ESG Natural non Animal Materials

Material

Environmental

Social

Governance

Abaca (Manila Hemp)

Low environmental impact, biodegradable, and requires minimal pesticides but can lead to deforestation if not managed sustainably.

Supports rural economies but can involve poor labor conditions in some regions.

Regulation varies by country; certification schemes help ensure sustainability.

Bamboo

Fast-growing and renewable, but intensive processing for fabric (e.g., bamboo rayon) can involve harmful chemicals.

Can provide fair wages in ethical supply chains but is sometimes linked to exploitative labor practices.

Certification programs like FSC ensure sustainable sourcing, but enforcement varies.

Coir

Sustainable byproduct of coconut farming; requires minimal processing and is biodegradable.

Often produced by smallholder farmers but can involve low wages and unsafe working conditions.

Fair trade certifications improve governance, but informal labor can make oversight difficult.

Cork

Highly sustainable as harvesting does not harm trees; biodegradable and recyclable.

Harvesting supports local communities, particularly in Portugal and Spain.

Strict regulations in major producing countries ensure sustainability and fair labor practices.

Cork Leather

Harvesting is sustainable as cork trees regenerate, low environmental impact

Supports rural economies, provides fair employment

Strong certifications like FSC ensure ethical sourcing

Cotton

High water consumption and pesticide use in conventional farming; organic cotton mitigates impact but has lower yields.

Linked to forced labor in some regions; fair trade initiatives aim to improve conditions.

Global initiatives like Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) promote sustainable governance, but enforcement gaps exist.

Glass Fibers

Energy-intensive production; non-biodegradable but recyclable.

Manufacturing can expose workers to hazardous conditions without proper safety measures.

Regulations govern workplace safety and emissions, but oversight varies by region.

Hemp

Low environmental impact, requires little water and no pesticides; highly durable and biodegradable.

Supports rural economies but has historical regulatory barriers due to association with cannabis.

Regulatory acceptance is increasing, with certifications ensuring responsible production.

Jute

Biodegradable, requires minimal inputs, but overproduction can lead to soil degradation.

Major industry in Bangladesh and India; worker conditions and wages vary.

Governments support jute production, but worker protections are inconsistent.

Kapok

Naturally pesticide-free and biodegradable; minimal environmental impact.

Often harvested by small-scale farmers with limited labor protections.

Few industry-wide regulations, though sustainable sourcing is gaining attention.

Linen

Flax requires less water and pesticides than cotton; fully biodegradable.

Supports artisanal industries but has some labor concerns in mass production.

Certifications like European Flax ensure sustainability, but adoption is not universal.

Lyocell (Tencel/Modal)

Made from wood pulp with closed-loop processing, minimizing waste and chemical impact.

Better labor standards in certified production facilities, but concerns exist in unregulated mills.

Certified sustainable sources (e.g., FSC) improve governance, but traceability can be challenging.

Metallic Fibers

Mining for metal components can have high environmental costs, but recycled metallic fibers reduce impact.

Mining can involve unsafe labor conditions and exploitative practices.

Governance depends on responsible sourcing initiatives and ethical mining regulations.

Piñatex

Made from pineapple leaves, a byproduct, reducing waste

Provides additional income for pineapple farmers, fair trade concerns

Emerging industry, needs better standardization

Ramie

Low-impact crop, requiring minimal inputs; biodegradable and durable.

Labor conditions vary; traditional processing is labor-intensive and sometimes unsafe.

Few industry-wide sustainability standards, but some certifications exist.

Recycled Leather

Reduces waste and chemical use compared to virgin leather

Depends on ethical sourcing of recycled materials, labor conditions vary

Transparency in recycling processes is inconsistent

Recycled Wool

Reduces water and energy use, minimizes textile waste

Potential labor issues in recycling facilities

Lack of global standards for wool recycling

Rubber

Deforestation concerns for natural rubber; synthetic rubber has petrochemical impacts.

Often involves exploitative labor, especially in rubber plantations in Southeast Asia.

Initiatives like FSC-certified rubber improve governance, but adoption is limited.

Sea Island Cotton

High pesticide use unless organic, high water consumption

Often produced under fair conditions, but luxury pricing excludes small farmers

Certified cotton schemes improve transparency

Sisal

Sustainable, drought-resistant crop; biodegradable and durable.

Supports small-scale farmers, but fair wages and conditions are not always ensured.

Limited governance structures, though sustainable certification efforts are growing.