10 March 2025
Researcher recently established a direct link between in-utero exposure to microplastics – tiny plastic particles that pollute our oceans and air — and lower birth weights. Key findings highlight alarming trends:
- Microplastics in pregnancy: Exposure during the second and third trimesters is linked to an increased risk of low birth weights (under 2,500 grams).
- Global health impact: A doubling of microplastic exposure correlates with an estimated 205,000 additional low birth weight cases worldwide each year.
- Regional disparities: While developed nations like the US report lower rates (around 1.2%), developing regions in Africa and South Asia see rates surpassing 8%.
- Airborne pollution: The study identifies aerosolization — where microplastics become airborne — as a key exposure route, particularly in coastal areas with high pollution levels.
- Long-term concerns: These findings add to growing worries about the health risks of microplastics, both for infants and the wider population.
This research is a wake-up call to explore sustainable alternatives that can help protect our oceans and us. One such innovation is seaweed textiles. Seaweed is not only abundant in our oceans but also offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive choice for textile production.
By embracing natural alternatives like seaweed textiles, we can reduce our dependence on synthetic fibres, helping to cut plastic pollution at its source and safeguard both human health and marine ecosystems.
Seaweed Textile Fabric Revolution
When we think of textiles, we often imagine fabrics made from traditional materials like cotton, wool, or silk. However, the world of fashion is constantly evolving, and designers are now turning to innovative and sustainable materials to create stylish and eco-friendlier clothing. One such material that has been gaining attention in recent years is seaweed.
Seaweed textiles, also known as algae textiles, are fabrics derived from the fibres of various types of seaweed. These textiles offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional fabrics and come with a range of benefits for both the environment and consumers. To understand the world of seaweed textiles better, let’s dive into their definition, composition, and the innovative brands leading this revolution.
Seaweed textiles are made from different types of seaweed, including brown, red, and green seaweed. The composition of seaweed textiles may vary depending on the type of seaweed used and the production techniques employed.
Producing Seaweed Textiles: Harvesting and Conversion
Seaweed is harvested from the ocean, typically in coastal areas where it thrives. More sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems. Once harvested, seaweed goes through a conversion process to extract the fibres necessary for textile production. This process may involve drying, grinding, and chemical treatments to break down the seaweed and separate the fibres. The resulting fibres are then spun into yarns or woven into fabrics. In some cases, ionic liquids is used to dissolve seaweed biomass and extract cellulose, which can then be spun into fibres.
In recent years, innovative technologies have been developed to enhance the production of seaweed textiles. One such technology is the SeaCell™ process, which combines seaweed fibres with cellulose fibres to create a soft fabric.
Benefits of Seaweed Textiles
Seaweed textiles offer a range of properties and benefits that make them an attractive choice for both environmentally-conscious consumers and fashion brands.
Environmental Advantages
Renewable Resource
Seaweed is a renewable resource that grows abundantly in our oceans. By utilising seaweed as a textile material, we can reduce our reliance on non-renewable resources and minimise the environmental impact of fashion production.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
Seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows, acting as a natural carbon sink. Additionally, the manufacturing process for seaweed textiles typically requires fewer energy-intensive steps compared to conventional fabrics, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, seaweed can be processed using relatively simple methods such as drying and grinding before converting it into fibres.
more Sustainable Production Practices
Seaweed textiles require less water and chemical use during manufacturing, reducing the strain on freshwater resources and minimising the release of harmful substances into the environment. Promoting seaweed textiles can encourage the fashion industry to adopt more eco-friendlier production methods.
Biodegradability
Unlike synthetic fabrics, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, seaweed textiles can break down naturally within the presence of the right microbial activity, minimising their environmental impact.
Consumer Benefits
Health & Wellness Benefits
Seaweed textiles possess natural antibacterial properties, making them an excellent choice for garments and products that come into direct contact with the skin. These textiles also have moisture management capabilities, wicking away moisture and promoting breathability. This feature enhances comfort and reduces the risk of skin irritation, making seaweed textiles a desirable option for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, seaweed textiles can provide some UV protection, making them a practical choice for outdoor apparel.
In addition to these properties, seaweed textiles can release beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, onto the skin. These nutrients, retained through the manufacturing process, can help nourish and rejuvenate the skin, providing an added health and wellness benefit for the wearer.
Confronting Challenges and Limitations
While seaweed textiles offer numerous benefits, some challenges and limitations need to be addressed.
Economic and Technical Hurdles
One of the main challenges is the higher production costs associated with seaweed textiles. The cultivation, harvesting, and processing of seaweed require specialised knowledge and infrastructure, which can increase the overall production expenses. However, as the demand for more sustainable textiles grows and technology advances, these costs are expected to decrease over time.
Durability concerns are another challenge when it comes to seaweed textiles. The fibres extracted from seaweed may not be as strong as those from traditional textiles, leading to potential issues with wear and tear. However, ongoing research and development are focused on improving the durability and longevity of seaweed textiles to make them more suitable for various applications.
Integration with existing textile manufacturing processes can also pose technical challenges. Adapting production lines and machinery to incorporate seaweed fibres may require significant investment and modifications. Collaborations between textile manufacturers and seaweed textile innovators can help overcome these hurdles and drive the integration of seaweed textiles into the industry.
Environmental Considerations
Large-scale seaweed harvesting can have an impact on marine ecosystems if not done sustainably. It’s crucial to implement responsible harvesting practices that prioritise the preservation of biodiversity and the long-term health of ocean ecosystems. By working closely with marine scientists and conservation organisations, seaweed textile producers can ensure that their practices align with more sustainable principles.
Brands at the Forefront of Seaweed Textile Innovation
Several brands are embracing the potential of seaweed textiles and incorporating them into their products. Let’s explore some of these pioneering brands and their contributions to more sustainable fashion.
Ocean Born Lifestyle
Ocean Born Lifestyle is a brand based in Spain that’s one of the business units of the Ocean Born Foundation, and is dedicated to developing new textiles made from seaweed. By using seaweed textiles, Ocean Born Lifestyle showcases the possibilities of more eco-conscious fashion while also emphasizing its commitment to ocean conservation.
Coq en Pâte
Coq en Pâte specializes in creating children’s apparel and accessories using seaweed textiles. Their material of choice is Algoblend®, a blend of 50% plastic and 50% brown seaweed fibers. Coq en Pâte’s products can be found in COSH! retailers such as BlaBloom and Kudzu in Belgium. The brand places a strong emphasis on eco-friendlier designs and educational themes, inspiring the next generation to care for the environment. Their product range includes clothing, backpacks, and school supplies designed with vibrant, nature-inspired prints.
Embrace the Future
As we conclude our exploration of seaweed textiles, it’s clear that they hold immense potential for promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. Their biodegradability, antibacterial properties, and moisture management capabilities make them an exciting alternative to traditional textiles.
To support the growth of seaweed textiles and contribute to a healthier ocean, we encourage you to choose brands that are innovating with these materials. By supporting these brands, we can drive demand for more sustainable fashion and inspire others to follow suit. Let’s spread awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans.
Explore More
If you’re interested in discovering other more sustainable brands that are making a more positive impact on the oceans, we invite you to explore our other articles. Together, we can make a difference and create a greener future for our planet.
Sources:
https://www.euronews.com/green/2019/07/20/which-fibres-are-good-for-your-skin-and-the-environment-we-find-out
https://voxdev.org/topic/energy-environment/exposure-microplastics-lowers-birthweights-and-damages-infant-health
