British textile brand Kirkby Design has developed what it claims is the first interior fabric made from aloe vera.
The ‘ground-breaking’ washable textile comprises 60% aloe vera and 40% organic cotton. The company says aloe vera is more sustainable than conventional materials as the plant can be grown without the need for chemicals or pesticides and requires no watering.
Aloe vera leaves, which are an otherwise wasted byproduct of the process to extract aloe vera gel for cosmetics, are utilized to create the fabric. The leaves are pressed, shredded, and turned into a fleece-like material from which yarn can be spun.
The company started the research and development process for the fabric after a textile mill it works with suggested it try the alternative material.
“Aloe Vera’s natural structure allows the yarn to create fabrics that have a lightweight, airy quality,” said Kirkby Design director Jordan Mould to Dezeen. “Aloe fabric allows light to filter through gently, creating soft, diffused lighting within a room.”
More than 57% of consumers in the UK and US want fashion to be more sustainable, and Mould believes this fabric’s adaptability means it has a wide range of potential practical applications.
“Much like hemp and bamboo, we see aloe vera carving out a significant role in the industry, offering a sustainable alternative to more traditional fibres while maintaining a wide range of aesthetic possibilities.”
