to Future Market Insights.

While plant-based milk sales grew 3.1%, cow's milk sales declined 5% and are projected to drop another 11% through 2020, according to Mintel. Market Watch reports that Dean Foods, the largest supplier of dairy milk in the US, recently posted a third-quarter net income of just $1.4 million, down from $14.5 million in the same period a year ago. This downward trend is not confined only to the US: Australia's largest supplier of dairy products, Murray Goulburn, announced a 22% drop in milk sales in the past financial year. Meanwhile Elmhurst, one of the longest-running dairies on the US east coast, decided in 2017, after 92 years, to cut its losses and switch to producing solely plant-based milks.

The egg industry is starting to feel the pinch too. Shares in Cal-Maine Foods, an egg producer since 1969 in Jackson, Mississippi in the US, saw its shares drop 7% in July this year, after the company reported its first annual loss in more than 10 years. CEO Adolphus Baker blamed the growth in popularity of egg alternatives.

Finally, the global meat substitutes market is expected to garner a revenue of $5.2 billion by 2020, registering a compound annual growth rate of 8.4% during the forecast period 2015-2020, according to Allied Market Research.
These key developments and play ers are signs that this market will continue to grow
Competition is heating up in the race to produce plant-based burgers that look, feel and taste like their animal-based counterparts, even to the point of 'bleeding' red juice. American startups Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat continue to lead the way. The Impossible Burger is currently served at more than 150 eateries in the US, while the Beyond Burger, whose investors include Bill Gates, Leonardo DeCaprio, Twitter co-founders Biz Stone and Evan Williams, and meat company Tyson Foods, is available in more than 5,000 grocery stores across the US as well as on menus at selected restaurants such as the Veggie Grill Chain. In December 2017, Beyond Meat released its Beyond Sausage which it claims mimics the taste and texture of pork, but with less fat and sodium and higher protein than traditional sausages. On the other side of the pond, three companies in the UK, two of which are backed by Gates, are working on bringing their vegan burgers to market. British startup Moving Mountains claims it will be the first to get its B12 Burger into stores there. [Article continues]

Hampton Creek continues to innovate with its plant-based versions of egg products, including mayonnaise and its newest release Just Scramble, a vegan egg made from mung beans which the company says saves at least 65% more fresh water than conventional egg products and emits 24% fewer greenhouse gases.

Vegan cheese brand Kite Hill secured $18 million investment from General Mills and is on a mission to have its products sold in the dairy cases in more supermarkets across the US.

Miyoko's Kitchen has rebranded to simply Miyoko's, named after its founder, vegan cheese pioneer Miyoko Schinner. The company recently opened its new, larger premises in Petaluma, California after receiving $6 million from JMK Consumer Growth Partners, and will be ramping up its production in 2018.

According to CB Insights, at least seven of the 15 most well-funded food and beverage startups are plant-based.

'Vegan butcher' was named a top new job trend for 2017 by Time Money.

Plant-based fast food is on the increase. As well as McDonald's rolling out a vegan burger in its stores in Sweden and Finland, vegan chains Veggie Grill, Plant Power Fast Food and by Chloe. opened more locations throughout 2017 and are set to do the same in 2018.

The 'grab and go' market in the UK saw café chain Pret a Manger make its pop-up, plant-based Veggie Pret store in central London permanent, open a second location in east London and announce a third one for 2018. British department store chain Marks & Spencer introduced two vegan sandwiches, and iconic US plant-based meat brand Tofurky launched its range of four vegan sandwiches in the UK.
Even animal agricu lture industries are taking notice
Daily Harvest, a New York-based subscription service specializing in frozen, plant-based, one-step-prep foods, secured $43 million investment from Lightspeed Venture Partners and VMG Partners who join existing celebrity investors Gwyneth Paltrow and Serena Williams.

Plant-based was noted by Organic Authority as the biggest trend at trade show Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California this year, while the UK held its first ever vegan trade show VegFestUK Trade at Olympia in London

Plant-based meat substitutes is one of the " six greatest ag challenges for 2018," according to Chuck Jolley, the president of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame. [Article continues]

Germany's agricultural minister Christian Schmidt called for a ban this year on the labeling of plant-based proteins as vegan 'meat'. Schmidt has a problem with products with names such as 'vegetarian schnitzel' and 'curry sausage', arguing that they are "completely misleading and unsettle consumers".

In the US the Dairy Pride Act, a bill introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Congressman Peter Welch of Vermont earlier this year, calls on the FDA to stop plant-based dairy alternatives from being labeled as 'milk'.

Rather than resist the inevitable, smart animal agriculture businesses are getting in on the plant-based revolution by buying or investing in plant-based brands. Tyson Foods, the top US meat producer, increased its investment in Beyond Meat this year, after initially having taken a 5% stake. Canada's largest meat distributor Maple Leaf Foods bought popular plant-based brands Field Roast and Lightlife Foods. Nestle acquired Sweet Earth Foods (which was founded by a former Burger King board chairman). Dean Foods struck an investment and distribution deal with plant-based milk and yoghurt startup Good Karma. Japanese pharmaceutical company Otsuka bought plant-based cheese brand Daiya. Danone, a multinational food company with a focus on dairy, completed its purchase of plant-based pioneer WhiteWave (becoming DanoneWave), and Saputo, Canada's largest dairy processor, is on the lookout for an opportunity to buy a plant-based milk company.

In Denmark Naturli Foods created a plant-based minced meat which has been taken on by the country's largest retailer Dansk Supermarked Group. The product, which translates as 'Minced Veggie', will be sold in the supermarket chain's 600 stores in the new year. Meanwhile, Dutch meat company Zwanenberg Food Group, which has been in business since 1929, is shifting half its focus on to plant-based proteins with the aim of 50% of its turnover to come from non-meat products such as vegetarian snacks, soups and sauces.
But wait, it's not just all about food
International finance group Rabobank said that recent growth in plant-based and clean meat should serve as a "wake-up call to the animal protein sector " and encouraged the meat industry to invest in alternative proteins. Rabobank also estimates that within five years alternative protein could represent a third of protein demand in the EU.

Campbell Soup Company left the Grocery Manufacturers Association and joined the Plant-Based Foods Association and Walmart encouraged its suppliers to create more plant-based products.

Responding to these developments, Bruce Friedrich, executive director at the Good Food Institute, said: "The growth of the plant-based sector in 2017 exceeded even my optimistic projections. The news from the meat industry itself was especially encouraging and 2018 is sure to continue the accelerating growth of plant-based meat."

While the plant-based food sector is experiencing tremendous growth, interest in animal-free products is being piqued in other sectors too. Vegan fashion is cited as a major trend for 2018 in The Future 100 Report by global research firm J. Walter Thompson Intelligence. We've seen the creation of alternatives to leather made from pineapple waste, apple peels, mushrooms, kombucha and wine as well as the first biofabricated leather brand and vegan silk.

Luxury car manufacturers are responding to the demand for cruelty-free materials, with Tesla reported to have removed animal-based leather as an option for its seats and Bentley exploring alternative materials to leather to cater for high-wealth ethical consumers.

Joshua Katcher, instructor of fashion at Parsons The New School and founder of men's fashionwear store Brave Gentleman in New York, is most excited about biofabrication. "This coming year 2018 will definitely be about celebrating visionary solutions to some of the fashion industry's most calamitous impacts: animal skins and hairs," he said. "I also think we'll see a lot of innovation around mycelium (fungus) textiles from companies like Mycoworks and entirely new ways of making synthetics from recycled and biodegradable materials like 10XBeta's recycled C02 polyurethane-leather and Mango Materials' biopolyester made from bacteria."

Beauty brands are removing animal products from their formulations and even condom makers are recognizing this growing market and making their products vegan. The Green Condom Club in Switzerland, Hanx, a luxury brand created by a female gynecologist in the UK, and Australian brand Hero Condoms, all launched this year

Next-level high-tech products include 3D printed vegan cheese, candies and pizza crusts.

It's a brave new business world, one in which growing numbers of consumers will continue to demand sustainable and ethical products. If you're about to start a business, it's worth making your products vegan-friendly from the start. If you already have a business, consider veganizing it by removing any animal-based ingredients or components (this includes bee products, wool and silk). Going a step further by gaining certified vegan status from the Vegan Society (UK) or Vegan Action (US) will help to set your brand apart from those that merely pay lip service to ethics.

The plant-based revolution is here to stay. Make sure you don't get left behind.

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Here's Why You Should Turn Your Business Vegan In 2018

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No longer relegated to the fringes of society where for so long it was mocked for being 'weird' or 'extreme', veganism is going mainstream. Finally recognized for its positive impact on sustainability and animal welfare without the need to sacrifice taste or style, vegan living is starting to become the norm.

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With animal print, there's often an assumption that we're too old to wear it or that we'll end up looking Kat Slater-esque (a style icon in her own right...) But, done well, it can make a great statement piece whatever your age. With the nights creeping in, Emilie and I pick out some of our favourite seasonal pieces as we take you through how to wear animal print this winter.

Our coat pick of the season

Dawn - This coat should be the focal point of an outfit, so I've paired it with black denim dungarees and an on-trend DKNY hat. For an edgy vibe, I've added my favourite Steven Madden chunky ankle boots.

Emilie - If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, play with clashing prints and bright colours. I paired this Lazy Oaf coat with a beret hat (again, by Lazy Oaf), finishing the look with playful heart-shaped shades and chunky platform trainers.

This Religion Faux Fur Python coat is another example of how to wear animal prints this winter. This coat does all the talking, so simply wear with skinny jeans and jumper or a floaty black dress, finished off with heels or a smart pair of boots.

Snakeskin is slinking back onto the catwalk this winter and this Zara wrap dress is a great choice if you're still finding your feet in the world of print. With a neutral brown colour palette and a hint of black, this dress can easily be accessorised with a leather black jacket and heels.

Leopard print is a classic and this patent pencil skirt from Very is perfect for the office or a night out. The midi length gives you options... wear it with ankle or knee-length boots or grab a pair of killer heels for the evening.

Break the mould with this brightly coloured abstract leopard jumper, a great way to keep on trend while adding colour this winter.

Scarves are a genius way of expressing yourself and incorporating trends that may seem too 'out there'. This large print scarf gives you the flexibility to experiment with animal print without fully committing. The perfect accessory for any outfit - be it jeans and a blazer, or a dress and leather jacket.

Zebra is great if you're not one for colour. This monochrome cross body bag gives you the ability to be on trend without being overwhelmed.

Not one for prints? No worries, Hobbs have come up with a compromise with these ankle boots that offer just a glimpse of leopard at the back of the heels.

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With animal print, there's often an assumption that we're too old to wear it or that we'll end up looking Kat Slater-esque (a style icon in her own right...) But, done well, it can make a great statement piece whatever your age.

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It's tough to love our clothes and keep wearing them for longer when we are faced with a tempting array of newness on offer in the shops. But before you head out into the January sales for those irresistible deals, spare a thought for the impact of fast fashion on the environment.

Fast fashion focuses on speed and low costs in order to deliver frequent new collections inspired by catwalk looks or celebrity styles. But it is particularly bad for the environment, as pressure to reduce cost and the time it takes to get a product from design to shop floor means that environmental corners are more likely to be cut. Criticisms of fast fashion include its negative environmental impact, water pollution, the use of toxic chemicals and increasing levels of textile waste.

Vibrant colours, prints and fabric finishes are appealing features of fashion garments, but many of these are achieved with toxic chemicals. Textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of clean water globally, after agriculture. Greenpeace's recent Detox campaign has been instrumental in pressuring fashion brands to take action to remove toxic chemicals from their supply chains, after it tested a number of brands' products and confirmed the presence of hazardous chemicals. Many of these are banned or strictly regulated in various countries because they are toxic, bio-accumulative (meaning the substance builds up in an organism faster than the organism can excrete or metabolise it), disruptive to hormones and carcinogenic.

Polyester is the most popular fabric used for fashion. But when polyester garments are washed in domestic washing machines, they shed microfibres that add to the increasing levels of plastic in our oceans. These microfibres are minute and can easily pass through sewage and wastewater treatment plants into our waterways, but because they do not biodegrade, they represent a serious threat to aquatic life. Small creatures such as plankton eat the microfibres, which then make their way up the food chain to fish and shellfish eaten by humans.

The devastating impact of toxic chemical use in agriculture, for growing cotton, was shown in a documentary called The True Cost, including the death of a US cotton farmer from a brain tumour, and serious birth defects in Indian cotton farmers' children. Cotton growing requires high levels of water and pesticides to prevent crop failure, which can be problematic in developing countries that may lack sufficient investment and be at risk of drought.

Most cotton grown worldwide is genetically modified to be resistant to the bollworm pest, thereby improving yield and reducing pesticide use. But this can also lead to problems further down the line, such as the emergence of "superweeds" which are resistant to standard pesticides. They often need to be treated with more toxic pesticides that are harmful to livestock and humans.

There is growing interest in organic cotton, with H&M and Inditex, the parent company of Zara, featuring among the world's top five users of organic cotton by volume in 2016. But overall use of organic cotton represents less than 1 per cent of the world's total annual cotton crop.
Hunger for newness
Textile waste is an unintended consequence of fast fashion, as more people buy more clothes and don't keep them as long as they used to. The international expansion of fast fashion retailers exacerbates the problem on a global scale. Wardrobes in developed nations are saturated, so in order to sell more products, retailers must tempt shoppers with constant newness and convince them the items they already have are no longer fashionable.

Increasing disposable income levels over recent generations means there is less need to "make do and mend", as it's often cheaper and more convenient to buy new than have an item repaired. Busy lifestyles make many people more time-poor than previous generations, and with the loss of sewing and mending skills over time, there is less impetus to repair our garments. The rise of supermarket fashion that can be purchased alongside the weekly shop and the regular occurrence of seasonal sales make clothing seem "disposable" in a way it didn't used to be.

There is interest in moving towards a more circular model of textile production which reuses materials wherever possible, yet current recycling rates for textiles are very low. Despite a long-established national network of charity shops and increasing numbers of in-store recycling points in UK high-street stores, three-quarters of Britons throw away unwanted clothing, rather than donating or recycling it.
What shoppers can do
So, can consumers reduce the environmental cost of fast fashion when out shopping? Choosing an eco-friendly fabric is complex as there are pros and cons to all fibre types. Garments which are labelled as being made from natural fibres are not necessarily better than synthetic, as fibre choice is only one part of a complex picture. Fibres still have to be spun, knitted or woven, dyed, finished, sewn and transported - all of which have different environmental impacts.

For example, choosing organic fabrics is better than choosing non-organic fabrics in terms of the chemicals used to grow the fibres, but organic cotton still requires high amounts of water and the impact of dyeing it is higher than the impact of dyeing polyester.

Recycled content is often best of all, as it reduces the pressure on virgin resources and tackles the growing problem of waste management. For example, Patagonia was the first outdoor clothing brand to make polyester fleece out of plastic bottles. In 2017, it decided to rationalise its T-shirt ranges and from spring 2018, will offer only two fabric options of either 100 per cent organic cotton or a blend of recycled cotton and recycled polyester, recognising that even organic cotton has a negative environmental impact.

The Love Your Clothes initiative from the charity Wrap gives information for consumers on each stage of the purchase process, from buying smarter, to caring for and repairing items, to upcycling or customisation and finally responsible disposal. Ultimately, the best thing we can do is to keep our clothing in use for longer - and buy less new stuff.
Patsy Perry is a senior lecturer in fashion marketing at the University of Manchester. This article first appeared on The Conversation (theconversation.com)

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It's tough to love our clothes and keep wearing them for longer when we are faced with a tempting array of newness on offer in the shops. But before you head out into the January sales for those irresistible deals, spare a thought for the impact of fast fashion on the environment.

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Fashion retailer H&M will debut its Conscious Exclusive collection in stores and online on April 11 and it's a treasure trove of apparel and accessories made from unique plant-based materials. The company partnered with several textile innovators-including pineapple-based leather brand Piñatex and vegan silk producer Orange Fiber-to develop the new collection that features jackets with vegan leather accents (with matching skirts and boots), vegan silk corset tops, and an array of other nature-inspired pieces in bold animal prints, coral and aqua hues, and with standout metallic accents. "For this collection, we explored the beauty in nature, which shows in the prints, as well as the flowy silhouettes, the striking color palette, and the attention to detail," Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M, said. "We're thrilled to introduce new plant-based sustainable materials to create high-performing, beautiful, and fashionable pieces that are statement-making yet so easy to wear." In 2016, Spanish designer Carmen Hijosa debuted her innovate material Piñatex, which has since been used by a number of companies, including Hilton Hotels which uses the pineapple-based leather instead of animal skin on furnishings at its all-vegan hotel suite in London. Italian company Orange Fiber -founded in 2014 by Adriana Santanocito and Enrica Arena-creates its cruelty-free silk from cellulose extracted from thousands of tons of otherwise wasted citrus fruits.

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H&M Debuts Vegan Pineapple Leather Jackets

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Fashion retailer H&M will debut its Conscious Exclusive collection in stores and online on April 11 and it's a treasure trove of apparel and accessories made from unique plant-based materials.

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Gloves, handbags, wallets, watches, you name it: There's a laundry list of accessories that have traditionally been made from leather-yes, the unfortunate kind that was originally the skin of an animal. And as PETA's recent dog-leather investigation demonstrates, this could mean a lifetime of misery for animals just like the ones we share our homes with, not to mention indicating trouble for the environment, considering the huge amounts of feed, pastureland, water, and fossil fuels required to turn animal skins into accessories. Not to fret, friends-the "leather" industry is being redefined with sustainable vegan materials that will replace cow and dog skin permanently. So whether your fingers are in need of protection from what's left of this bitter winter, your cash and plastic need a new home for the new year, or you're just in the market for some pretty wrist décor, check out the following list of vegan leather accessories that are as chic as they are kind to animals and the planet.

Mushrooms

The extraordinary mushroom can be used for so many things, and now, it's been made to mimic the texture of leather made from animals. MuSkin is the new vegan leather on the block, made from mushroom caps and tanned with nontoxic ingredients, unlike leather made from the skin of cows or other animals. The new biodegradable material is softer, more breathable, and more water repellent than leather derived from animals-perfect for everyday items such as belts, purses, and shoe soles. To learn more, check out the video below:

It's not just mushroom caps that can be used to make great vegan leather. Mylo, a material developed by Bolt Threads, is created from the underground root structure of mushrooms and is soft, durable, and sustainably made.

Kombucha Tea

It's no longer just your go-to healthy brunch drink. Researchers at Iowa State University and others have actually been using kombucha tea to make vegan leather, affectionately calling it "teather." Although they are still testing the material they've made from harvesting fibers from a kombucha-based mixture, we can't wait to see what kombucha pieces will be lining the runways soon.

Stay tuned until Jan 16. 2016 - @ScobyTec at @MakeMunich pic.twitter.com/yHDKcECctQ

- ScobyTec (@ScobyTec) November 28, 2015

Malai Derived From Coconut Water

A new fashion brand called Malai Design & Materials uses bacterial cellulose derived from coconut water to create a leather-like material. This water is usually discarded from a factory in Kerala, India, but product designers Susmith C. Suseelan and Zuzana Gombosova think that sustainable vegan leather made from such sources needs to become the market standard. "Nobody thinks of the harm done to the environment and the number of animals [who] are slaughtered in the process," Suseelan told an Indian newspaper. "It's high time that an eco-friendly substitute for leather is introduced in the market."

Pineapple

BOSS Menswear now offers high-quality vegan shoes made of pineapple leather-yep, you read that right: pineapple leather. The material, known as Piñatex, is " an innovative leather-alternative created from pineapple leaf fibres." Because the leaves are a byproduct of harvesting the fruit, no additional resources are needed to produce the material, which means that farmers receive an additional source of income.

Soy

Women from XXLab in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, are creating a new soy leather made from the liquid runoff of tofu production. This low-cost, zero-waste fabric has been used to make shoes, purses, and wallets. The promising new leather-like material has not become available to the public yet, but we look forward to seeing the results of XXLab's fascinating project.

Fruit Waste

A design duo in Rotterdam is currently developing a vegan leather to help solve the world's food waste problem. Fruitleather Rotterdam 's website explains that they are busy "developing a new, eco-friendly process that converts leftover fruits into a durable leather-like material. The material is being further developed so that it will be strong enough to be used for shoes, handbags and other products in the future."

Apples

The Apple Girl considers apple leather as "a substitute to conventional, fossil fuel derived textiles." Her company is the first supplier of this new material, that is also edible and 100 percent biodegradable. Also check Ashoko Paris and Veggani for more gorgeous, fruit-derived purses.

Teak Leaf

Teak leaf leather is lightweight, durable, water-resistant, anti-fungal, and environmentally friendly. In a process inspired by the traditional handmade one from Thailand, the teak leaves are harvested from fallen leaves, soaked in water, dyed, and then arranged flat together and set out to dry. The end result provides large sheets of leaf leather that can be sewn to make any clothing item or accessory imaginable.

Classic Polyurethane

This traditional variation on vegan leather is a resilient, flexible, and durable fabric that can be molded into a variety of goods. Although not as sustainable as the aforementioned materials, this synthetic fabric doesn't do half the damage caused by the leather industry. The following accessories are just some examples of the uses that this versatile material has been put to.

The Recycled Variety

Whether it's recycled rope or recycled plastic bottles, repurposing anything is much better for the environment than starting from scratch. And when it looks this good, why not? Recycle, reduce, reuse, refashion!
The following may not mimic leather like the others, but they are stylish, durable, and of course, cruelty-free:
Waxed Canvas and Moleskin

This waxy cotton material was originally developed as an outdoors-friendly fabric for farmers and explorers a couple of centuries ago. Moleskin is a heavy cotton fabric that is woven, and then sheared. Both fabrics are breathable, not to mention weatherproof against the windy, wet elements.

Paper, Wood, and Cork

Nothing says sustainable, luxury style like wearing trees. We're not kidding! The use of reclaimed wood and cork oak (made of water-resistant cells on the outer bark of cork oak trees that naturally grow back) makes these products that much more appealing to the gal next to you and, oh yeah, helps the planet, too.

Denim

All right, so denim doesn't quite have the same weatherproof properties that most vegan leather does, but it's used to create a lot of the same accessories and apparel that are typically made with leather. And considering that the fabric can take on a variety of compositions, hold shape, and take on a number of colors, it's no wonder that designers continue to employ this animal-friendly material in many ways.

*****

And there you have it. Read it and weep, leather industry. Times are a changin', and we can't welcome it more! Take a sustainably chic step forward with us by supporting vegan leather suppliers the next time you're out shopping for accessories like those listed above.

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See the Ingenious Ways People Are Making Vegan Leather | PETA

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You'll never guess the origins of these innovative vegan leather accessories. Pineapples, anyone?

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Eluxe Magazine is the world's first publication focused on sustainable luxury. We promote ethical fashion, vegan lifestyles, organic beauty, ethical travel, and more

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Discover PETA-approved, vegan clothing online at Thought. Stay true to your values. Feel as good as you look. And champion sustainable fashion - in a contemporary, effortless way.

Print, Colour, Compassion

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JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Discover PETA-approved, vegan clothing online at Thought. Stay true to your values. Feel as good as you look. And champion sustainable fashion - in a contemporary, effortless way.

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In this day and age, most people know and agree that real fur is a horrifically cruel industry.

It's responsible for taking the lives of more than 50 million animals every year in ways such as drowning, poisoning, gassing or electrocuting - and their short and miserable lives on factory farms aren't much better than their deaths.

The mink, chinchillas, foxes, and other animals bred for their fur spend their days in tiny, often filthy cages and sometimes suffer from neglect, starvation and lack of much-needed veterinary care.

Real fur is not eco-friendly

In a time where information is readily available, conscious consumers are increasingly turning away from the cruel fur trade - but the fur industry is desperately trying to win them back by banking on the argument of fur being 'eco-friendly'.

This is far from the truth: in order to keep fur from rotting, like any dead skin would, furriers treat it with chemicals such as chromium and formaldehyde, which are highly toxic.

But while faux fur, which is made from petroleum-derived materials, can be a questionable choice if you consider yourself a friend of the planet, there is a new development in faux fur that will put an end to 'green fur' claims.

Eco faux fur

Now manufacturer Ecopel is developing a faux fur material made from recycled plastic bottles.

Through a collection system internalized at the company's mills in Asia, the company can now give used plastic bottles new life - rather than them being dumped in landfill or oceans.

The regenerated fiber developed from the process is introduced into a new cycle of circular-economy production where it will become...an eco-friendly faux fur coat.

Development

The material is still in the early stages of development and Ecopel is still working on increasing the range of textures and colours that will be on offer.

"As fur is a more complex fiber to create, the technique is quite challenging," says Ecopel's Communications Manager Arnaud Brunois. "But we believe this new fur will be a very exciting new addition to the fashion industry, in line with what new generations want."

And with this innovation as well as the company's coming investments in bio-based fur, it's safe to say that Ecopel, and its progressive views on animal-free fashion, is going to be a key player in the new era of faux.

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Fashion Innovator Creates Eco-Friendly Vegan Faux Fur From Recycled Plastic Bottles

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In this day and age, most people know and agree that real fur is a horrifically cruel industry. It's responsible for taking the lives of more than 50 million animals every year in ways such as drowning, poisoning, gassing or electrocuting - and their short and miserable lives on factory farms aren't much better than their deaths.

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By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi

There's long been a debate about real fur vs faux - which is better for the environment?

Those in the 'real' camp say there's no such thing as eco friendly faux fur. They claim that at least animal fur is a renewable resource; that it biodegrades, and that faux fur is made from nasty acrylics and plastics that just end up in landfill.

Those against fur, of course, state that faux fur doesn't use dead animals for mere fashion; that since animal fur is treated with heavy dyes and chemicals including chromium and formaldehyde (both of which are highly toxic), it actually doesn't biodegrade so easily. They also argue that the bodies of fur animals are just wasted since they're not eaten, and that their, poop and blood are dumped into our water systems as waste.

Well, finally, the debate on real vs faux fur is over. And guess what? Faux fur wins! Here's why.

Eco-friendly faux furs are on the rise

Yes, faux fur IS absolutely the more ecological choice - when it's made from sustainable materials. And increasingly, that is the case.

Take these designers below, for example. They're largely using recycled or all-natural materials to get that warm, furry effect - without the killing.

The transition from real fur to artificial fur was bound to happen, given the increasing amount of investment and research in this field. For example, the French Faux Fur Institute's Open Fur design contest encourages design students to work with recycled fabrics and sustainable materials to create new forms of faux fur, such as that created from recycled bottles or cotton fibres.

Those cruelty-free fur designs are especially popular with younger consumers - new data reveals millennials don't want to purchase from companies that harm the planet. In fact, young people in their thirties and below consider sustainability a main issue in their lifestyles, whether it concerns what they eat, how they dress or what means of transportation they use.

Yvonne Taylor, senior manager of corporate projects at PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) UK, explained how today's youth is more ethical than previous generations, because of the campaigns by animal rights groups they have witnessed. " Items that were once a status symbol are fast becoming a badge of shame," she said. And youngsters in their twenties are even more fervent when it comes to the topic of the environment and animal cruelty.

Global research conducted by Masdar shows that Generation Z wants more action for a sustainable future, and that includes the shift from real to fake fur. But you don't need to be a teen to appreciate gorgeous eco-friendly faux fur. These five brands below are a mere taste of how faux fur is more sustainable than the real thing - but given widespread rejection of fur by consumers and designers alike, we predict many more designers will be following in their footsteps soon.

The Italian designer Daniele Calcaterra works closely with manufacturer Ecopel, which has developed a faux fur material made from recycled plastic bottles. Through a collection system internalized at the company's mills in Asia, the company can now give used plastic bottles new life - rather than them being dumped in landfill or oceans.

The regenerated fiber developed from the process is introduced into a new cycle of circular-economy production thanks to Calcaterra, who creates glossy, furry, eco-friendly creations with the material. And for those who cry out that recycled plastics used in clothing only creates microfibre pollution in the ocean when they're washed, consider this: winter coats rarely, if ever, get washed - and you can opt for a 'green' dry cleaner instead, keeping your coat clean without any ocean pollution whatsoever.

Lifelong animal lover Tiziano Guardini has created a wide variety of plant-based furs since he began his career as a fashion designer. He experiments with a plethora of unique materials, including hemp, straw and even pine needles, to create different 'furry' effects, and the results are quite remarkable. His latest collection uses frayed denim to create a kind of Afghan shearling effect.

Guardini is among the designers to recently lend their voice to the anti-fur movement, which has been growing steadily. Back in 2017, luxury powerhouse Gucci pledged to go fur-free, followed by Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo - and now Jean Paul Gaultier has been the latest (of many) big designers to renounce fur. Yoox, Selfridges and Net-a-Porter have also adopted a fur-free policy that bans all accessories, apparel and footwear made from animal fur, and Guardini couldn't be more pleased.

"Western countries do not need to use animal furs but some fashion houses continue to do so. I'm hoping that by creating a sustainable alternative such as denim fur we will be able to show people that fur alternatives are just as beautiful and aesthetically pleasing as the real thing," he told The Independent.

Small Ukrainian brand Ksenia Schnaider cares about the environment and animals. They also really, really like denim. So it kind of makes sense that their faux furs are made from recycled denim.

The brand started as a Ukrainian love story, founded by Ksenia Schnaider, a fashion designer, and her husband Anton Schnaider, a graphic designer in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. The duo were so into each other, they not only wanted to spend every spare minute together, but wanted to work together, too. After thinking a bit about how to make that possible, they launched Ksenia Schnaider - and the rest is history.

Today, they experiment with denim, fraying it, shredding it and playing around until they find the right 'furry' texture for jackets and embellishments. Their styles and techniques have been a huge hit with consumers and the media, and they've been featured in loads of international magazines from Vogue and I.D to Eluxe!

Another young designer who's dreaming up eco friendly faux fur made from upcycled, shredded denim is Nathalie Ballout. The Swedish-Lebanese creator caused a stir when her first collection challenged conventional ideas of clothing by demonstrating how currently available materials can be distressed, deconstructed and reconstructed into unique pieces that mimic fur, feathers and wool. Nathalie's unique vision has garnered her the recognition of Vogue Talents, who chose her to show her work at Milan Fashion Week SS19.

Main image: House of Fluff. Learn more about them here.

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Fake Fur Is ALWAYS The Best Choice With Eco Friendly Faux Fur Brands - Eluxe Magazine

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By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi There's long been a debate about real fur vs faux - which is better for the environment? Those in the 'real' camp say there's no such thing as eco friendly faux fur.

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You have probably heard about Lyocell before and you might actually have clothes made of this fabric hanging in your wardrobe. The question is: what do you really know about it? This is the complete guide to Lyocell.

Table of contents

1. Lyocell in numbers and shorts facts

2. What is Lyocell and how is it made?

3. Is Lyocell sustainable?

4. Lyocell's characteristics

5. Lyocell's advantages and disadvantages

6. What is Lyocell used for?

7. The cost of Lyocell

8. Lyocell vs other materials

9. Why buy Lyocell sheets and where to find them?

10. Why buy Lyocell clothes and where to find them?

1. Lyocell in numbers and shorts facts

Today, Lyocell can be found in bed linens, towels, denim, clothing, underwear and even medical dressing, among others. As you can see, it's a very versatile fabric. In 2018, the global production of Lyocell reached 415.6kg tonnes and it's expected to double for 2027.

Aside from its multiple uses, Lyocell is highly coveted because it's 100% biodegradable and compostable (that is if it's not blended with other synthetic fibers). Because it's made of wood, Lyocell products would only take a couple of months to decompose, contrary to other plastic-based items that could take up to 100 years to biodegrade.

But enough spoilers! Let's dive deeper into what lyocell is and what it is made of.

2.What is Lyocell and how is it made?

A lot of people think that there are only two categories when it comes to fabrics: natural fibers (such as wool, hemp, cotton, ramie and silk) and artificial fibers synthesized from petrochemicals (like polyester and nylon). But contrary to what many believe, the boundaries between these two groups blur easily and Lyocell falls right between them.

Lyocell is indeed a plant-based fiber, but it's also processed with advanced synthetic substances. That means, it's neither all natural nor all synthetic: it's in the middle. And technically speaking, that makes it a semi-synthetic fiber.

The making of Lyocell starts with harvesting wood, which often comes from eucalyptus trees. Nevertheless, it's also common to find Lyocell made of oak, bamboo and birch trees too. This wood is broken down into tiny pieces and then chemicals are added to dissolve it into a wood pulp.
The result is a liquid and sticky raw cellulose. By the way, these solvents do not change the chemical structure of cellulose, they're only an instrument to alter its form.
This liquid mixture is heated and broken into small pieces one more time using a solvent called amine oxide. After being filtered, the cellulose goes through a spinning process that turns it into bright, long and thin fibers.

These fibers are washed, dried and lubricated, until they're ready to be spun into a yarn and woven into the final Lyocell fabric. At the final stage, Lyocell fabric is cut and turned into the variety of products we use everyday.

3.Is Lyocell sustainable?

We've already mentioned that Lyocell has become a popular alternative in the sustainable fashion world, among other industries. But it's essential that we understand what makes it so environmentally-friendly.
Lyocell material is indeed naturally biodegradable and compostable, but there's much more to it on why it's sustainable.

This fiber's production process is what we called a "closed loop": It's a manufacturing process that doesn't create harmful by-products. The dissolvent chemicals involved in its creation are not toxic and can be reused over and over, meaning they are not released in the environment once the process is finished. Amine oxide, which is one of the solvents involved in the Lyocell fiber production process, isn't harmful and it's totally recyclable.

But not only that. Aside from being a sustainable process because of the materials involved, Lyocell's production is quite short and simple compared to other manmade fibers. The entire process that is, from chopping the wood down to the carding一 can take about two and a half hours tops. That means less water and less energy are required.

Furthermore, one of Lyocell's most common sources are eucalyptus trees and they check all the right boxes. Eucalyptus trees can grow literally almost anywhere, even in lands that are no longer fit for planting food. They grow very quickly and they don't require any irrigation or pesticides. Cotton needs more than five times the land that eucalyptus trees.

Lyocell is both eco-friendly and ethically-sourced too: its main component is wood cellulose and this can only be obtained from well-managed forests, making it a fantastic source of renewable fiber.

Among Lyocell's many properties there's its breathability. You may wonder why this has a positive impact not just for you, but also for the planet. Well, because it's breathable, the garment doesn't absorb smell as quickly as other fabrics, and therefore you don't have to wash it so often. Fewer washing saves both water and energy.

To sum up, when compared to other cellulose fibers' production processes, Lyocell's manufacturing is way less toxic and wasteful.

4. Lyocell's characteristics

The manufacturing process of Lyocell is shorter and more efficient than other fibers like rayon, for example. Its production process uses 20% less water than the production of cotton and less energy too. In addition, it's a perfectly fit material to dye thanks to its high absorption properties, just like regular cotton.

Lyocell is worldwide known for being a sustainable material, not just because it has roots in a natural source (that is wood cellulose), but also because it has an eco-friendly production process. In fact, the spinning process necessary to make Lyocell recycles 99.5% of the solvent involved in this circuit, which means very little chemicals are left to waste. That's what is called a "closed loop" process.

Thanks to this sustainable production process, Lyocell has been awarded with multiple awards, such as the " European Award for the Environment " given by the European Union.

Despite being so strong and resistant, this fiber is simultaneously soft to the touch and light. It has excellent temperature regulation properties, as well as moisture absorption qualities. Its breathability, on the other hand, creates an antibacterial effect that results in a perfect fabric for people with skin sensitivity or prompt to irritation.

All the good properties of Lyocell allow it to be blended very well with other fibers, such as cotton, polyester, acrylic, ethical wool, silk and merino wool, for example.

5. Lyocell's advantages and disadvantages

Thanks to its breathability, Lyocell is an effective anti-bacterial and great moisture absorbent.

Lyocell provides high moisture absorption, even better than cotton. If you tend to sweat a lot or have skin sensitivity, then it should be your first option. The same applies if you live in a rainy, humid climate.
Lyocell won't only favor your comfort by keeping you dry and providing you with a soft-to-the-touch sensation, it's also a time and money saver. When you choose Lyocell products you eliminate the need to buy new clothes so frequently, and therefore you don't have to compromise your time and wallet.

Because of its lightness, Lyocell doesnot wrinkle so easily. Nevertheless, it's always good to check tags for the proper care of the item. You might want to visit the FAQ section by the end of the article.

Lyocell material offers great strength and elasticity, which transforms it into a highlydurable fabric.

Lyocell is so soft to the touch that it has often been compared to silk. It's smooth on the skin 一perfect if you suffer from skin irritation一 and visually it looks beautiful.

As we said earlier, Lyocell is a versatile fiber, maybe the most flexible of them all and that's what makes it so attractive for diverse manufacturers. Using controllable fibrillation, Lyocell can be shaped into a variety of designs without compromising quality. It can have a soft, silky finish or otherwise it can result in a consistency similar to that of suede.

We've been over the advantages, but what about the disadvantages? Performance-wise there aren't any, but when it comes to pricing, they rise up. To produce Lyocell you need specific technology, which makes the manufacturing process quite expensive. Therefore, Lyocell ends up costing more to buyers, in comparison to traditional fibers like cotton.

In simpler terms, Lyocell is more expensive than other fabrics on the market. But because of all its great qualities 一particularly its durability一, it should actually be seen as an investment.

6. What is lyocell used for?

Because of its great properties, Lyocell is used for a variety of industries and products. It's often used as a substitute for silk and cotton, and that's why it is so common to find it in bedding and towels all the way to fashion. As well, it can also be found in conveyor belts and specialty paper, for example.

Thanks to its elasticity and moisture-wicking properties 一Lyocell can absorb 50% more than cotton一, it's very common to find this fabric in activewear. Moreover, it's breathable and less prompt to smell, so it makes a great choice for all kinds of sports and exercising. If you tend to practice outdoor activities, Lyocell is perfect for both summer and winter due to its thermal regulation properties.

In comparison to cotton, Lyocell dries much faster and it's fresher, which makes it a great fabric for travelling to and living in warm climates. It's also great for travelling because it's very light and soft, so you won't have to worry about skin irritation while performing outdoor activities nor worrying about heavy weight suitcases.

Lyocell is also used for industrial purposes. For example, it has become the chosen fabric for conveyor belts because it's so strong and resistant. For the same reasons, it can be found in medical dressing too. Lyocell material has so much potential that you shouldn't be surprised to find it in the most unthinkable places. In fact, we still continue to discover its wide range of applications.

7. The cost of Lyocell

Environmentally speaking, there's not much we can say about Lyocell, except great job! Nonetheless, aside from its amazing, game-changing properties, Lyocell is quite expensive compared to other conventional fabrics like cotton.

When garments are made of 100% Lyocell, they tend to cost more than products made of a blend between Lyocell and other fabrics like silk or polyester.

The price difference has to do with the technology involved in the production process of Lyocell: because it costs more to make, it will cost more to buyers as well. Talking about sustainability, the slow fashion movement, for example, makes specific emphasis in prioritizing quality over quantity.

Therefore, when purchasing products made of Lyocell material, one should prioritize all its properties rather than the price. You should think about it as an investment: you are buying a long-lasting, quality fabric with multiple properties.

8. Lyocell vs other materials

Lyocell vs cotton

Before we compare those two, we need to make a distinction between organic and conventional cotton. When it comes to traditional cotton, Lyocell is clearly the more sustainable option, yet when it comes to organic cotton, the scale weighs pretty much the same.

On the other hand, despite Lyocell being a plant-based material made of natural resources and a closed-loop manufacturing process, cotton is a natural fiber itself. And a direct consequence of this is the higher price of Lyocell. Cotton is way more cheaper than Lyocell and it remains an undefeated top choice up to this day.

Nonetheless, Lyocell's production process might be more expensive than cotton, but it's way more efficient. It doesn't demand as many pesticides and it requires less than half of the water, both during its growth and cultivation. In fact, Lyocell is a material that takes less from the environment than cotton or other conventional fibers.

Price aside, if we think in terms of durability, Lyocell takes the win. Lyocell sheets tend to be more resistant than cotton sheets and they wrinkle much less, which means they're easier to maintain: they require less time to wash and iron. So, in the end, it's hard to quantify the cost difference.

Performance-wise, Lyocell is a better absorbent than cotton and it's much softer. Its smooth surface is ideal for those with sensitive skin that is prone to irritation, and for those who just want to feel its lightness and softness. That's another big difference with cotton and its tendency to scratch.

Lyocell is made of small hydrophilic fibres that love water and will absorb all the moisture from your skin. Because of its extraordinary absorption, Lyocell tends to be fresher and more hygienic than cotton as well 一this explains why Lyocell performs well with dyes一. It keeps you fresh and maintains your body temperature low during your sleep.

Nonetheless, cotton is still breathable, hypoallergenic and soft too, so if you are not having any problems with your cotton clothes and sheets, then you probably don't need to switch to Lyocell.

Lyocell vs polyester

Lyocell is often considered a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers such as polyester. In fact, polyester might be cheaper and more popular nowadays than Lyocell, but is far from being as eco-friendly as it.

Polyester is a fully-synthetic fiber made from polymers, that is recycled plastics and petroleum derivatives, which means it's hardly biodegradable as Lyocell, which is made of wood cellulose. Aside from its environmental impact, polyester is not as breathable as Lyocell and it provides low moisture absorption.
Lyocell is also more delicate than polyester and therefore it requires specific care of the garment or product (for example, it can only be washed with cold water). Polyester, on the contrary, doesn't have any requirements and it's actually more stretchy than Lyocell.

Lyocell vs viscose

Lyocell and viscose are both plant-based fibers and they are commonly used for the same purposes. Yet they differ from each other because the second one requires toxic chemicals for its production, like sodium hydroxide solvent, and it's not as breathable and absorbent as the first one.

9. Why buy Lyocell sheets and where to find them?

Sleeping is a major player when it comes to our health, so choosing the right bed sheets is as important as picking the perfect mattress. In order to have a good night's sleep, it's important to choose a material that works for you and your needs.

There're a lot of options and, although the differences are minimal, they can have a huge impact. And we're here to help you make the right decision.

Cotton can be found in a lot of products today, yet one of the biggest issues with it is that quality is not always the same. A common mistake is to think that the quality of the fabric is only assured by the yarn counting, but that's far from true.

So, cotton might be the most popular fabric today, but that doesn't mean it suits everyone. There are better materials out there, such as Lyocell. Lyocell is a great alternative for people with sensitive skin because it's very smooth to touch. Thanks to its breathability qualities, it absorbs all the moisture of your body and it adapts to temperature fluctuations.

You can find sheets made solely from Lyocell or mixed with other natural materials, like hemp or wood too. Although Amazon is always a go-to when it comes to shopping for Lyocell, there are plenty of other alternatives in the market both physical and online.

If you're from the US, Sweet ZZZ, Plush Beds and Eucalypso offer luxurious and eco-friendly Lyocell bed sheets. Weavve also provides an entire collection made of 100% Lyocell Lyocell.

At Bed, Bath & Beyond you'll be able to find more than one option from diverse brands and for quite accessible prices. West Elm is another great alternative for Lyocell bedding: they offer entire Lyocell sets, including the pillowcases.
Lazy Cricket also offers a 100% Lyocell bedding set made of bamboo trees.
10. Why buy Lyocell clothes and where to find them?

Image from organicbasics.com

Lyocell clothing is particularly great for the warmer seasons, especially if you tend to suffer the high temperatures. If you live in a humid climate or if you're travelling during summer or spring, then you should definitely pay attention to what you are wearing.

Nonetheless, clothes made of Lyocell or its variants are great for basic, everyday clothing too, such as underwear and activewear. They can keep you fresh and comfortable all day long, especially if you have irritable skin.

When it comes to buying Lyocell clothing, All Birds and Patagonia are usually the main two options out there, whether you are in the US or in the EU. Actually, Patagonia aims to only use recycled Lyocell fiber from cellulose waste streams instead of using virgin materials. But there are tons of other brands as well and here are just a few of them.

Organic Basics has become a renowned alternative for sustainable clothing not only in Europe, but all around the world too. Among their varied collection of eco-friendly and ethically made products, you'll find Lyocell base-layers, activewear and underwear for both men and women. Another famous player in the market is People Tree, based in the UK.

Mara Hoffman, on the other hand, provides timeless summer essentials for women in Lyocell, from pants and dresses to body suits and tops. A similar alternative also in the US is Amour Vert which locally designs colorful clothes for women. When it comes to men's fashion, then your options can be BN3TH and TenTree. Other brands working with Lyocell are Tradlands, Encircled and Paneros.

Honestly, the brand you choose will really depend on your personal style, but the important thing is that you try on this game-changing fabric.

11.FAQ

Is lyocell breathable?

Yes, it is. In fact, Lyocell is one of the most breathable fabrics in the world and it's actually much more breathable than cotton. That's why it is a fabric so frequently used for summer clothing and bedding.

If you live in a humid area or you tend to sweat a lot, then Lyocell should be your go-to fabric as well. Lyocell is a synthetic fabric, but it's made of natural raw materials. Besides, it has an eco-friendly production process that has a very low impact on the environment thanks to the recyclable chemicals.

If you're looking for freshness and comfort, Lyocell fabric is the answer.

Is lyocell a natural fiber?

Lyocell is an eco-friendly semi-synthetic fiber. It's made of wood cellulose, usually from eucalyptus trees, which means it is made of a natural source. Nonetheless, its production process does involve synthetic chemicals that are recycled during the circuit and they don't generate by-products.

Is lyocell stretchy?

Yes, it is, in fact, it maintains its stretchability for a very, very long time. You won't have to worry about bagging or dropping. Lyocell is stretchy and flexible, but most importantly it's comfortable. So don't try to compare it with other stretchy fabrics like spandex, nylon, elastic or rubber, because none of them we'll be as smooth as Lyocell.

Does lyocell shrink?

First time you wash your Lyocell fabric, it will shrink about 3%. Nevertheless, this shouldn't go on if you take the proper care of it. Lyocell garments and bedding should be hand washed in cold water, using only a gentle detergent and then dried in the air.

Avoid using the drying machine and ironing because they could cause permanent damage to the fabric and promote shrinkage.

Is lyocell waterproof?

Lyocell has many incredible properties, but being waterproof is not one of them.

How to iron lyocell?

Preferably, avoid ironing Lyocell. But if you are left with no choice, then opt for low or medium temperatures. Under no circumstances use higher heat because it could permanently damage the textile.

Don't heat the fabric longer than two seconds, and put a pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron too.

How to wash lyocell?

Yes, Lyocell is a strong, durable fiber, but it's also quite delicate. So, knowing how to properly care for it will extend the life of your clothing and bedding for a long time.

If your pants, t-shirts or bedding is 100% made of Lyocell, then you need to wash them by hand. Always use cold water, unless the label tag says otherwise. As soap, you can opt for a detergent that's gentle on the fabric and it won't cause any damage on the product.

Avoid twisting or squeezing the fabric when it's still wet and avoid using a dryer too. Instead, let the garment dry in the air (if it's a top or sweater you can use a hanger). If the garment remains stiff, you can place it inside the dryer along with a towel and opt for a low, gentle cycle.

If the garment is made of Lyocell blended with other fibers like cotton or nylon, then the care methods are slightly different. You should always read the tags on your clothing before washing them: you'll find all the necessary information to clean and dry them correctly.

In this case, it's not a problem to use the washing machine, just make sure to opt for the low or medium cycle. A stronger cycle could break the Lyocell fibers and damage its strength.

To remove stains or to whiten garments made of Lyocell, you can use bleach, but check out the tag first: some fabrics allow diluted chlorine bleach, while others only permit oxygen-based bleach.

If your garment is made of Bamboo Lyocell then avoid adding fabric softener and harsh detergents. Only use cold water and a gentle detergent, and air dry the garment.

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Lyocell, the eco-friendly fiber - Advantages and Disadvantages

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Lyocell is an environmentally sustainable fiber. Discover its origins, how it is made, its uses and properties and its advantages and disadvantages.

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What is ramie and what is the specialty of this fabric?

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Answer (1 of 5): Ramie is made from the stalks of the plant called Chinese Nettle (Boehmeria nivea). Linen is similar, but it is made from the stalks of the flax plant. Ramie has been used for over five thousand years in China, India and Indonesia, so it's older than cotton.

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These new textile dyeing methods could make fashion more sustainable

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In brief In early June, Dalton Cheng realized something big was afoot. Cheng, who is head of technology for the textile printing firm Intech Digital, heard from customers that Chinese government authorities in Jiangsu province had shut down massive factories that produce synthetic dyes used by the textile industry.

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This faux leather is black, lightweight, flexible, breathable and strong. It has a soft brushed back and a subtle textured leather-like face.Mycro© is a state-of-the-art microfiber with a structure very similar to that of natural leather and suede. Its softness, lightness, breathability, water and stain resistance prov

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I'm looking for a fabric... | ultrafabrics

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Josiah is the Fashion Director in charge of styling shoots and writing the fashion pages. On his days off, he locks himself at home designing and sewing up a collection in preparation for his label's runway debut.

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a sustainable leather made from pineapples

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a sustainable leather made from pineapples

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lifestyleasia how brands are using piñatex

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a sustainable leather made from pineapples

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How brands are using piñatex, a sustainable leather made from pineapples

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Josiah is the Fashion Director in charge of styling shoots and writing the fashion pages. On his days off, he locks himself at home designing and sewing up a collection in preparation for his label's runway debut.

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Shopping for leather: the best alternatives.

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We all love leather for different reasons. Some like the patina that makes it personal, some the durability and some the luxurious feel. But leather tanning is one of the most polluting processes in the fashion industry today, not to mention the cruelty aspect.

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Empowering 20-somethings to look, feel and be their best so they can achieve amazing things

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Once a fringe movement, veganism is now a trend that extends far beyond food choices, and affects all aspects of consumer habits. Fashion brands and retailers taking note as a more conscious shopper continues to emerge.

The number of full-time vegans - those who choose not to use any products derived from animals - is rocketing in the UK. The Vegan Society estimates that there were more than 600,000 vegans in the UK in 2018 - a number that has been steadily doubling every year since 2014. More than 250,000 people - a record amount - took part in "Veganuary" in the UK during January 2019, where participants adopt a vegan diet for the first month of the year.

Food is by no means the only focus of veganism. Materials such as leather, wool and silk are out of bounds for vegans - so fashion and clothing is also a focus. In the three years from August 2015 up to September 2018, consumer insights company Hitwise reported a 39% increase in web searches for vegan fashion or vegan clothes in the UK.

Keen to appeal to the growing market, big-name retailers are beginning to expand their offers as a result - keen to appeal to the growing market. But as they introduce new items to satisfy demand, they must remember that "vegan" and "sustainable" are not interchangeable terms and carefully consider where their priorities lie.

Expanding offer

In January, Marks & Spencer vastly expanded its line of vegan footwear, offering more than 350 vegan footwear styles for spring 19 across men's, women's and children's ranges.

Stephen Lawson, footwear and accessories product development technologist at M&S, explains that the decision was made after M&S observed a 200% spike in searches for vegan products on its website.

"We decided to go the extra mile to ensure our synthetic products were free from animal derivatives and make it easier for customers to make their own choice," he explains. "Over the last nine months, we have analysed our products and worked with our suppliers to form a process that ensures that all the components used in our synthetic shoes are free from animal derivatives and therefore offer a clear alternative to leather."

Consumers are evaluating all aspects of their lifestyles and attitudes towards consumption

Emily Gordon-Smith, Stylus

Emily Gordon-Smith, director of consumer product at trends intelligence company Stylus, says M&S has tapped into the trend at the right time: "It's a savvy move. M&S has no doubt been tracking the broader lifestyle shift towards veganism through its food business - insight another fashion brand might not have.

"In a year when sustainability truly goes mainstream, consumers are evaluating all aspects of their lifestyles and attitudes towards consumption."

The impact of the demand for vegan-friendly product can be seen across the fashion spectrum, and vegan products and brands are experiencing huge growth.

Luxury etailer Net-a-Porter has reported "exceptional" sales from Hungarian brand Nanushka, driven by its luxury vegan leather items, which include a shirt, skirt and midi-dress. Many lines sold out within a few weeks of launching on the site for autumn 18. The response was such that Net-a-Porter has upped its order by 200% for the pre-spring and spring 19 collections, and has focused on vegan leather and sustainable styles.

As the success of vegan styles continues, Net-a-Porter is also launching the new vegan outerwear brand Ochi and vegan jackets from the New York brand Oresund Iris for spring 19.

"Vegan fashion is developing - becoming something that can be luxurious and cool," explains Amber Chapman, founder of Emslie Creative, agent for Canadian vegan bag and accessories brand Matt & Nat. "People's mentality towards veganism has changed so much in the last few years. It feels like it is not just a niche movement any more - it's something that's being talked about widely."

She notes that veganism has become an "added selling point" and a point of difference for Matt & Nat when retailers are seeking to take on new brands.

"When we used to sell the brand [Emslie has handled Matt & Nat's UK sales for four years], buyers wouldn't always know or care what it stood for, and bought it for the shapes and practicality. That has now changed in some cases.

"The vegan market is still lacking a little in quality and variety, so good product stands out," she notes. Recent new stockists for the brand include John Lewis, which picked up the brand for autumn 18 across 10 stores and online.

As Cora Hilts, co-founder of sustainablity-focused multi-brand ecommerce site Rêve en Vert explains, the rise of vegan fashion ties into the increasingly conscious and connected consumer: "There's a huge ethical aspect for people buying vegan fashion," she says. "People have seen videos of [animal] cruelty in the supply chain. With the rise of social media, stories are now being shared a lot - that's a huge component. There's also an environmental element and a huge health element that goes hand in hand with the rise of the more conscious consumer."

Textile trouble

For brands seeking to make the vegan switch, sourcing fabrics can be a challenge. Womenswear ecommerce brand Kitri had huge success with its vegan leather shirt dress, which launched for autumn 18 and sold out twice, but the development process was far from simple.

"It took us a long while to get the quality of vegan leather that we wanted," founder Haeni Kim explains. "Vegan or fake leather has a bad reputation for looking cheap or being brittle. It took us a good year to find the quality of leather that we wanted. We found that many options were just not a high enough quality."

She also notes that finding the right fabric can come at a cost: "It's more costly than other synthetic fabrics that we use, but that gives us a fantastic-quality material and we feel that our customers really notice the difference."

It's definitely one of the most exciting areas within fashion at the moment

Agatha Lintott, Antibad

Hilts, meanwhile, makes the important distinction between vegan brands and sustainable brands, as many vegan products include fake leather or fake fur derived from plastics - particularly PVC or PU - which are not sustainable.

"I've really pulled back on plastic-based leather alternatives, and I won't go back to that area until brands can tell me they're investing more sustainable materials," she says. "With our stance on plastic, it's really difficult to bring on any vegan brands."

However, Agatha Lintott, founder of sustainable London-based etailer Antibad says that recent developments are leading exciting new materials to emerge, thus making it easier for retailers to source vegan products.

"Because it's such a contentious area and has been environmentally damaging, there has been a lot of investment going into the development of these materials," she explains. "It's definitely one of the most exciting areas within fashion at the moment.

"It's not just an add-on. It's a lot harder to make good products and develop these materials, so it makes you think outside the box," she says. "People are looking for exciting alternatives [to traditional fabrics]. Vegan fashion is definitely a huge movement and generally people are thinking more carefully about their lifestyles."

Innovative new fabrics include "leather" created from natural sources as diverse as pineapple leaves, fermented yeast, wine-industry by-products and mushrooms (a material now used by vegan brand Stella McCartney). Alternatives to wool and silk, made from cellulose fibres are also being developed to offer good-quality, sustainable and vegan options for designers.

Lintott highlights the footwear brand Rafa, which creates shoes using a suede alternative, as a perfect example of a brand that combines style, sustainability and quality in its shoes, which are priced at the premium end of the market from £240: "They stand alongside really high-quality suede styles and I think in many ways they're actually better than suede. They're made of recycled PET [plastic] bottles, you can clean them quite robustly and wear them in the rain. It's not just about being vegan - it has to be a really good-quality item as well."

As the demand for vegan fashion seems set to grow, fuelled by a conscious and connected consumer, providing and signposting suitable options is a smart choice for retailers and brands alike. Although the sustainablity credentials of some vegan products may be questionable, the market is developing quickly, and there is innovations and creativity across the spectrum. Vegan brands are an area to watch, even for the most sceptical buyers.

Brand insight
Sandra Sandor Tell us about the vegan leather you use Founder and creative director, Nanushka How do you include the fabric in the collection?
Our vegan leather is certified under REACH [the European Union Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals regulation] and doesn't contain any PVC. By using vegan leather, we can cut out the tanning process which involves toxic chemicals. The vegan leather we use comes from an Italian supplier and it has a buttery soft texture.
Is there strong demand for the vegan leather products?
It's such a new material that we are still exploring it a lot. I only use vegan leather for ready-to-wear and we are slowly converting our accessories line [to vegan leather]. This will take longer as I really want to find the right types of vegan fabric from every perspective.
Are retailers asking for vegan products?
People are more interested in vegan leather than ever before. The fashion industry is more vocal about sustainability and the changes needed ito save our planet. The positive response - from both consumers and our wholesale accounts - has confirmed to us that we made the right decision in terms of using more vegan leather. Styles such as the Hide jacket or the vegan leather dresses are our bestsellers.
Will you extend your vegan offer?
Yes, I think they are more interested in the range. That's also connected with the customers as well, as they are looking for these products. Consumers are more aware of how clothes are made and how we use them, and also want to make changes that will have a positive impact on the economy and environment.

We would like to be [fully vegan] one day, but we have a long journey ahead, as it's not just the product itself, but the methods and procedures around them need to be considered. It is a step-by-step process that doesn't happen overnight.

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Veganism in vogue: why animal-free fashion is booming

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Once a fringe movement, veganism is now a trend that extends far beyond food choices, and affects all aspects of consumer habits. Fashion brands and retailers taking note as a more conscious shopper continues to emerge. The number of full-time vegans - those who choose not to use any products derived from animals - is rocketing in the UK.

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ASOS vegan items 27 pieces on site 21/05/2019

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ASOS vegan items 27 pieces on site 21/05/2019

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You might be convinced that selling offline is too risky and expensive for your brand. Maybe you've heard the horror stories about retail and dealing with customers in person. But what if we told you that you were missing out on a major opportunity - one that comes with little-to-no commitment and minimal costs?

There's a retail medium that helps brands enjoy the benefits of selling offline without forking out all their cash for a storefront: a pop-up store. According to Storefront, temporary retail, more commonly known as a pop-up store, are expected to generate $80 billion on an annual basis.

Fortunately, there's an abundance of locations you might try for a pop-up store while keeping in mind that you're in good company as more online brands test out offline sales.

Hosting a pop-up store boasts a number of benefits. And while many of these advantages are dependent upon your brand and the type of pop-up store you host, we've rounded up eight of the most common reasons you should consider temporary retail.

1. Test a New Revenue Stream

A pop-up store is a great way to explore adding an additional revenue stream to your existing ecommerce business.

Hosting a pop-up store offers a unique opportunity to experiment with offline sales. That's because pop-ups don't cost nearly as traditional storefronts (i.e. no long-term retail leases and no need to invest in as much inventory).

Secondly, if you happen to be in the right place at the right time, you could rake in significant profits for your business without the risks that traditional retailers incur.

For example, before Indochino opened their showrooms, the bespoke menswear brand tested the waters in multiple markets with its traveling tailor tour. Customers could drop by to get measured, fitted, and styled while making the final purchase online.

2. Engage Customers Offline

For many online shoppers, not being able to see and feel a product in person before purchasing it can be a real pain point. There's just something about being able to try before you buy that comforts potential customers. In fact, a recent study from ReadyCloud showed that 88% of shoppers are "webrooming" regularly (browsing online, then purchasing in a store).

And if you've attempted to solve the dilemma by shipping products to customers before they've made a purchase - like Warby Parker's home try-on program - you'll be quick to find that the cost of opening a pop-up store may be a cheaper way to overcome this obstacle.

Pop-up store customers have the chance to touch, try on, and demo products in person before having to make a purchase. And interacting with customers face-to-face allows retailers to address their concerns on the spot and have a more direct influence on their buying decision.

3. Tap Into "Massclusivity" and Create "Get It While It Lasts" Urgency

According to research, about 71% of consumers are shopping online to find the best price while in a brick-and-mortar store, a process that is commonly referred to as "showrooming."

But don't panic - there are plenty of ways retailers can keep showrooming from cutting into their sales. A pop-up store has one of those strategies baked right into the concept.

Creating a sense of urgency or scarcity, for example, causes humans to take action. Because a pop-up store is temporary by nature, customers are less likely to delay purchases. In other words, when you walk into a pop-up store, the thought that items won't be around for long causes consumers to be more willing to purchase something on the spot.

This principle works even better if what you're selling in your pop-up store is a unique product that can't be found elsewhere.

4. Market Merchandise Around a Sale, Season, or Holiday

According to a PopUp Republic report, 61% of shoppers list seasonal products as the main reason to shop at pop-up shops over the holidays. So, why not get in on the holiday shopping action?

Whether you're thinking of selling party wear for New Years, chocolates for Valentines, costumes for Halloween, or gifts for Black Friday-Cyber Monday, you can get a slice of those sales with a pop-up store. Holiday pop-up stores are an effective way to promote new products, test out an emerging market, liquidate surplus inventory, and increase brand awareness - all while keeping overhead costs low.

5. Educate New Customers

Maybe you've got a new invention that hasn't made it into the mass consumer subconscious yet. Even if you're just looking to drive pre-orders, giving your potential customers a live demo or walking them through how your product works is a great way to reach early adopters.

Or maybe you've got a product that makes people scratch their heads, like beard oil for urban beardsmen, or plastic wrap alternatives made out of beeswax. A pop-up store is a great way to demonstrate the value of your product and get people hooked on its value.

One example of this is Microsoft, which opened a string of pop-ups to help customers better understand how to use their new Surface tablets.

6. Go to Where Your Customers Are

The other benefit of a pop-up store versus investing in a long-term physical retail space is that you're free to go wherever your customers are. Your pop-up could take shape as a food truck or a mobile store.

The benefit of being able to select a certain side street, kiosk, or vacant gallery space is that you can match your wares with the personality of a given demographic and go to where they go.

Want to learn more about what you need to take your business on the road? Check out our guide to taking your business on the road.

7. Generate Brand Awareness

With so many online retailers competing for attention, sometimes it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. Whether it's getting your site to rank in search engines or generating engagement on social media, it's a challenge to get your products in front of your target customers online.

However, you can build buzz than by soliciting customers who never would have found your brand had it not been for a pop-up store.

One of the best examples of this is the pop-up Marc Jacobs hosted to promote its Daisy fragrance line, where they accepted "social currency" in exchange for its products. That included tweeting or posting on Instagram with the hashtag #MJDaisyChain.

8. Unload Old Inventory

Lastly, offline sales are a great way to shed old inventory that's been cluttering up your shelves. Pop-up stores provide a prime opportunity for brands to liquidate that stale inventory and get some inspiration for new products from the customers they meet in the process.

While it might not be the most inspiring reason to host a pop-up store, from a business perspective, why take a loss when you could potentially have a hit on your hands selling something offline that you had trouble selling online?

Moving Forward With Your Own Pop-up Store

Now that you know some of the opportunities that a pop-up store can offer your brand, it's time to take action. If you're ready to host your own pop-up store, check out our step-by-step pop-up guide to get started.

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8 Ways a Pop-Up Store Can Boost Revenue and Build Buzz for Your Brand - Craft Fairs & Events

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You might be convinced that selling offline is too risky and expensive for your brand. Maybe you've heard the horror stories about retail and dealing with customers in person. But what if we told you that you were missing out on a major opportunity - one that comes with little-to-no commitment and minimal costs?

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A vegan bamboo suit by Brave GentleMan

While the controversies around leather and fur are well-known, there is a common misconception that wool is a gentle fabric that at most implies a 'haircut' for sheep.

But after undercover investigations into the industry have shown systemic cruelty and abuse of the animals involved, more conscious fashion lovers are looking for replacements.

One little-known fact about wool production is its environmental impact: sheep, just like cows, emit large quantities of methane gas, which has several times the global warming potential of CO2. The 2017 Pulse of Fashion Industry Report put wool in the fourth place on its list of the fashion materials that had the highest cradle-to-gate environmental impact per kg of material.

Vegan alternatives to wool

Refusing to wear wool doesn't necessarily have to mean that you must resort to synthetic fibers. The plastic-pollution crisis is a threat to many wild animals in their natural habitats and swapping out one harmful material for another doesn't do much for the planet as a whole.

But with the abundance of natural, eco-friendly vegan replacements for wool, there is no need to feel like we have to choose the lesser of two evils. Here are some replacements that are warm, comfortable and stylish - without the cruelty or environmental destruction.

1. Tencel

Also known as Lyocell, this fabric is made from wood cellulose. Tencel, which can be used for tops, jumpsuits, trousers and dresses, is produced using a closed-loop technology, which means that the water and chemicals are re-used.

2. Hemp

This natural, biodegradable material is often used in blended fabrics and doesn't require any pesticides to grow, which makes it ideal for organic farming. It's also very breathable and doesn't trap heat like wool does, which can support the growth of bacteria.

3. Organic cotton

When it comes to eco-friendly cotton, organic farming can make all the difference. Choose organic and Fair Trade cotton to be sure that you're getting the best product you can.

Nanollose garment created from liquidcoconut waste (Photo: Nanollose)

4. Soybean fiber

This material is free from petrochemicals and is completely biodegradable. It drapes like silk but has the comfort of cashmere, which makes it perfect for knitwear.

5. Linen

A material that needs no chemicals at all and offers resistance, durability and a gentle touch on sensitive skin.

6. Bamboo

If grown in the right conditions, bamboo can be very sustainable - but try to steer clear of rayon, a highly chemical-intensive bamboo-derived material.

7. Woocoa

An innovative material created by a group of university students in Colombia, Woocoa is a coconut and hemp fibre "wool" treated with enzymes from the oyster mushroom. It isn't widely commercial yet, but it's an exciting development for the future.

8. Nullarbor

Developed by Australian material innovation company Nanolloose, this is a fabric created by using bacteria to ferment liquid coconut waste from the food industry into cellulose.

From cotton to coconuts, natural vegan materials have never been more readily available, versatile or stylish.

Today's conscious consumers have a vast choice beyond animal-derived or petroleum-based fabrics, which is a sign of how far material innovation has come and the exciting developments that are still to come.

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8 Eco-Friendly Vegan Fabrics to Replace Wool - Without Plastic

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While the controversies around leather and fur are well-known, there is a common misconception that wool is a gentle fabric that at most implies a 'haircut' for sheep. But after undercover investigations into the industry have shown systemic cruelty and abuse of the animals involved, more conscious fashion lovers are looking for replacements.

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PETA-Approved Vegan

Vegan fashion - clothes, shoes and accessories that contain no leather, fur, wool, skin, exotic skins or any other animal-derived fabric - is revolutionising the way that we shop and dress. As more and more people vow never to clothe themselves in cruelty, retailers and designers are meeting the demand for animal-friendly clothes in style.

Although you can easily find fashionable animal-free products in many high-street stores, some companies go further, either by ensuring that everything they sell is 100 per cent vegan or by clearly sign-posting their vegan products. Our "PETA-Approved Vegan" logo is a way of recognising these progressive compassionate businesses - and helping ethical consumers identify where to shop with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they're not supporting the exploitation of animals.

These companies are part of the "PETA-Approved Vegan" programme in Europe and have signed our statement of assurance verifying that the relevant products are vegan:

Company representatives interested in using the "PETA-Approved Vegan" logo are encouraged to apply here.

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Find out where to find fashion without cruelty, thanks to the new 'PETA-Approved Vegan' logo.

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Vegan brands

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By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi

Good news! Veganism is on the rise - not only as a dietary choice, but as a fashion choice too, and as a result, there are more vegan fashion brands popping up each day, it seems. And no wonder: there's really nothing good about killing animals for clothing, and of course, it's completely unnecessary, too.

Although fashion that doesn't rely on animals' deaths is usually a good thing, there is a caveat - many vegan brands create their designs from PVC and other toxic chemical based materials, making them essentially well-branded plastic tat. For that reason, we've carefully selected selected seven vegan fashion brands that are conscious of not only their treatment of animals, but their environmental impact, too.

We also selected these vegan fashion brands based on their style. Some are designed in Italy or France, and it shows! But in any case, you will be sure to love these chic bags, dresses, tops, pants and shoes, whether you've gone vegan, or not.

7 Vegan Fashion Brands You'll Love

Olsenhaus Pure Vegan was founded in 2008 by Elizabeth Olsen, who has always been outspoken against the use of animals for food, clothing, experimentation and entertainment. Whilst there was no information on her site regarding the exact materials used for her shoes, from what we can see here, there is a high component of canvas and cork and a lower one of plastics, compared to most vegan brands.

These stylish, sexy shoes are sold today in 14 countries at select retailers, and can be found in the closets of Cameron Diaz, Emily Deschanel, Gwyneth Paltrow and many other A-listers.

Beyond Skin is a label you may have heard of, after they shod Olga Kurylenko on the red (or rather, Green) carpet at the last Oscars ceremony. Totally eco-friendly, the brand takes care in working closely with factories and suppliers to ensure the reduction of carbon footprint, and unlike other vegan brands, Beyond Skin knows that creating 'pleather' is bad for the environment, so only uses recycled materials.

The handmade shoes and pure ethics have conquered the hearts of eco-minded celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway and Leona Lewis. Bonus: the kind-hearted brand pledges to give 1% of their profits to grass-root environmental and social projects.

The Matt and Nat in the name of this eco friendly vegan brand don't refer to the designers, but to the concept: 'Matt'-erial that's all 'Nat-ural.' The Canadian based brand uses everything from cork to eco-friendly microfibre-based leather to create beautifully designed, durable bags and shoes.

Their designs are minimalistic, and are geared towards the urban professional. Plenty of unisex items, such as backpacks and briefcases, are the perfect and practical accessory for the office.

Good Guys Don't Wear Leather is a statement as much as a brand! The leather-free company's trés chic Parisian-made shoes are created for both genders, using earth-friendly materials such as micro-fibre, canvas and natural rubber. This mixture results in a light, waterproof, durable and comfortable shoe which can now also be bought globally on their Online Store. This elegant Gallic label truly makes being a 'good guy' easier!

Looking for stylish, cruelty-free 'leather' jackets? Look no more! Jill Milan is one of the chicest vegan fashion brands around. Her vegan leathers, created from a custom-made, eco-friendly Italian fabric, give the feeling of both raw, thick cowhide or more refined calf leather, but without all the nasty killing of animals. And did we mention that the brand also makes incredible bags? In fact, red-carpet ready handbags are Jill Milan's bread and butter.

Jill Milan also gives back - some of their profits are donated to organizations that rescue and retire or retrain former racehorses. Without the aid of these non-profit groups, horses are often at risk of being shipped to Canada or to Mexico to be slaughtered. Jill Milan also makes contributions to other animal welfare organizations, as well as charities that provide economic aid to low income women who have cancer.

This is vegan leather at its finest! It's comprised of eco-friendly materials like apple leather and cereal-based suede (yes, really!) to construct finely crafted Italian shoes and bags for men and women. The styles are as chic and sexy as you'd expect from anything handmade in Milan.

Affordable sustainable luxury vegan fashion is a phrase you don't hear often, because it is rare indeed! But Milan based designer Jose Luis Toniutti has worked hard to ensure his brand provides just that.

Created from biodegradable fabrics such as peace silk, organic cotton, hemp and linen, his flowing, feminine styles are perfect for the breezy days of summer. The designer has also recently launched an uber-chic bag collection made from recycled shopping bags.

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7 Vegan Fashion Brands You'll Love - Vegan Or Not - Eluxe Magazine

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By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi Good news! Veganism is on the rise - not only as a dietary choice, but as a fashion choice too, and as a result, there are more vegan fashion brands popping up each day, it seems. And no wonder: there's really nothing good about killing animals for clothing, and of course, it's completely unnecessary, too.