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Environmental Sustainability of Natural and Synthetic Fibers in Textiles and Composite Applications
Summary
This review pulls together existing research comparing natural fibers (like cotton and hemp) with synthetic fibers (like polyester) across their entire life cycle, from growing or making them to what happens when we throw them away. The surprising takeaway: "natural" doesn't automatically mean "better", plant-based fibers can demand huge amounts of water, land, and chemicals, while synthetic fibers, though longer-lasting, contribute to microplastic pollution and rely on fossil fuels. For shoppers, this means truly sustainable choices depend on the specific fiber and how it's produced, not just whether it's labeled nat
Environmental sustainability of natural and synthetic fibers used in textiles and composites depends on their impacts throughout production, use, and end-of-life (EoL) stages. Natural fibers are renewable and biodegradable but may require substantial water and agricultural inputs, whereas synthetic fibers contribute to fossil resource depletion, microplastic pollution, and persistent waste generation. Natural fibers are often regarded as more sustainable alternatives to synthetic fiber; however, evidence from a life cycle assessment (LCA) reveals a more nuanced reality. As demand for fiber-based materials increases across textile and composite applications, a deeper understanding of the environmental implications of both natural and synthetic options becomes essential. This review compares these fiber categories from a life cycle perspective, examining carbon footprint, energy demands, resource consumption, and EoL pathways. Natural fibers such as cotton, flax, jute, hemp, sisal, banana, coir, and emerging plant-based alternatives offer advantages including biodegradability and carbon sequestration during cultivation. Nevertheless, agricultural practices and subsequent industrial processing require substantial land, water, and chemical inputs. Synthetic fibers, predominantly derived from fossil resources, provide a long service life and consistent performance but are associated with high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, dependence on non-renewable feedstocks, microplastic pollution, and broader environmental impacts. By presenting a comprehensive life cycle-based comparison, this review identifies the conditions under which each fiber type may offer environmental benefits, supporting informed material selection for sustainable development.