Seed-Derived Fibers in Textiles: Advancements, Sustainable Processing, and Applications

This document provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of seed fibers, with a particular focus on their growing importance in the textile industry as a response to environmental concerns associated with conventional materials derived from fossil resources. It examines the key properties of alternative seed fibers, such as their physical and chemical characteristics, as well as their advantages over conventional textile fibers, for example, their renewability, biodegradability, and contribution to a balanced carbon cycle. This makes them attractive alternatives for sustainable textile production. The discussion addresses concerns regarding conventionally produced cotton fibers, the main seed fibers, such as high water and chemical consumption, soil degradation, and related environmental impacts, while also highlighting their advantages. However, the manuscript also discusses significant challenges related to the production and processability of alternative plant seed fibers, such as organic and colored cotton, kapok, Calotropis procera, poplar and milkweed.