5 sustainable materials to look out for in 2022

Amidst the plethora of sustainable materials and technologies 2022 has to offer, some reign supreme. In the past few years, consumer demand for sustainable alternatives in fashion, clothing, home goods or packaging have soared, with a whopping 66% of global consumers saying they would pay more for sustainable products.

It’s safe to say that now is the perfect time to take advantage of the best eco-friendly materials of 2022 to rise above the competition and build a greener tomorrow.

Here are 5 eco-friendly materials brands should know about in 2022:

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1. Bamboo

Bamboo is hailed as one of the most sustainable materials for a pretty good reason. This plant is surprisingly stronger than oak. As Business Insider explained, the tensile strength of bamboo is 28,000 pounds per square inch. To put this into perspective, the tensile strength of mild steel is merely 23,000 pounds per square inch.

Bamboo is 100% biodegradable, antibacterial, Eco-friendly, and requires no chemical processing. Furthermore, it is also naturally UV resistant. That’s exactly why bamboo is used for an array of different products from flooring to clothing.

This sustainable material captures more carbon dioxide and releases 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere. Last, but not least, it can absolutely meet the high demand. The Guinness Book of World Records named bamboo as the fastest growing plant on earth.

2. Recycled Plastic

Brands and manufacturers alike are increasingly leveraging recycled plastic to create new products. It is touted as one of the most sustainable ways to create materials for clothing, packaging, car components, or even building materials as it reduces the use of raw natural resources, and diminishes reliance on fossil fuels by using resources already available.

According to Stanford University, a ton of recycled plastic saves 7,200 kilowatt-hours of electricity which is enough energy to run a household for seven months.

A good example of recycled plastic used in fashion is water bottles—collected, chipped, melted, and spun into yarn— which can have a second life as yoga pants or a pair of sneakers. Brands like Patagonia have been doing it for years.

3. TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers

TENCEL™ is certainly one of the best eco-friendly materials for clothing and many more commercial products. This light cellulose fabric comes from the process of dissolving wood pulp. Think of it as a man-made recovered or regenerated fiber backed up by the use of award-winning nanotechnology.

If we compare it with cotton, Tencel is not only 50% more absorbent but also requires less water and energy. It is certified by the international Forest Stewardship Council. Furthermore, Tencel is anti-bacterial, conveniently resistant to wrinkles, extremely soft, incredibly durable, and 100% biodegradable.

4. ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon

ECONYL® is one of the most promising sustainable materials and technologies of 2022. Econyl's manufacturers are making nylon by utilizing plastic waste from ocean and post-consumer waste.

The ECONYL® Regeneration System starts with retrieving abandoned fishing nets from the ocean, and post-consumer waste such as carpeting destined for landfills. Econyl transforms the material into premium regenerated nylon with the same quality and performance as virgin nylon. ECONYL® fabrics can be recycled, recreated and remoulded again and again, making it one of the most sustainable options for fashion brands.

5. Cork

Cork definitely deserves a place in the list of the best eco-friendly materials of 2022. All-natural and extremely sustainable, Cork is made from the bark of the trees. This means that the tree can continue its life circle for up to 300 years.

What’s more fascinating? Cork sequesters CO2 from the atmosphere. So each time the bark is harvested, the tree can absorb even more CO2 to assist in the regeneration process.

Additionally, Cork is biodegradable and recyclable. It is used for wine bottles, household items, flooring, and even textiles.

There are so many sustainable materials and technologies to choose from in 2022. With more and more consumers looking for eco-friendly alternatives to adhere to their green lifestyle, now is the ideal time to transform your business by sourcing trusted sustainable products from suppliers who value the planet as much as you do.

Join TEORRA, the global B2B marketplace that connects eco-conscious buyers and sellers of sustainable products.