Banana
Banana fabric and banana silk yarn are two products derived from the banana tree. Banana silk yarn is much easier to find than the fabric. The yarn is soft, cozy and versatile enough to create a variety of knit wearables. Try a banana yarn scarf, knit hat or a big, bulky sweater. Banana yarn comes from banana tree bark, which is soaked until it dissolves into fibers. The process includes pulverizing the fibers into pulp, then spinning the pulp into yarn. Banana fabric, or jusi, was popular prior to the widespread use of cotton, and is limited to areas of Asia, according to the Eco Fashion World website. The fabric comes from banana tree stalks, with the stalk's inner layer producing the finest fibers used for saris and kimonos.
Castor Bean Oil
A large number of organic plastics are created from this oil. The process of polymerization makes a durable, flexible plastic from the oil that's used primarily in sunglasses. Smith and Dragon are both known for using it in their products.
Coconut
Coconut fiber is strong, durable and derived from either coconut husks or shells. Husk fiber, also called coir, is ideal for ropes and rugs, while the shell fiber makes lightweight sportswear like fleeces and shells. The process of creating coir includes soaking young coconut husks for at least eight months and then beating the fiber until it can be pulled from the husk and spun into yarn. The fiber and fabric made from coconut shells uses activated carbon from the shells and other food waste, which are mixed with recycled polyester to form an odor-absorbing, moisture-wicking fabric, according to the Tree Hugger website. The final product is fast-drying and UV protecting.
Coffee
Companies like Singtex are using coffee grounds in their fabrics because it's quick drying and odor eliminating. Don't worry, it doesn't mean you smell like coffee all day. The grounds are converted into yarn and then knitted or woven. You can find coffee in active wear t-shirts and even sports bras.
Pineapple
Pineapple fabric, or Pina cloth, is a fine silk derived from pineapple leaves. The fabric is sheer, elegant and lightweight, yet hearty enough for intricate embroidery. It's often used for fine apparel, such as wedding dresses and other formal gowns. The fabric comes from leaf fibers that are bleached in the sun, knotted up and woven into fiber. Pina cloth has been an elegant addition to the Philippines for more than 200 years, according to the Crafting Green World website.
