New materials are popping up like mushrooms (yes, sometimes literally so …). Try to keep track of the latest evolutions. A few materials to keep an eye on:

• Lyocell like Tencel® (when you’re working with lyocell that is not manufactured by Lenzing, it’s a good idea to ask your supplier for certificates guaranteeing that the production process is eco-friendly)
• Materials made from recycled plastic like Bionic Yarn
• Alternatives to traditional leather:
  • Ananas leather like Piñatex
  • Fish leather, for instance manufactured by Atlantic Leather.
  • Fruitleather creates leather that's entirely made from fruit and vegetable waste
• Material made from waste. Econyl®, for example, offers materials made from waste that contains nylon
• GORE-TEX® uses new technologies to create their sustainable, water- and windproof, yet breathable fabrics that are frequently used for outerwear and that are a hit with brands like The North Face and Patagonia
• Organic alternatives to traditional materials. A few examples are the organic silk that is for sale at Coccon and Seidentraum or organic cotton
• Recycled polyester, including REPREVE and Infinity polyester
• Material made from milk, like QMilk and Cassein
• Fabrics made from coffee. There is for instance S.Café, which collects the dregs of large coffee companies like Starbucks and turns it into yarn. The result is a quick-drying fabric that is both anti-odor and UV-protective. S.Café teams up with several outdoor and sports brands, like Asics and Timberland.
• Material made from grass species, like Miscanthus or silvergrass
• Natural, biodegradable materials like hemp (e.g. StexFibers) and Crailar
• Natural, biodegradable materials like hemp (offered by Crailar, among other companies)
• Fabrics based on natural silk fibers made by spiders and insects. Bolt Threads presents us with a beautiful example of this type of fabric
• Bio-designed materials, for which algae, bacteria and mushrooms form the basis. Biocouture, for instance, is working towards such solutions
• With its 100% vegetable organic rubber from the guayule plant, Yulex offers an important alternative to traditional rubber. Since 2014, Yulex has been collaborating with Patagonia to make wetsuits.
• Noosa is a 100% recyclable fiber made from corn

Keen an eye on interesting blogs and news sites to keep track of the latest developments.