A guide to materials,

their impact,

and their sustainability.

The choice of material can determine a big part of a garment’s environmental impact. When choosing materials, knowledge of the entire production process must be taken into account.

Traceability from raw material can be difficult but must always be the goal. As well as consideration of options at end of life.

We have created a Material Guide where we have divided raw materials into four different categories from “Preferred” to “Banned”.

The Material Guide ranking is based on material research and aspects of sustainability from environmental, social and animal welfare perspective.

The Material Guide Ranking offered here should be taken as a first step guide. To measure your actual impact of the actual materials used, its suppliers and supply chain must be taken into account.

We underscore the importance of understanding the complexity of comparing fibers and the need to look at products from a life-cycle perspective, including the user phase as well as end-of-life. 

Growing leather-like fabric in the lab
New Innovation
A “leather” derived from pineapples.
New Innovation
A stretch material made from natural rubber.
New Innovation
Softening hemp and flax with enzymes
New Innovation
A more sustainably produced type of viscose.
New Innovation
Inspired by spider's silk, a man-made silk material
New Innovation
Synthetic materials made from renewable resources instead of fossil fuels
New Innovation
A material made from fossil-fules that may be carcinogenic
Man-made
Elastane / Spandex / Lycra
Man-made
A durable material made from fossil fules
Man-made
A durable material made from fossil fules, most common type is Nylon
Man-made
A semi-syntetic material
Man-made
A plastic material made from fossil fules
Man-made
A fast-growing renewable resource that can be mechanically processed
Natural
Can be almost closed-loop processed, made from wood pulp
Man-made
Made from cellulose from trees
Man-made
A ubiquitous material known for its durability
Animal-derived
Very soft wool from the Angora rabbit
Animal-derived
A wool known for its softness, durability and lustre
Animal-derived
A traceable wool that is naturally soft and hypoallergenic.
Animal-derived
A luxurious wool that can be readily recycled into high quality garments
Animal-derived
Down and feathers from birds, most common from duck or goose
Animal-derived
A controversial material to be avoided
Animal-derived
Wool from sheep, merino or other sheep breed.
Animal-derived
A luxurious material that can be sourced humanely
Animal-derived
Sisal
No items found.
Derived from the agave plant
Natural
One of the oldest fibres used for textiles
Natural
The environmental impact of cotton depends on the way of farming it.
Natural
A pesticide-free natural fibre
Natural
A hardy, natural fibre ideal for light clothing
Natural
Jute
No items found.
A regenerating fibre that makes several textile materials
Natural
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Bergstrand Consultancy is a full-service sustainability practice specialising in fashion and textile.