Transitioning to Biobased Materials in the Textile Industry

Consumer CompactSoftlinesMar 25, 2025

Environmental awareness is reshaping the apparel and footwear industries, driving a shift from virgin synthetics like acrylic, nylon and polyester to greener alternatives like biobased materials. What are the advantages, and how can manufacturers ensure their products are truly biobased?

The scale of the problem

The global apparel market is projected to grow from USD 1.39 trillion in 2020 to USD 2.04 trillion in 2029.¹ This growth has led to a significant increase in global fiber production, reaching 113 million tonnes in 2022, nearly doubling over the preceding 20 years, and expected to reach 149 million tonnes by 2030.²

The majority of these fibers are synthetic, relying on low-cost virgin fossil fuels. Polyester dominates, holding around 54% of the market, yet only 14.8% of that comes from recycled sources such as post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, and a mere 1% is biobased.³ Examples of biobased polyesters include bio-based PET, bio-based polytrimethylene terephthalate (PIT) and polylactic acid (PLA).

In addition, the textile industry contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Textile Exchange estimates fiber production must cut GHG emissions by 45% by 2030 if the industry is to align with the 1.5% global warming target. Achieving this will require a shift away from virgin fossil fuels toward greener options, including recycled synthetics, biosynthetics and renewable input sources.⁴

EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles

Introduced in March 2022, the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles seeks to transform the textile industry by 2030, focusing on enhancing the durability, repairability and recyclability of textile products. The strategy also emphasizes the need to increase the use of biobased fibers, reducing reliance on synthetic materials and further lowering the industry's environmental impact. These initiatives are aimed at fostering circular business models, strengthening sector resilience and boosting competitiveness, all while advancing sustainability objectives.

Biobased materials

Wholly or partially derived from renewable biomass such as plants, fungi or agricultural waste, biobased materials can be engineered for diverse applications, including packaging, textiles and construction materials. However, it must be recognized that just because a biobased material comes from biomass does not mean it is also biodegradable.

There are multiple benefits associated with biobased materials, including a lower carbon footprint, as they can significantly reduce GHG emissions compared to fossil-based materials. For example, in manufacturing biobased synthetic fibers like biobased polyester and biobased nylon, the building blocks (monomers) are derived from a renewable biomass. Provided processing and production are managed sustainably, this renewable biomass-derived carbon source can lower the overall carbon footprint of the material. In contrast, fossil-based materials do not offer this benefit because they fully rely on non-renewable resources.

Additionally, biobased materials often rely on renewable feedstocks that are less toxic to the environment, requiring fewer hazardous chemicals, less water and less energy to produce than synthetic alternatives. Hemp, for instance, is a highly sustainable crop that grows with minimal water, thrives in poor soil and does not require pesticides, making it an ideal option for eco-friendly farming.

Ensuring it is biobased

Confirming the biobased content in materials requires advanced 14-Carbon (14C) isotope analysis. Unlike 12-Carbon, which is stable, 14C is radioactive and will decay over time, having a half-life of about 5,730 years. The presence of 14C in a material is therefore an indication that its source material has recently adsorbed atmospheric CO₂. Since fossil-based sources will be between 20,000 and 30,000 years old, they will have no measurable 14C because the carbon they contain will have already decayed.

Demonstrating biobased

The market for biobased products is rapidly expanding. Across all industries, the global market was valued at USD 42,581.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% by 2031.⁵

In consumer product sectors like textiles, manufacturers are driven not only by regulatory shifts – such as the European Union’s push towards a circular economy – but also by the rising demand from eco-conscious consumers actively seeking products with verifiable sustainability credentials.

SGS biobased green mark

Utilizing our global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, including our Beta Analytical radiocarbon dating facility in Miami, Florida, we provide a range of solutions for determining the biobased carbon content of a material. Testing is conducted against the ASTM D6866, EN 16640 and ISO 16620-2 standards and, for certification, the material must contain a minimum of 20% biobased carbon content.

Once a product is validated as biobased, it can carry the SGS biobased green mark. This voluntary product mark helps businesses build trust by providing independent, scientific evaluation. Each green mark is tailored to the individual attribute claim – in this case, biobased – and product. It includes details of the standard against which the product was assessed, along with the evaluation results. Additionally, each green mark features a QR code that links to a database, allowing interested parties to verify the label and claim.

Biobased verification and the SGS green mark help enhance transparency and traceability, ensure alignment with governmental policies like the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles, and foster trust in the product while strengthening a brand’s reputation.

Learn more about SGS biobased materials verification and green marks.