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  • Glossary item | 17 Mar 2025
Bio-based textiles
Bioeconomy

For textiles, the term “bio-based” refers to the origin of the carbon backbone of the fibre polymer and whether this comes from a renewable source. For example, the carbon content of conventional synthetic fibres such as polyester, is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels – petroleum, gas, coal – while fibres derived from natural polymers such as cellulose are made from 100 % renewable carbon content.

Jana Deckers, Saskia Manshoven, Lars Fogh Mortensen, ETC/CE Report 2023/5 The role of bio-based textile fibres in a circular and sustainable textiles system

Source category: Agency documents