Why Textiles of the Future Will Be Colourful and Biodegradable
Do sustainable materials have to be earthy and raw? Absolutely not, according to experts in the industry
Thomas Helbing
27 October 2021
The interior design industry is raring to go. After a long pause due to the pandemic, everyone is hungry for fresh ideas and interpersonal exchange – but also for change in the industry. At an online event at Heimtextil, the largest international trade fair for textile interior design, the show’s Trend Council presented its design predictions for the upcoming 2022/23 season. The forecast offers a first taste of what’s set to be exhibited in Frankfurt, Germany, at the next show on January 11 to 14, 2022.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of a comfortable and beautifully decorated home, and textiles certainly play a part in that, but sustainability is also important. Where is the textile industry heading? One thing is clear to everyone involved: more of the same is not an option.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of a comfortable and beautifully decorated home, and textiles certainly play a part in that, but sustainability is also important. Where is the textile industry heading? One thing is clear to everyone involved: more of the same is not an option.
All photos by SPOTT for Heimtextil. Hemp fibre could be a material for the future. Already used in antiquity, hemp is easy to cultivate and low maintenance, grows quickly, is resistant to pests, uses far less water than cotton and produces more biomass than most other cultivated species.
“Sustainability is no longer a choice or a desirable add-on, it’s an absolute imperative,” says Caroline Till of London studio Franklin Till. “The detrimental impact we’re having on the planet is abundantly clear. So, for individuals, brands and manufacturers alike, having a clear approach to sustainability is of paramount importance.”
And mass production? “We are in a period of transformation,” says Anja Bisgaard Gaede of Spott Trends & Business from Denmark, who was part of the Trend Council – alongside Franklin Till and the Stiljinstitut Amsterdam, represented by Anne Marie Commandeur – who researched and presented the new trends for Heimtextil.
“Sustainability is no longer a choice or a desirable add-on, it’s an absolute imperative,” says Caroline Till of London studio Franklin Till. “The detrimental impact we’re having on the planet is abundantly clear. So, for individuals, brands and manufacturers alike, having a clear approach to sustainability is of paramount importance.”
And mass production? “We are in a period of transformation,” says Anja Bisgaard Gaede of Spott Trends & Business from Denmark, who was part of the Trend Council – alongside Franklin Till and the Stiljinstitut Amsterdam, represented by Anne Marie Commandeur – who researched and presented the new trends for Heimtextil.
Textile design without chemicals is possible thanks to natural dyes, sustainable printing, sun printing and digital printing, as in this example from VIA University College in Denmark.
“We do still have large-scale production, which we need to change to a more sustainable path. We’re looking into serving you … the continued push to do so and the continued inspiration for how to do so,” Bisgaard Gaede says.
“This generation of emerging designers is inviting us to challenge the mainstream discourse surrounding the climate emergency,” Till says. “They’re offering innovative, impactful ideas that align with their strong sense of environmental and social values.”
Radical thinking
The Trend Council makes it clear that for a product to be sustainable, it’s no longer enough to just stick an eco label on it. “We need to think radically differently about production today,” Bisgaard Gaede says. “The future of home textiles is really understanding nature’s intelligent system … In order to not create imbalances, we need to learn how nature actually balances itself.”
“We do still have large-scale production, which we need to change to a more sustainable path. We’re looking into serving you … the continued push to do so and the continued inspiration for how to do so,” Bisgaard Gaede says.
“This generation of emerging designers is inviting us to challenge the mainstream discourse surrounding the climate emergency,” Till says. “They’re offering innovative, impactful ideas that align with their strong sense of environmental and social values.”
Radical thinking
The Trend Council makes it clear that for a product to be sustainable, it’s no longer enough to just stick an eco label on it. “We need to think radically differently about production today,” Bisgaard Gaede says. “The future of home textiles is really understanding nature’s intelligent system … In order to not create imbalances, we need to learn how nature actually balances itself.”
Sustainable textiles do not necessarily have to come in earthy colours. Pictured is fabric made out patterned offcuts and raffia palm ribbon by Christina Engsig.
Till presents two possible approaches: “To either retain naturally derived materials within the biological cycle and let them degrade, or utilise only synthetic materials that can be retained wholly in the technical cycle, within infinite loops.”
“The future of objects should simply not create waste or imbalance,” as the Trend Council’s video statement puts it.
Biodegradable textiles out of mycelium, animal innards or agricultural waste, or bacteria that dye textiles naturally, are some examples raised in the presentation. An emphasis on traditional craftsmanship can also fuel a sustainable shift.
Till presents two possible approaches: “To either retain naturally derived materials within the biological cycle and let them degrade, or utilise only synthetic materials that can be retained wholly in the technical cycle, within infinite loops.”
“The future of objects should simply not create waste or imbalance,” as the Trend Council’s video statement puts it.
Biodegradable textiles out of mycelium, animal innards or agricultural waste, or bacteria that dye textiles naturally, are some examples raised in the presentation. An emphasis on traditional craftsmanship can also fuel a sustainable shift.
The cloth of the future is responsive. This means it can react and adapt to the environment and the body. Or materials can come into contact with the natural world virtually, through augmented reality. Pictured is reflective textile design from VIA University College.
“In the Western world, our disconnection from nature has brought us to this state of ecological imbalance,” Till says. “But we can look to technology to provide a lens to help deepen and strengthen our connection to the natural world.”
Till sees the future in innovative production processes as well as in digital economic goods: products that are not physically present, and which we experience virtually through augmented reality. “People are actually willing to engage and spend large amounts of money, whether it be design pieces for a virtual home or fashion items to dress a digital avatar,” she says. “This is … exploring a future in which we … look to fulfil our sense of creativity and our desire to consume within the virtual realm.”
New materials for a world worth living in
The four trend themes – Deep Nature, Hyper Nature, Beyond Identity and Empowered Identity – are united by one basic theme: they show how the industry can use resources more responsibly in future.
“In the Western world, our disconnection from nature has brought us to this state of ecological imbalance,” Till says. “But we can look to technology to provide a lens to help deepen and strengthen our connection to the natural world.”
Till sees the future in innovative production processes as well as in digital economic goods: products that are not physically present, and which we experience virtually through augmented reality. “People are actually willing to engage and spend large amounts of money, whether it be design pieces for a virtual home or fashion items to dress a digital avatar,” she says. “This is … exploring a future in which we … look to fulfil our sense of creativity and our desire to consume within the virtual realm.”
New materials for a world worth living in
The four trend themes – Deep Nature, Hyper Nature, Beyond Identity and Empowered Identity – are united by one basic theme: they show how the industry can use resources more responsibly in future.
The material in this photo was dyed with onion skins and avocado pits. There’s ongoing research into the viability of these methods for mass production.
How will this lead to the fabrics of the future, and what might these look like? Here is an overview of the most important colours, materials and technologies for the coming season, put together by the Heimtextil Trend Council.
How will this lead to the fabrics of the future, and what might these look like? Here is an overview of the most important colours, materials and technologies for the coming season, put together by the Heimtextil Trend Council.
The new world of colour
Clockwise from top left:
Clockwise from top left:
- Powerful pastel tones such as pistachio, peach and dusty sky blue, mixed softly with neutral tones such as grey or pale khaki. Bright yellow and orange provide accents.
- A lively and hyper-natural palette of unusual greens all the way to intense purple. This includes clear, bright shades as well as diffused green and grey tones. Salmon and raspberry serve as accents.
- Essential and organic colours: marshy, botanical tones, dye-free shades such as sandy beige or brown. Natural dyes create delicate and dusty blue shades and soft reds.
- Traditional primary colours (yellow, red, blue) are expanded with shades of coral, kiwi green and dusty lilac.
The new materials
Clockwise from top left:
What do you think about these trend predictions? Let us know in the Comments
Clockwise from top left:
- Natural materials and colours that can be obtained, worked and reused in circular processes, such as jute, flax, hemp, linen, plant skins, palm leather, coconut fibre, mycelium.
- Traditional technologies such as tufting, cross-stitch, weaving – or experimental stitching methods. Handicrafts including handwoven tapestries or modern takes on traditional patterns from around the world. Traditional Scandinavian textiles such as Fanø scarves, Hestedaekken textiles, ikat kitchen towels or klokkestrenge patterns (pictured), perhaps updated by prints or paint. Traditional woollen weaves with repurposed materials. Recycled synthetic fabric.
- Responsive materials, recycled synthetics, technical fibres with natural textures, smart textiles, microscopic structures, use of digital sustainable textiles.
- Hand-woven recycled polyester, printed digitally or with the use of light technology, which is then easy to recycle again. Using bacteria or natural plant pigments for dying. Pigments that change through use. Puff textiles out of microfibrillated cellulose. Traditional silks.
What do you think about these trend predictions? Let us know in the Comments
Related Stories
More Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Laundry Rooms on Houzz Right Now
Get decorating ideas for your laundry or utility room from these most-saved photos on Houzz
Full Story
Dining Rooms
The 5 Most Popular Dining Rooms on Houzz Right Now
By Kate Burt
Vintage furniture, great lighting and top tables – feast your eyes on dining room ideas collated from your own clicks
Full Story
Colour
8 Clever Ways to Use Strategic Colour Blocking in Your Home
By Kate Burt
Paint can do so much more than refresh your walls. Explore ways to highlight features, zone areas and trick the eye
Full Story
Utility Rooms
15 Richly Coloured Utility Rooms
The trend for strong, earthy tones has reached the utility room, with hues from plum to ochre to deep green adding depth
Full Story
Kitchens
Which Kitchen Worktop Colour Should You Choose?
By tidgboutique
Consider these popular colours and styles to get the look you want, no matter which material you use
Full Story
Colour
8 Ways to Work a Rust Red and Blue Palette in the Bedroom
By Kate Burt
We’re seeing variations of this combination all over Houzz right now. Check out these tips for trying it yourself
Full Story
Colour
Creative Ways to Make a Feature of Structural Beams
Turn your RSJ into something more than just functional with these clever ideas from our Houzz Tours
Full Story
Gardens
9 Ways to Enjoy Colour in Your Garden All Year Round
By Kate Burt
However your garden grows, you can add colour with hardscaping, furniture and accessories
Full Story
Gardens
What Will We Want in Our Gardens in 2024?
Discover the gardening trends homeowners will be bringing into their outdoor spaces this spring and summer
Full Story
Kitchens
What to Expect at the Biggest Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Show
Plan ahead with our rundown of what’s in store at the kbb Birmingham event this March
Full Story
Good article!
@dreamdoctor "The drier lint is sign of clothes breaking down" The fact that I've never realized this is forehead slapping. Thank you.
Great article and very valid points below. We need to reuse, repurpose and use items until they really are finished. Time to stop all the fads and must have's of the moment. We can't go on like this if we want a planet.
I believe that these trends will probably come in useful and these sustainable alternatives won’t put additional pressure on our natural resources and harm our environment.