Development of Bio-based Fabrics Based on Sustainable Design: A Practical Pathway Study Using Fig Tree Branches and Recycled Paper Fibres

Abstract

With the advancement of economic standards across nations and the relentless march of progress, contemporary fashion fabrics have proliferated beyond count. Concurrently, heightened environmental consciousness has emerged. As the world's second most polluting industry after petroleum, the fashion sector now demands designers prioritise sustainable innovation in textile materials. Consequently, diverse technologies have yielded numerous bio-based fabrics to supplant petroleum-derived chemical textiles.

This study adopts bio-based fabrics as its fundamental theoretical framework, exploring their development and innovation through the lens of sustainable development principles.

Drawing from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), this research emphasises sustainable production methods, circular economy principles, waste reduction, enhanced resource efficiency, and the development of innovative green industrial technologies. The primary objective is to develop bio-based fabrics suitable for the fashion industry. Researchers explored the feasibility of future applications by creating bio-fabric samples from fibres extracted from fig branches and waste paper. A multi-step process involving soaking, boiling, fibre separation, pressing, and natural drying was employed for the fabric experiments. Guided by sustainable development principles, this study further explores the advancement and innovation of bio-based fabrics.