Total fiber volumes used for apparel, home textiles, footwear, and other applications show that global fiber production increased from 125 million tonnes in 2023 to 132 million tonnes in 2024.
Our hunger for more and more textiles seems unstoppable. The recent report from Textile Exchange highlights this trend. While overconsumption and growing textile waste show no signs of slowing down, we at Human Material Loop continue to ask ourselves what the solution could be.
It is somewhat terrifying to realize how a single fiber can cause such extensive ecological and societal damage, and how the industry as a whole has been operating under the wrong settings for so long. The largest increase in global fiber production was in fossil fuel based synthetics, with polyester remaining the most widely produced fiber. Polyester now accounts for 59% of total global fiber output, of which 88% is fossil based. Recycled polyester is still almost entirely derived from plastic bottles, making up 98%.
Recycled polyester is still almost entirely derived from plastic bottles, making up 98%.
Global sheep wool production remained at around 1 million tonnes of clean wool fiber in 2024, representing 0.9% of the global fiber market.
The combined market share of wool certified under the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), ZQ, ZQRX, SustainaWOOL Green (under AWSS), Sustainablue (ResponsiWOOL under AWSS), SustainaWOOL Gold, Sustainable Cape Wool Standard, and Climate Beneficial™ Verified fell from around 5.2% in 2023 to 4.3% in 2024. All of these programs either saw reduced or stagnant production volumes. For the RWS, this decline is linked to low wool prices in 2024 and the fact that certified wool often did not receive a sufficient premium.
This fiber was developed to demonstrate that system change in the industry is possible.
We have developed ādara®, a new keratin protein fiber created for the industry to introduce a truly alternative material to the market. It comes with a fully transparent supply chain, is regenerative, requires no land or pesticides, and is available globally. This fiber was developed to demonstrate that system change in the industry is possible.
Like any innovation, collaboration is key to success. It is not only about sharing knowledge and challenging each other but also about testing and analyzing together. This is why we formed a consortium.
Human Material Loop is partnering with Sustanix, specialists in biobased coatings derived from renewable resources. Sustanix focuses on replacing fossil-based ingredients in performance materials with sustainable alternatives. Their expertise lies in developing coatings that improve durability, resistance, and functionality while lowering environmental impact. By applying these coatings to ādara® textiles, we are enhancing strength and wearability without compromising sustainability.
Fashion designer Tess van Zalinge, known for her poetic and sustainability-focused creations, is crafting an entire couture collection using ādara® textiles.
The goal is to validate the material against the rigorous standards of high fashion and to expand the imagination of both designers and consumers.
This project has been made possible with the support of OPZuid and the Province of Limburg, in collaboration with Human Material Loop, Tess van Zalinge, and Sustanix.
