The Unusuals

When considering the different types of natural raw materials used to make fibers for textiles, sources like the cotton plant, flax plant, silk worm, merino sheep, and even wood pulp typically come to mind. However, nowadays new fibers are emerging from unexpected raw materials as researchers and fiber manufacturers look for alternative “natural” fibers— and these new fibers bring unique, interesting, and powerful physical properties to the table as well as, sometimes, a more sustainable natural alternative to their synthetic counterparts. The only question remaining is, where do these new natural fibers come from?