A collection of the most relevant and newest textile fibres, their properties, use, production processes and environmental impact.
Table of contents
gradient blue ellipse pngSome of the issues that can be avoided through better fibre selection
gradient blue ellipse pngWhy use the White Book of Textile Fibres?
gradient blue ellipse png‍Dcycle and the White Book of Textile Fibres
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Download The White Book of Textile Fibres by Dcycle.

Updated on
August 26, 2024

At Dcycle we believe in change through the inclusion of sustainability in the growth strategy of companies. Within the textile industry value chain, the extraction of materials and their transformation into textile fibres is one of the processes with the highest environmental and ethical impact.  This is why we have created the White Book of Textile Fibers, you can download it here.

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Some of the issues that can be avoided through better fibre selection include: 

  • The extraction and use of limited natural resources.
  • Carrying out toxic processes that are harmful to both health and the environment.
  • Deforestation and soil overexploitation.
  • Water pollution caused by microplastics released during the use phase of garments. 
  • The generation of non-recyclable textile waste that ends its useful life in landfills.

Carefully choosing the textile fibres that make up garments can significantly reduce a company's environmental impact. To facilitate this process, at Dcycle we have created the White Book of Textile Fibers, a collection of the most important and newest fibres, their properties and environmental impact. 

Why use the White Book of Textile Fibres?

  • To disprove and confirm common beliefs about fibres.
  • To be able to quickly identify greenwashing.
  • To compare the impact of different natural, artificial and synthetic fibres.
  • To learn about the properties and applicability of the newest fibres. 
  • To find out where the impact of different textile fibres comes from. 
  • To get to know how to choose suppliers with the lowest impact. 

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‍Dcycle and the White Book of Textile Fibres

In order for textile companies to move towards a future with less impact, they shall make informed decisions on which textile fibre to use. They are a key to an efficient sustainability strategy.  Although the textile sector is starting to take actions towards sustainability, value chain complexity  means that this process often requires more effort than the benefits it provides. 

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For this reason, Dcycle enables the transition towards a circular model, starting from the origin of the materials so that the reduction of impact is distributed throughout the value chain. Thus, knowing the fibres that make up the fabrics is essential for designing from impact, carrying out a life cycle analysis of each product, setting reduction targets and predicting future emission scenarios.

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We invite you to take a look at the Guide to Sustainability in the Value Chain and join us in creating a future for all.

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Vanesa García
Head of Product Design

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.