Natural Fibers are a healthy option
Almost everybody worldwide knows that natural fibers imply natural ventilation. It is mainly for this reason that they feel so comfortable when using a cotton t-shirt on a hot summer day- and, at the same time, why those sweaters worn to loose wight while sweating are 100% synthetic. Wool cloths act as insulators against both cold and heat- bedouins, for instance, use wool in order to keep themselves cool. Coconut fibres used in matteresses have a natural resistance towards bacterias, germs, mites and humidity. Moreover, hemp fibres contain antibacterial properties and studies have evidenced that this textile is was more healthier than line as far as hospital sheets are concerned.
Natural fibers are a sustainable option
We are evolving towards a “Green Economy”, based upon energetic efficiency, raw materials used in polymer products, industrial processes which aim at reducing their carbon dioxide emission y recyclable materials that can lower wastes to the minimum possible. Actually, natural fibers are excellent renewable resources.
Harvesting a ton of jute’s fibre requires less than a 10% of the enregy used in the polypropylene production. Furthermore, natural fibers have neutral issuers of Carbon Dioxide. When processed, waste is created which can be used in composites for building construction or electricity generation. All in all, natural fibers are 100% biodegradables.
Natural fibers are a highly technological option
Natural fibers have a very good mechanical resistance, plus low weight and cost. Thus, they have become particularly attractive regarding the automotive industry. In Europe, cars producers are using about 80.000 tons aproximately of natural fibers in order to reinforce thermoplastic panels.
On a similar note, India has developed composites made of coconut fibers, which are more resistant to rotten than teak. Brasil is producing roofing materials reinforced with sisal. In Europe, on the other hand, hemp’s waist is used in cement, and China used building materials based on hemp for the Olympic Games held on 2008.
Natural Fibers are a responsable option
The production, process and export of natural fibers are og utter economic importance for many developing countries as well as vital as far as the subsistence and nourishing safety of millions of small farmers and dependent processors. Among them, 10 million people who find themselves working on the cotton area both in Central and Western Africa, 4 million of small jute farmers in Bangladesh and India, 1 million people working for the silk industry in China and 120.000 alpaca pastors in the Andes.
When choosing natural fibers you are supporting and contrubuting to a growth in these economic sectors and their struggle with hunger and poverty. But there is still more to be done by raising the inversions in the natural fibers industries situated on those developing countries and adopting comercial policies that guarantee equal export conditions.
Las fibras naturales son una opción de moda
Nowadays, natural fibers are in the eye of the trends encouraged by the eco- fashion and “sustainable clothes”, which are foccused on the worlds main problems and worries: both the environment and the producers’ and costumers’ welfare.
The aim is to create clothes which are sustainable in every single stage of its life’s cycle, since its production until its wastage. Natural Fibers’ products, producers and the Industry itslef must be completely conscious of the opportunities and responsibilities implied in the increasing demand of organic cotton and wool, recyclable and biodegradable tissues as well as the use of “fair commerce” that offer higher prices to producers and protect workers from the textile industry.
Source: FAO, 2009