Wearing food calls up an image of lunch dribbling down the shirtfront, but there are new fabrics being developed from food — or food byproducts — that are said to be good for the environment and have the potential to decrease our dependence on petroleum products.
Fabric production is one of the top five polluting industries in the world, said Lisa Long, a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer science agent from Kingman County, at a presentation Tuesday at the Pratt Area 4-H Center. New fibers are being developed that use less water and energy, reduce waste and can be grown and manufactured without harmful chemicals.
The Midwest’s corn crop contributes to 20 million tons of waste every year, and not surprisingly, a researcher from the Cornhusker State, Dr. Yiqi Yang, a textile scientist at the University of Nebraska, has been instrumental in developing a clothing fiber from cornhusks. Because it is a natural fiber, it is more comfortable than petroleum-based synthetics like polyester, accepts dye well and requires little ironing. Designer Giorgio Armani has added it to his designs, but Long noted that cornhusks on the runway may not mean a lot to consumers in the Midwest because the fabric is so expensive.
Cargill Dow L.L.C. has trademarked a fabric made from sugar in the corn. Ingeo is the first commercially viable man-made fiber made from 100 percent annually renewable resources, according to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. It performs like polyester, but is breathable like cotton, insect resistant, hypoallergenic, very soft and biodegradable.
A silk-like fabric made from milk protein probably won’t be seen in this area, Long predicted. Its labor-intensive process makes it very expensive. The milk fiber moistens the skin and has bacteriostatic properties — making it a perfect choice for underwear and T-shirts, as well as cashmere-like sweaters. People who are lactose intolerant can’t wear the fabric.
Pandas’ favorite food, bamboo, makes a fabric that is softer and stronger than cotton and 60 percent more absorbent. It can be used for everything from socks to prom dresses, Long said. Shoppers at Bed Bath & Beyond might find bamboo sheets, but they must be willing to pay about $95 for a set.
Wal-Mart sells socks containing bamboo, although the percentage is very slight. The cost is about $5 for a package of three. Boosox, available online from an Australian store, are pricier — up to $17 a pair.
Bamboo grows quickly, requires no pesticides or fertilizer and does not have to be replanted each year, according to information at www.bamboofabricstore.com.
A fabric made from chicken feathers takes advantage of billions of pounds of chicken feathers that would be burned, buried or ground up for livestock feed. Warm and lightweight, the fabric resembles wool. It is used mostly in plastics to make them lighter and stronger.
Soy fiber is made from the leftover dregs from soybean oil production and is usually blended with other fibers to give it strength. Other sources of new fibers and fabrics include hemp, switch grass, coconut, pineapple and seaweed.
Long couldn’t predict how long it would be before the new fabrics would be available at the retail level at a reasonable price. Many are still in the research and development phase, she said.
Pratt, Kan. —
