
Is Sugar the New Black for Sustainable Fashion?
As the demand for eco-friendly alternatives rises, unconventional raw materials are making their way into the textile sector. Beyond organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo, new-age materials derived from food waste, algae, fungi, and agricultural byproducts are gaining traction. Among these emerging innovations, sugar-based fibres and bioplastics derived from sugarcane and other natural sources are showing immense potential in reshaping sustainable fashion. These materials not only offer biodegradable and renewable alternatives to synthetic fibres like polyester but also present opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependency.
The Science Behind Sugar- Based Textiles
Sugar-based textiles are primarily derived from sugarcane, corn, and other carbohydrate-rich crops that offer a renewable alternative to traditional petroleum-based materials. These crops serve as a raw material for biofabrication, where the sugars are extracted and processed into bio-based polymers. The process typically involves fermenting the sugar into bioethanol, which is then converted into lactic acid and polymerised into polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is a biodegradable and compostable polymer that can be spun into fibres or moulded into fabrics, making it an eco-friendly alternative to conventional synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon. Compared to traditional polyester, which can take hundreds of years to degrade, PLA textiles break down much faster under industrial composting conditions, reducing the burden of textile waste in landfills.
Another significant breakthrough in sugar-derived textiles is polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a next-generation bio-based polymer that has gained attention for its superior properties. PEF is synthesised from sugar-based 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), offering an alternative to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the most used plastic in textiles and packaging. What makes PEF particularly promising is its higher mechanical strength, improved gas barrier properties, and enhanced recyclability compared to PET. These attributes make it a strong contender for use in fashion, especially in performance wear, outerwear, and eco-conscious packaging for textile products.
Beyond sustainability, sugar-based textiles offer a range of functional benefits that make them a desirable choice for modern fashion. These materials can be engineered to be moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight, and durable, making them suitable for various applications, from everyday casual wear to high-performance activewear. Some PLA fibres have even been developed to mimic the softness of silk, making them an attractive option for luxury and sustainable fashion brands. Additionally, due to their low environmental impact and biodegradability, they align with the growing shift towards circular fashion, where materials are designed to return to nature at the end of their lifecycle.
As research and innovation in biofabrication continue to advance, sugar-derived textiles are becoming more refined, scalable, and cost-effective. With ongoing improvements in blending techniques, dyeing compatibility, and enhanced fibre performance, sugar-based fabrics could soon become a mainstream alternative, reducing the industry's reliance on fossil fuel-derived materials and paving the way for a greener future in fashion.
Advantages of Sugar-Based Fabrics
Biodegradability : One of the most significant advantages of sugar-based fabrics is their ability to decompose naturally, unlike conventional synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon, which can persist in landfills and oceans for hundreds of years. Sugar-derived materials like PLA and PEF break down much faster under industrial composting conditions, contributing to waste reduction and supporting a circular economy. This property makes them an attractive solution for reducing textile pollution, a growing concern in the fashion industry.
Renewable Source : Sugar-based fabrics are derived from carbohydrate-rich crops such as sugarcane and corn, both of which are rapidly renewable resources. Unlike fossil fuel-derived fabrics that rely on non-renewable petroleum, sugarcane and corn can be replanted and harvested annually, ensuring a continuous supply. Additionally, advancements in bioengineering and agricultural practices are improving the efficiency of crop yields, further enhancing the sustainability of these fibres.
Lower Carbon Footprint : The production process of sugar-derived fibres generates significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional synthetic fibre production. The cultivation of sugarcane, for instance, acts as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Furthermore, bio-based polymers such as PLA and PEF require less energy to produce than petroleum-based plastics, reducing overall industrial carbon footprints. Some manufacturers are even integrating closed-loop production systems that utilise byproducts from sugar processing, further minimising environmental impact.
Versatility
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Sugar-based textiles are highly adaptable and can be blended with natural fibres such as cotton, wool, or hemp to enhance their properties while maintaining their eco-friendliness. This blending can improve durability, breathability, and softness, making the fabrics suitable for a wide range of applications, from casual wear to high-performance sportswear and even luxury fashion. Additionally, sugar-derived fibres can be engineered to mimic the texture and performance of traditional synthetics, allowing for innovation in fabric functionality while staying environmentally conscious.
As technological advancements continue to refine the production and application of sugar-based fabrics, these materials have the potential to revolutionise sustainable fashion by offering a viable, scalable, and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional textiles.
Challenges of Sugar-Based Textiles
While sugar-based textiles present a promising step towards sustainability, several challenges must be addressed before they can become a mainstream alternative to conventional fabrics.
Competition with Food Supply : One of the primary concerns surrounding sugar-derived textiles is the potential conflict with global food production. Sugarcane and corn, the primary sources for bio-based polymers, are also essential food crops. Large-scale cultivation of these crops for textile manufacturing may lead to land-use competition, potentially driving up food prices and contributing to food insecurity in certain regions. Additionally, intensive farming of these crops can lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and increased water consumption, counteracting some of the environmental benefits of sugar-based fabrics. To mitigate these concerns, researchers and manufacturers are exploring the use of agricultural waste and non-edible plant sources as alternative feedstocks.
Cost and Scalability : Despite their environmental benefits, sugar-derived textiles remain more expensive to produce than petroleum-based synthetics. The processes involved in fermenting sugar, polymerising it into bioplastics, and spinning it into fibres require specialised technology, which is still in the early stages of widespread industrial adoption. Additionally, economies of scale currently favour traditional synthetic textiles, as fossil-fuel-based fibre production has been optimised for decades. The higher cost of sugar-based materials makes them less accessible for fast fashion brands, limiting their presence in the mass market. However, as advancements in biofabrication technology improve efficiency and production capacities expand, costs are expected to decrease over time, making these fabrics more commercially viable.
Durability Issues
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While sugar-based fabrics like PLA and PEF offer biodegradability and a reduced environmental footprint, some of these materials may not yet match the strength and longevity of conventional synthetic fibres such as polyester or nylon. This raises concerns about product lifespan, as biodegradable textiles may degrade faster than their petroleum-based counterparts, leading to potential issues with durability in certain applications. For example, while sugar-based fibres work well for casual wear and sustainable fashion lines, they may not yet be ideal for high-performance sportswear or industrial textiles that require long-term wear resistance. Research is ongoing to enhance the mechanical properties of bio-based polymers through blending techniques and chemical modifications, aiming to strike a balance between sustainability and durability.
Addressing these challenges will be key to the widespread adoption of sugar-based textiles. By developing more sustainable cultivation methods, improving production efficiency, and enhancing material performance, the industry can work towards making sugar-derived fabrics a practical and scalable solution for the future of sustainable fashion.
The Future of Sugar in Fashion
Despite the challenges, sugar-based textiles are gaining traction in the fashion industry as brands and researchers continue to explore their potential. Leading biofabrication companies such as DuPont and NatureWorks are at the forefront of developing bio-based polymers like Sorona, a partially plant-based fibre, and Ingeo, a PLA-based fibre, which offer sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic materials. These innovations are paving the way for greater adoption of sugar-derived fabrics across various segments of the fashion industry.
Several major fashion brands are also experimenting with sugar-based textiles in their sustainable collections. High-end and eco-conscious brands are incorporating PLA and PEF fibres into their product lines, ranging from everyday wear to luxury fashion. As consumer demand for sustainable and biodegradable clothing grows, brands are under increasing pressure to reduce their reliance on petroleum-based materials, making sugar-derived fabrics an attractive alternative. Companies committed to circular fashion are particularly interested in these textiles, as they align with principles of biodegradability and reduced waste.
Beyond clothing, sugar-based materials are also making their way into sustainable accessories, footwear, and packaging solutions. Some sportswear brands are developing bio-based sneakers that incorporate PLA and PEF in their uppers and midsoles, reducing their carbon footprint while maintaining performance. In the realm of sustainable packaging, fashion retailers are exploring the use of bioplastic garment bags and compostable shopping bags derived from sugarcane as a replacement for traditional plastic packaging.
With continuous advancements in biofabrication and material engineering, the efficiency and durability of sugar-based textiles are expected to improve significantly in the coming years. Researchers are actively working on enhanced fibre blends, chemical modifications, and closed-loop recycling systems to ensure that these materials meet industry standards for strength, longevity, and performance. As production costs decrease, and large-scale manufacturing becomes more feasible, sugar-derived fabrics could shift from being a niche innovation to a mainstream choice in the global fashion market.
Ultimately, the integration of sugar-based textiles into fashion represents a step forward in reducing the industry's environmental footprint. While challenges remain, the growing interest in bio-based alternatives signals a promising future—one where sugar could become a key ingredient in shaping a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.

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- Mint
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How microplastics harm the heart
— Ghanshyam Kumar and Dr Bhanu Duggal Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain one of the leading causes of death globally, and growing evidence suggests that environmental factors may be silently worsening these health risks. Some recent studies have indicated a possible link between the severity of CVDs and microplastics – tiny fragments of plastic that infiltrate the human body through drinking water, everyday food items, fishery products, etc. In addition to CVDs, microplastics have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including gut dysfunction, respiratory complications, kidney and liver damage, reproductive and developmental problems, and even neurological disorders. Let's understand what is microplastic and what are the health risks associated with it? Microplastics are tiny particles of less than five millimetres in size. Their pervasive presence in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we consume has emerged as a serious environmental concern. Microplastics are broadly classified into primary microplastics – intentionally produced microplastics such as those found in cosmetics – and secondary microplastics – resulting from the decomposition of larger plastic materials. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE) are among the most commonly used plastics/microplastics in various applications such as making plastic bottles, disposable cutlery, bags, piping, etc. These conventional plastics are non-biodegradable and remain in the environment for a long time after their improper disposal. These plastics degrade into smaller particles through physical, chemical, or biological processes and persist in the environment due to their slow degradation rate. Notably, plastic production has increased significantly during the past few decades, with annual output exceeding 400 million tons. It is estimated to reach more than 1 billion tons by 2060. Microplastics are now ubiquitous and have been found even in remote uninhabited areas. Its widespread presence exposes all ecosystems – terrestrial as well as aquatic – and adversely affects plants, animals, and humans. Microplastics also act as carriers of other environmental pollutants such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and various toxic additives like plasticisers and stabilisers used during their manufacturing. The human body is exposed to microplastics through inhalation, ingestion of contaminated food and water, and dermal contact. Drinking water, and everyday food items such as salts, crop plants, and fishery products have been found to contain microplastics. Once inside the body, these particles can accumulate in various organs and enter the circulatory system, potentially causing harmful health effects. Microplastics have been found in biological fluids and organs such as semen, breast milk, urine, arteries, brain, liver, lung, heart, and placenta. Various in vitro studies on different cell lines and in vivo studies on animals (rats, mice, zebrafish) and humans have demonstrated the toxicity of microplastics. It can lead to gut dysfunction, respiratory issues, kidney and liver damage, reproductive and developmental problems, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs are one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases, accounting for around 27 per cent of total deaths in India in 2016. CVDs comprise various disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include diseases such as hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction (commonly known as heart attacks), and congenital heart disease. Heart attack, caused by the disruption of blood flow to the heart muscles, is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. These diseases not only cause significant mortality and morbidity but also result in high out-of-pocket medical expenses, loss of employment, mental health issues, and financial distress. Hence, studying the toxicity of microplastics on cardiovascular health is crucial. The detection of microplastics in the human body can help protect vulnerable patients (high-risk populations), which will help reduce mortality and alleviate healthcare costs for both citizens and the government. To date, there have been no studies in India on the cardiotoxicity of microplastics in humans. However, recent studies conducted globally have indicated a possible link between microplastics and the severity of CVDs. Microplastics have been shown to cause cardiotoxicity, which refers to damage to the heart muscle or its function, leading to complications such as abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), heart failure, and structural damage to heart tissue. Microplastics of varying shapes, sizes, and quantities have been detected in various cardiac tissues (including the pericardium, epicardial adipose tissue, myocardium, left atrial appendage, and pericardial adipose tissue) and in arteries (such as the coronary, cerebral, carotid, and aorta). Types of plastics identified include PVC, PET, PE, and PP, the most commonly used microplastics. Microplastics have also been associated with adverse biological effects, including oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque – composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, and calcium – accumulates inside the arteries, and leads to the narrowing of the arterial walls and disrupting blood flow to the heart muscle. If the plaque ruptures, it can lead to the formation of thrombus (blood clot), which may block the artery entirely, disrupt blood flow, and subsequently cause cardiac cell injury and death – a condition commonly known as a heart attack (myocardial infarction). Studies have shown that microplastic concentrations are higher in cardiac patients compared to control groups (non-cardiac patients). The presence of microplastics in the arteries has been linked to an increased risk of major adverse clinical outcomes, including death, heart attacks, heart failure, reduced cardiac function, and stroke during follow-up periods. Additionally, the severity of ischemic stroke has been found to be correlated with microplastic concentration. However, the lack of suitable representative samples limits the generalisation of existing research findings to the Indian population. Most studies conducted so far have also used small sample sizes. A definitive cause-and-effect (causal) relationship between microplastics and cardiovascular diseases has yet to be established. Microplastics can merely be bystanders, as confounding variables – such as exposure to other environmental pollutants and comorbidities like diabetes and other diseases – can increase the severity of CVDs. Therefore, future studies need to focus on understanding the cardiotoxicity of microplastics in India by conducting cohort studies across populations with varying levels of exposure to microplastic concentration. Such studies would be essential to establishing a causal relationship in the Indian context. In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly passed a resolution to form an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) tasked with developing a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution. But the consensus has yet to be reached. Now the upcoming INC-5.2 meeting scheduled for August 2025 offers some hope that a Global Plastic Treaty will be agreed upon – one that takes into account the concerns of stakeholders and advances global efforts to curb the menace of plastic pollution. In the case of India, the government has taken practical steps to reduce the misuse of plastics, such as banning single-use plastics effectively from July 1, 2022. Implementing the 3Rs – reduce, recycle, reuse – of waste management will significantly help reduce plastic pollution. In addition, encouraging the use of environment-friendly biodegradable bioplastics such as polyhydroxyalkanoates can help. Moreover, increasing public awareness about the toxic effects of plastics and microplastics is vital in reducing their usage and associated health risks. What are microplastics, and what are the health risks associated with it? What steps has the government taken to mitigate plastic pollution and its health effects? How can the principles of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) be effectively implemented in India to combat plastic waste? What is the role of the United Nations Environment Assembly and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) in addressing global plastic pollution? How could a Global Plastic Treaty contribute to reducing microplastic exposure and its health implications? (Ghanshyam Kumar has worked as a Research Fellow at AIIMS Rishikesh and Dr. Bhanu Duggal is Professor and Head of the Department of Cardiology at AIIMS Rishikesh.) Share your thoughts and ideas on UPSC Special articles with Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.