fibersnatural

Fibersnatural is a term used to describe natural fibers derived from renewable sources and used as reinforcement or functional materials in textiles, composites, and consumer goods. It encompasses plant-based fibers such as cotton, flax (linen), hemp, jute, and sisal; animal-based fibers such as wool and silk; and other naturally occurring fibers produced with minimal chemical modification. It excludes most synthetic polymers and mineral-derived fibers.

Production and processing involve cultivation or harvest, extraction or retting for bast fibers, and mechanical or chemical methods to separate fibers. Spinning, weaving, and knitting convert fibers into yarns or fabrics, while for composites fibers are chopped or used as continuous reinforcements. Surface treatments, sizing, or coupling agents may improve adhesion with matrices in polymer composites.

Applications include apparel, home textiles, filtration, and automotive or construction composites where reduced weight or improved environmental profile is valued.

Properties vary by fiber type but typical characteristics include lower density than many synthetics, higher moisture absorption, and biodegradability. Mechanical performance can be variable and dependent on processing, blend ratios, and end-of-life considerations.

Sustainability and standards: natural fiber production generally requires less energy than synthetic fibers but can entail significant land, water use, and agrochemical impacts. Certification schemes and origin labeling help verify provenance and environmental claims.

Ongoing research aims to improve consistency, performance, and processing efficiency, and to expand feedstock diversity.