The Newest Eco-Textile: Animal Feathers and Wheat Gluten

Currently there are many natural fiber alternatives on the market, but 38 million tons of synthetic fiber is still produced annually, the majority of which is derived from petroleum. A new study however, has found that regenerated proteins could be an abundant alternative to the vast amount of synthetic fibers in use today.

Researchers have discovered that proteins in wheat gluten and feather keratin, when processed correctly, have suitable characteristics for use in a wide range of fiber-based applications. Unlike synthetic fibers, protein-based fiber originates from waste or by-product sources that are rapidly renewable but have similar qualities to wool. The US alone creates about 5 billion lbs. of feathers annually, the majority of which have no suitable use. Wheat gluten is also abundantly available, low in cost and a renewable resource.

Protein-based fibers have always suffered from poor wet strength, but this problem can be mitigated thanks to advances in nanoparticle and cross-linking technology thereby making protein based fibers a more commercially viable alternative.

Cellulose based fibers have been gaining popularity in recent years, but protein-based fibers are quite promising as they are commercially abundant, consistent in quality and have a guaranteed supply. With further research, protein based fibers have the potential to tap already existing infrastructures for raw material, and produce a wide range of useful products in place of the multitude of petro-based synthetics.

To find out more, check out the article at Bio-Macromolecules