Traditionally a symbol of romance, roses are now showing Mother Earth some love as a potential basis for a silky sheep-free fibre that’s gentle on the planet.
Made from the stems of roses, which would otherwise be discarded, rose yarn reduces waste within a sustainable circular economy. The result is a material similar to bamboo and relatively cheap compared to silk or cashmere. Some rose yarns also use the petals of the rose, which boost the properties of the fabric via antioxidants, which are believed to be cooling and soothing to the skin.
The entire process, from rose stem extraction to fabric production, has a lower environmental impact than conventional textiles and is fully biodegradable. Rose fibre is strong and can create a wide range of machine-washable, absorbent, lightweight clothing and accessories that resist pilling.
While relatively new, floral fabrics present a potential solution to horticultural waste while building a more sustainable fashion industry. Showcasing the breadth of potential flowers hold in addition to a soft plant wool, a team of researchers has taken home a Young Scientist Award for innovative research work for creating Flaux, a vegan leather produced from floral waste.
Read more: Discover Floral Plant Wools
