Sustainable materials vary across the globe. Though many people throughout the world are embracing a more eco-friendly lifestyle, this looks different for everyone depending on their location. Here are nine of our favorite sustainable bedding materials, sourced from around the world, and what you need to know about each.
- Organic cotton – Arguably one of the more popular eco-friendly options, cotton grown without the use of harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers is becoming more common. Consumers enjoy it because it’s soft, breathable, and biodegradable, which means you don’t need to feel bad about disposing of it when the time comes. If you’re new to organic cotton materials, try this Oxywash 100% cotton sheet set, which uses unique steam technology to reduce water consumption and maximize softness and comfort.
- Linen – Another popular option in the United States, this material is made from the flax plant. It’s especially durable and requires less water and energy to produce than synthetic fibers. Soft, simple linen bedding feels natural and can add a touch of luxury to any bed – we love this solid white set for that crisp, fresh sheet feeling.
- Hemp – A fast-growing option, hemp requires minimal water to produce and typically pesticides are not used in its growth. With hemp, you get strong and breathable fibers, resulting in more durable and eco-friendly bedding options. Hemp is most popular in a few different regions, historically cultivated in China, Canada, and France. The material is growing in popularity in the United States, India, and Australia as well.
- Bamboo – Most commonly found in Asian countries, bamboo has been used for a variety of purposes for centuries. It’s a highly sustainable material because it grows rapidly without the need for excessive water or other chemicals. Naturally hypoallergenic, it has excellent moisture-wicking properties, so it’s especially great for warmer climates. Right now you can find bamboo bedding in most countries, but it’s more popular in China in particular.
- Tencel – Also called lyocell, this fabric is derived from sustainably harvested wood pulp and is known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. While the production of tencel is not limited to any specific region, the biggest manufacturers are in Austria, the US, China, Indonesia, and Brazil. This industry is growing quickly and we expect this sustainable bedding material to spread globally in coming years.
- Wool – A natural fiber derived from the fleece of sheep or other animals (such as goats or llamas), wool is incredibly versatile and tends to be popular in clothing, bedding, and other applications. When sourced ethically, it is a renewable and biodegradable material. There is a large variety of wool, and different countries specialize in production of certain types. Sheep wool is the most common type, and its production has a long history in several areas of the world. Right now major wool-producing regions are Australia, New Zealand, China, the UK, Argentina, and South Africa. Australia in particular is renowned for its superior quality wool production. Cashmere, which comes from the softer undercoat of cashmere goats, is most notably produced in Mongolia, China, Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of central Asia. Finally, there is also Angora, which comes from angora rabbits and is primarily produced in China, Chile, France, and Germany. Wool is exceptional at providing insulation and regulating body temperature, so it’s ideally suited to cooler climates.
- Silk – A natural fiber produced by silkworms, this luxurious and renewable material is used in lots of high-end bedding options. It’s especially eco-friendly when created using fewer resources than its synthetic alternatives. Though commonly produced in several countries, there are certain areas that are known for their silk production. China, India, Japan, Thailand, and Brazil all take special pride in their beautiful and high-quality silk.
- Nettle fiber – Made from the stalks of the stinging nettle plant, this sustainable alternative to conventional materials requires fewer resources to produce and is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It’s also wrinkle-resistant and extremely moisture absorbent. Though not as commonly used as other natural fibers, it’s historically been used for a few different purposes, including everything from clothing to ropes and fishing nets. Its popularity in the bedding sector has been somewhat limited, but constant innovation in the eco-friendly fabric industry could change that in the future.
- Kapok – A natural fiber derived from the seed pods of the kapok tree, this fabric is lightweight, naturally hypoallergenic, and offers excellent insulation properties. Typically produced in tropical regions like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and India, certain conditions must be met for the kapok tree to grow and produce seed pods. Fibers are harvested and then used to produce bedding like pillows and mattresses, along with other applications like insulation materials.
There is a growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly bedding materials, and we expect the industry to work hard to keep up with demand. As consumers express more interest in making environmentally safe choices, fabric manufacturers around the world are working hard to innovate and produce new options for bedding materials. Make sure to keep up with our blog so that you can see which of the latest eco-friendly choices make sense for your bedroom.
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