June 17th, 2021 – By PROMOSTYL
The new textile innovation composed of nettle fibre
More than a weed, nettle is inspiring eco-responsible fashion to make it a sustainable and ecological fibre in our textile industry. This plant, long neglected as a stinging and invasive weed, has recently become of interest to textile scientists, meeting all the criteria of a good fibre for the Article Textiles planet. Indeed, it proliferates in all temperate zones, and needs neither chemical fertilisers nor pesticides to grow.
As a perennial plant, it can be harvested several times a year for years. As a result, nettle produces a strong, flexible, versatile and renewable textile fibre. Only three species of nettle can be harvested for textiles, producing linen-like fibres, thick and strong fibres for bags or coats, or very fine silk-like fibres. These innovations make it possible to offer resistant, supple and light fabrics by working with tight fibres, or very warm by working with looser fibres.
Today, several collections in nettle fiber have already been released and marketed, and others will soon be launched. This is a great novelty for the textile industry, and one that will continue to develop, for the eco-responsible and sustainable fashion of tomorrow.