Category: Textiles

Over 70% of the world's commercial fibers come from plants, highlighting their immense importance in daily life. This guide explains what are two sources of plant fiber, detailing how they are used for both dietary consumption and industrial manufacturing.

Hemp, one of the world's oldest cultivated crops used for fiber, is naturally antibacterial and antifungal, making it a hygienic and healthy textile choice. Beyond its environmental sustainability, many are now exploring the benefits of wearing hemp fiber for personal well-being.

Over 90% of a finished cotton fiber is pure cellulose, a complex carbohydrate distinct from starch. The question, 'is there starch in cotton?', is common because of confusion about the plant's overall biology versus the fiber's final composition, and the widespread practice of adding starch during textile manufacturing.

Approximately 70-80% of raw silk is composed of a fibrous protein called fibroin, with the remaining 20-30% consisting of a glue-like protein, sericin. Understanding what is silk protein made of reveals the complex biochemical architecture behind this famously luxurious and durable natural fiber.

Conventional silk is sourced from the non-GMO Bombyx mori moth and has been produced this way for thousands of years. However, the question 'Is silk GMO free?' has become more complex with modern research into genetically engineered silkworms, creating a distinction between traditional and specialized silk products.

Hundreds of tons of cochineal, a potent natural red dye, were once a prized export from the Americas. A natural red dye is a coloring agent derived from biological sources such as plants, insects, or minerals, offering vibrant hues for foods, cosmetics, and textiles without the use of synthetic chemicals. These dyes provide a sustainable and non-toxic alternative to artificial colorants, which are often petroleum-based and can have negative environmental impacts.

With textile fibers found in items used daily, from clothes to industrial materials, understanding their origin is key to knowing their purpose. The three classification of fibres are based entirely on their source and manufacturing process, dividing them into natural, regenerated, and synthetic categories.

Over 60% of all fibers produced globally are synthetic, derived largely from petrochemicals. This is a modern answer to the question of where do fibers come from, but the full story also includes millennia of cultivation from plants and animals, revealing the intricate history behind the textiles we use every day.

Historically, the term 'khaddar' is the other name for khadi, and was actually in use before Mahatma Gandhi popularized the shorter term during India's freedom struggle. This hand-spun, hand-woven natural fiber cloth has a rich cultural and historical significance, representing self-reliance and the Swadeshi movement. Understanding the two interchangeable names provides deeper insight into the fabric's origins and its place in textile heritage.

While modern technology has introduced a plethora of synthetic fabrics, natural fibres continue to offer unparalleled benefits. However, determining what is the best form of natural fibre depends on a nuanced understanding of your specific needs, as different fibres excel in different areas.