A new report by environmental nonprofit Canopy has revealed that wheat straw can be used to produce high-quality viscose and lyocell fibres for the fashion industry. The development could help reduce dependence on forest-based fibres, lower air pollution caused by crop burning, and create additional income opportunities for rural communities.

The report, titled From Wheat Straw to Wardrobes: Fashioning a New Fibre Future, shares the findings of a pilot project that explored whether pulp made from Indian wheat straw could replace traditional wood-based pulp in the production of viscose and lyocell fibres.

According to the report, wheat straw pulp was successfully used to create viscose and lyocell fibres that matched the quality and performance of conventional wood-derived fibres. The project also demonstrated that these fibres could be used to make different yarns and fabrics suitable for a variety of textile applications while meeting industry performance standards.

Representatives from Reformation and TITK stated that the wheat straw-based fibre closely resembled traditional lyocell in both appearance and feel while also meeting commercial performance expectations. Other supply chain partners involved in the project also expressed confidence in the fibre’s potential for large-scale production.