BIOFIBRIL
The present-day environmental crisis has not left the fashion industry untouched. Textile being
one of the most widely consumed goods impacts our planet in 3 major ways namely, air, water,
and solid pollution. Hence a different approach to the production, consumption, and disposal of
textiles is urgently needed both by natural ecosystems and by consumers.
To meet the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 2030, we here propose Fashion-
Oriented Bio Textiles "Biofibril" - a speculative aesthetic fabric.
Instead of going through the whole conventional process of making fashion material, Biofibril is
a sustainable fashion material made from microbial cellulose, which is produced by growing
yeast in a nutrient-rich liquid. The recipe is simple and consists of green tea, sugar, and acetic
acid/vinegar if produced by a common man without an industrial background.
Few fashion frontiers have already paved their path to this technique of bio-fabrication. In our
model, we intend to wipe out the drawbacks, popularize it and make it as consumer and eco-
friendly as possible.
Pollution Current Scenario Our Model
Air Pollution 8% GHG Emission Reduction upto 27%
Solid Waste 9% Microplastics Reduction upto 35%–16%
Water Pollution 215x10^12 L of water Reduction upto 65%–45%
Through our idea, we are aligning with Clean water and sanitation, Responsible Consumption and
Production, and Industry innovation and infrastructure.
Biofibril can be termed as "Living, breathing, wearable plants". The bacteria used in Biofibril not only
reduces carbon consumption but also produces oxygen during its culture period. Although made
from microbes, this fabric doesn't pose any threat to humans and is comfortable to wear, handle,
and process. The durability and strength of this fabric can also be magnified by combining it with
other natural or synthetic materials.
1 Culture of
Microbes 2 Sedimentation and
Fermentation 3 Binding
Drying
and
4 Final Product
Obtained
Step Process of Biofibril Fabric Manufacture
Environmental Aspects of BIOFIBRIL
1) Reduced consumption of natural resources eliminating stress on the environment
Water-
No water is required for growing fiber like cotton, and jute as Biofibril makes fiber by bacterial
growth.
Closed-loop production system, where the liquid nutrient used to grow the microbial cellulose is
recycled back into the system, reducing the overall amount of water needed.
Water consumption is cut off at traditional dying as Biofibril uses natural dyeing patterns.
Reduced water consumption at finishing processes like bleaching, softening, and washing.
Air-
The production process of Biofibril generates lower carbon emissions than the production of
conventional textiles. According to studies, producing one kilogram of cotton fabric can emit up
to 15 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), while making one kilogram of microbial cellulose
fabric emits only 2.76 kg of CO2e. This means that Biofibril can potentially reduce the fashion
industry's carbon footprint.
Solid and Soil-
Unlike synthetic fabric, Biofibril is a highly biodegradable material that can break down naturally.
Reduced shredding as Biofibril has a smooth surface.
No need for farmlands for fiber production, rather these lands can be used to meet other
sustainable development like food production.
2) Circular Economy: Biofibril embraces the circular economy by repurposing and recycling bio-
based fabric at the end of its lifecycle. This, we plan to achieve by properly composting the cloth
thereby saving the cost of manure for agriculture purposes.
Hence, the cost is reduced because we are condensing everything into one process.
3) Consumer Engagement: We wish to encourage customer engagement by educating them about
the benefits of sustainable fashion by involving them in the design process and educating them
about the cons of Fast Fashion trends. This will give them assurance that Biofibril is better.
Given the economical procedure
and low cost of raw materials, a
BIOFIBRIL jacket can be
produced for less than 2000
INR, which is cheaper than a
branded cotton jacket of the
same dimensions by at least
1000 INR.
VS
Citation
https://www.launch.org/innovators/suzanne-lee/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364781871_Fashion-Oriented_Bio_Textiles_the_New_Speculative_Aesthetics_of_Biocouture
https://revistapesquisa.fapesp.br/en/clothes-made-of-bacteria/
https://www.dezeen.com/2014/02/12/movie-biocouture-microbes-clothing-wearable-futures/
https://wikifab.org/wiki/Grown_your_own_fabric_with_bacteria
https://www.voguebusiness.com/sustainability/living-breathing-wearable-plants-inside-the-rise-of-biocouture
