Plant Fibres & Materials

Abaca is a natural fibre that originated in the Philippines from a Musa textilis plant. It is a hard fibre, where mature plants are processed and turned into fibre similar to flax and hemp. Abaca fabric is highly durable, versatile, and breathable. There are many different types and qualities of abaca fabrics. Textile producers often blend abaca fibre with other materials, natural or synthetic, to make various abaca fabrics.

The Agraloop™ refines natural fibres derived from agricultural crops into textile-grade fibre called Agraloop™ BioFibre™. The fibre is free from harmful chemicals.

AirMycelium™ is made from mushroom mycelium, known for its durability and strength. It’s a lightweight, water-resistant material that requires minimal resources, making it an alternative to traditional leather and other materials that have a higher environmental impact.

Apple leather, also known as AppleSkin, is a bio-based material made using the leftover pomace and peel from the fruit juice and compote industry. Apple skin can produce a quality handbag or other products with the look and feel of snakeskin, without harming animals. 

Hypoallergenic, absorbent and fast-growing. Processing bamboo fibre uses less pesticides and fertilizers.

Banana fibre has a natural sheen, and the inner strands of the stalk are very fine. The fabric made by banana fibre is claimed to be nearly carbon neutral and its soft texture has been likened to hemp and bamboo.

Bananatex® is a durable, technical fabric made purely from the naturally grown Abacá banana plants. Cultivated in the Philippine highlands within a natural ecosystem of mixed agriculture and forestry, the plant is self-sufficient, requires no pesticides, fertilizer or extra water. Bananatex® is known for its strength, water resistance, and breathability, making it an ideal material for a range of products, including bags, shoes, and clothing.

Cork fabric is a material made from the bark of the cork oak tree. It’s a vegan alternative to traditional leather, and is lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and has a unique texture.

Linen is the popular name of the textile that is derived from Flax. This natural fibre comes from a plant (from the stem) so it is composed mainly of cellulose. It has excellent strength and absorbs moisture quickly making it a good fibre for hot weather. However, it is prone to wrinkling.

FRUTFIBER™, developed by PANGAIA, is a blend of responsibly sourced bamboo lyocell combined with pineapple leaf and banana leaf fibres—two natural materials that are usually considered agricultural waste.

Modal is a type of cellulose fibre made from beech trees that is known for its softness, strength, and high absorbency. It’s often used as a substitute for cotton.

Mushrooms can be used to create mycelium leather. Mycelium is grown into a fibrous network that can be shaped and dried to create a leather-like material. Mushroom leather can be used to make clothing and accessories, with a unique texture and appearance.

Orange fibre is a textile made from citrus by-products like orange peels. It’s soft, silky, and similar to viscose or silk. The material can be used to make clothing and home decor items. Orange fibre has a natural sheen and is suitable for formal or casual wear.

Pineapple fibre, also known as piña cloth, is a natural textile material made from the leaves of the pineapple plant. It’s lightweight, breathable, and has a luxurious appearance.

Plant fibres are natural fibres obtained from various parts of plants, including the stem, leaves, and seeds, and are used to make a variety of products. Plant fibres include bast or stem fibres, leaf fibres, seed hair fibres (cotton), jute, hemp and bamboo.

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is a natural fibre that comes from the stem of the ramie plant, a member of the nettle family. It is one of the oldest fibre crops, and has been used for thousands of years in Asia for making textiles. Ramie fibres are known for their strength, durability, and ability to hold shape. The fibres are naturally lustrous, similar to silk, and have good absorbency, making them comfortable to wear in hot and humid climates.

S. Café® technology uses coffee grounds to modify the yarn surface, providing faster drying times up to 200% compared to cotton. Additionally, the micro-pores on the coffee grounds absorb odors and reflect UV rays.

Soy fabrics are derived from the hulls of soybeans—a manufacturing byproduct. Soy fabrics can be blended or made entirely out of soy fibres. Although not as durable as cotton or hemp fabrics, soy clothing has a soft, elastic feel. Soy clothing is known as the vegetable cashmere for its light and silky sensation. Soy fabrics are also moisture absorbent, anti-bacterial, and UV resistant.