Traditional and Emerging Botanical Sources of Textile Fibers

The textile industry has long relied on both natural and synthetic fibers, but environmental concerns are driving interest in sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Traditional botanical fibers such as cotton, flax, jute, hemp, ramie, coir, and kapok remain widely used for their strength, durability, and versatility, though their cultivation and processing can impact water use, pesticide dependence, and overall resource consumption. Emerging fibers from plants such as banana, pineapple leaf, nettle, bamboo, sugar palm, star jasmine, Bauhinia vahlii, yucca, wild turmeric, water hyacinth, and sugarcane bagasse are renewable, biodegradable, and underutilized sources, often derived from agricultural waste. These fibers not only provide functional qualities suitable for textiles, composites, and insulation but also support circular economy principles by reducing waste and reliance on non-renewable resources. The chapter emphasizes the potential of integrating both traditional and emerging botanical fibers to promote environmentally responsible and innovative textile production.