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Reclaiming the Fibre

The influence of consumer decisions on the wool industry! In the quest for affordable and convenient products, as a society we have inadvertently played a significant role in the decline of the British wool industry. The rise of cheap synthetic, oil-based materials has overshadowed the unique qualities and benefits of British wool.

Choosing British wool over cheap synthetic, oil-based products is not only a step towards sustainable living but also a commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the British wool industry.

By making informed choices, as a society we can play a vital role in reclaiming this fibre, supporting local economies, and contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Let’s explore the reasons why we should be using more British wool and shed light on how consumer choices have impacted the wool industry.

The Unique Qualities of British Wool:

British wool boasts a myriad of exceptional qualities that make it a superior choice over synthetic alternatives.

It is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fibre that comes with a range of environmental and ethical benefits.

Unlike synthetic materials, British wool has inherent insulation properties, providing warmth in winter and breathability in summer.

Additionally, wool is fire-resistant, resistant to mold and mildew, and has natural moisture-wicking properties.

The Decline of the British Wool Industry:

As consumers opt for the convenience and low cost of synthetic materials, the British wool industry has faced a steady decline.

The demand for wool has decreased, now only making up 1% of the global textiles production. Which also included wool from around the world like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and not exclusively from the UK.

Whereas, synthetic and cellulosics fibres made up over 75% of all the global textiles production during 2022. This is nearly 3 times more than the production in 1970. From 8,397 M KG to 81,493 M KG!

World Fibre Production: 2022e (% share) Source: IWTO

There are many reasons for the surge of consumers being attracted and wanting more and more synthetic fibre and materials, here are a few;

• Cost-Effectiveness and Cheapness:

Synthetic fibres are frequently more economical to manufacture than their natural counterparts. This financial advantage empowers manufacturers to present a diverse array of clothing options at varying price points, promoting accessibility to fashion for a wider audience.

• Versatility in Design:

Synthetic fabrics boast a remarkable level of adaptability concerning texture, colour, and patterns. Easily manipulated during the manufacturing process, they facilitate the realisation of specific design aesthetics, granting designers heightened creative control over their creations.

• Rapid Manufacturing:

Synthetic fabrics lend themselves to swift production compared to the time-intensive processes associated with some natural fibres. This accelerated manufacturing aligns seamlessly with the prevailing trend of fast fashion, wherein clothing items are swiftly produced, worn briefly, and then replaced with new ones.

Environmental Impact of Cheap Synthetic Products:

The surge in production and popularity of cheap synthetic, oil-based products in the 1960s has resulted in severe environmental consequences ever since.

Considering the dominance of synthetic fabrics, it is easy to get carried away. However, a closer look reveals an ugly side to these materials. From polyester fibres to nylon blends, the allure of affordability, fast production, and design versatility often conceals a range of environmental and ethical issues.

1. Petrochemicals and Pollution:

Making synthetic materials uses petrochemicals, which come from non-renewable resources. This process creates greenhouse gases and pollutants, causing air and water pollution.

2. Microplastic Pollution:

Washing clothes made of synthetic fabrics releases tiny plastic fibres (microplastics) into water. These microplastics harm marine life, accumulate in water systems, and can even enter the food chain, posing risks to human health.

3. Slow Decomposition:

Most synthetic fabrics don’t break down naturally, taking hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. This contributes to overflowing landfills and harms the environment.

4. Limited Breathability:

Some synthetic fabrics are less breathable than natural ones, causing discomfort, especially in hot and humid conditions. This reduced breathability leads to excessive sweating and skin irritation.

5. Heat Sensitivity:

Many synthetic fabrics can melt or get damaged when exposed to high heat, affecting their durability.

6. Potential Allergic Reactions:

Certain synthetic fabrics may cause skin irritation or allergies due to the chemicals used in production or their lack of breathability.

7. Non-renewable Resource Dependence:

Making synthetic fibres heavily depends on non-renewable resources like crude oil, leading to price fluctuations and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. Synthetic fabrics may feel different from natural materials like cotton or wool, impacting the quality of the clothing.

8. Challenges in Recycling:

Recycling synthetic fabrics is complex and limited compared to natural fibres. Less than 1% of textile waste is recycled into new fibres for clothing, with the non-reusable portion often downcycled into industrial products or incinerated.

By choosing these products, consumers carelessly contribute to environmental degradation.

Encouraging and Education:

Consumers hold immense power to shape industries through their purchasing decisions.

To revitalise the British wool industry and promote sustainability, it is crucial for consumers to make informed choices. By opting for products made from British wool, individuals contribute to the preservation of local economies, the environment, and traditional craftsmanship.

To reverse the trend of declining demand for British wool, we want to  encourage and educate efforts consumers about the benefits of choosing wool over synthetic alternatives.

Highlighting the environmental impact, the longevity of wool products, and the positive contributions to local economies can play a significant role in reshaping consumer preferences.

Shop and swap to British wool and browser our online shop – click here

FAQs

What is synthetic fabric?

Examples of synthetic fabric include nylon, polyester, and PVC. Synthetic materials are produced through chemical processes, and are derived from crude oil.

Is viscose a synthetic fabric?

No, viscose is not purely synthetic; it’s often classified as a semi-synthetic fibre. Derived from wood pulp through a chemical process, viscose undergoes significant processing to transform natural cellulose into fibres suitable for textiles. It falls somewhere between natural and synthetic, combining aspects of both.

Should I avoid synthetic fabric?

Yes, avoiding synthetic fabrics is advisable due to their unsustainable nature. Fabrics like polyester and nylon, derived from petroleum-based materials, contribute to non-renewable resource depletion and environmentally harmful production processes. The manufacturing of these fabrics’ releases greenhouse gases and pollutants, exacerbating climate change. Additionally, the shedding of microplastics from synthetic fabrics during washing poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems.

Are all synthetic fabrics plastic?

Yes, all synthetic fabrics are essentially made from plastic or plastic-derived materials. They are created through chemical processes involving polymerisation, forming larger chains of molecules to produce fibres.

Is fleece a synthetic?

Yes, fleece is a type of synthetic fabric, typically made from polyester. Known for its soft and fuzzy texture, fleece provides warmth and moisture-wicking properties, commonly used in clothing items, blankets, and outerwear.