Sustainable home textiles are rethought: what was still expected of us in 2025/2026

Sustainable home textiles are at the heart of the trends for 2025 and 2026, as the previews from leading textile trade fairs clearly show.  From January 14 to 17, 2025 ,  the largest home textiles trade fair in Germany presented the latest innovations and developments, revealing a clear direction: The future belongs to transparent, environmentally conscious textile solutions.

The Home Textiles Trends 25/26 , curated by Alcova Milano , combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Sustainable fabrics made from natural fibers are gaining increasing importance, while sustainable fashion is also influencing the home textiles industry. Organic cotton fabrics, , are establishing themselves as the new norm. The color palette of the Home Textiles Trends includes natural tones such as "Naturally Uneven Green" and "Imperfect Pink ," reflecting the connection between nature and vibrant color nuances.

In addition to aesthetic aspects, practical considerations are also coming to the fore. Repairability and local production are becoming increasingly important to consumers. Furthermore, innovations such as the development of  polymers from agricultural waste *  and the recycling of textiles demonstrate that the industry is actively seeking sustainable solutions. Certifications for water protection, biodiversity, and soil revitalization further underscore the holistic approach of sustainable textile production.

The return of natural fibers: Materials in transition

Traditional natural fibers are experiencing an impressive renaissance in the world of home textiles. While synthetic fibers dominated for decades, designers and consumers are now turning back to sustainable alternatives.

Hemp, jute and flax are on the rise

Natural fibers such as  hemp, jute, flax, and nettle are  regaining importance due to their exceptional properties.  Hemp fibers, obtained from the plant's stems, impress with their robustness, durability, and antimicrobial properties – ideal for insulation, carpets, and curtains.  Jute fibers from the Corchorus plant are prized for their tensile strength and biodegradability.  Linen, obtained from the stems of the flax plant, is distinguished by its strength and breathability.

Ilse Crawford's "Wellbeing Collection" illustrates this trend particularly impressively.  It fulfills four key criteria: natural, locally sourced fibers, hand-spun production, no bleaching agents, and no dyes.  This creates a contrast to the short-lived throwaway culture, and the importance of artisanal traditions is rediscovered.

Organic cotton fabrics as the new norm

Although  only about 1% of the world's cotton  is organically grown, this sector is steadily expanding.  Conventional cotton production causes significant environmental damage: it accounts for 10 to 20% of global pesticide use and consumes about 3% of global water .

In contrast, organic cotton requires 91% less water, 62% less energy, and uses 98% fewer pesticides.  It also avoids genetically modified seeds.  Certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) monitor compliance with strict environmental standards.

Regenerative agriculture as a basis

The next evolutionary stage of sustainable home textiles is based on regenerative agriculture . Projects with names like "Syntropic Materials" or "Synthropic Farming" are investigating this method as a sustainable solution for textiles and food with the aim of improving soil health and biodiversity.

Unlike strictly regulated organic farming, regenerative agriculture has no rigid set of rules.  Instead, farmers rely on minimal tillage, permanent cover crops, and deep-rooting plants.  Particularly promising: Both regenerative and organic farming lead to soils richer in humus, which can absorb more water and store more CO2.

The global non-profit organization Textile Exchange * has published a comprehensive report on this topic, providing the industry with a framework to understand and invest in the transition to regenerative agriculture.  The collaborative approach between farmers, researchers, and indigenous communities paves the way for a new, non-extractive economic model in textile production.

Circularity and transparency in the supply chain

In the home textiles industry, supply chain transparency is increasingly coming into focus. While sustainable materials form the basis, the entire production chain ultimately determines the environmental footprint of textiles.

Why traceability is becoming crucial

The traceability of textiles is gaining importance for good reason: studies show that  53.3% of the environmental claims reviewed *  in the EU are classified as vague, misleading, or unfounded.  Particularly alarming: 40% of these claims are not substantiated at all.  Regarding organic cotton – a key material for sustainable home textiles – experts estimate that at least 20-30% of global production is not actually organically grown.

Traceability fulfills several key functions: it identifies the raw materials used, verifies the authenticity of branded products, quantifies the actual material content, and creates transparency across the complex supply chain.  DNA-based methods, marking systems, and blockchain technologies are increasingly being used for this purpose.

Open-source approaches in textile production

, open-source initiatives are developing to bring greater transparency to the industry.  With nearly 47,000 registered production sites,  the Open Apparel Registry (OAR) be conducted via the Open Supply Hub

Furthermore, innovative approaches like those of the Berlin-based studio HILO, with its open-source tools for small-scale production, are opening up new avenues in textile manufacturing.  These tools enable local experimentation and prototyping, facilitating the transition between artisanal and industrial production.

Fighting greenwashing through EU regulations

To protect consumers from misleading environmental claims, the EU has strict regulations against greenwashing . The most important changes are:

• Environmental claims about the entire product that only concern a part of it are prohibited
• Climate statements based on emissions offsetting will be severely restricted
• Sustainability labels must in future be based on third-party certification systems or originate from government agencies
• Future-oriented environmental commitments require clear, measurable implementation plans with regular review

These measures aim to help consumers make better-informed purchasing decisions regarding the environmental impact, durability, and repairability of home textiles.  At the same time, circular supply chains support a systematic approach to collecting and recycling materials, extending their lifespan and reducing environmental impact.

Technological innovations for sustainable home textiles

Technological breakthroughs are significantly expanding the possibilities for sustainable home textiles. These innovations aim to reduce the ecological footprint and establish closed-loop production cycles.

Waterless dyeing processes and closed cycles

Conventional textile dyeing places a huge burden on the environment. Waterless dyeing processes, on the other hand, offer impressive advantages:

• Reduction of water consumption by up to 95%
• savings of approximately  67%  compared to conventional methods
• Reduction of hazardous auxiliary substances by up to 95%

Dyeing with supercritical CO₂, also known as air dyeing, is particularly promising.  In this process, water is replaced by carbon dioxide as the dye solvent.  In a closed-loop system, approximately  95%  recycled after the dyeing process.   25 liters  per T-shirt .

In addition, solvent dyeing, spin dyeing, and sublimation transfer printing are becoming established as waterless alternatives.  These processes are suitable for various materials such as cotton, linen, viscose, wool, silk, and nylon.

Recycling of textile waste and new fibers

Alarming: Less than  1%  of used textiles worldwide are recycled.  In Germany, over one million tons of used textiles are collected annually, but only  26%  of them are recycled.

Mechanical recycling currently accounts for the majority of recycling. However, this process produces shortened fibers that are only suitable for new textiles to a limited extent.  Innovations such as the project by eeden and Hohenstein Innovations gGmbH therefore aim for higher-quality fiber-to-fiber recycling .

Advanced recycling methods also include depolymerization , in which synthetic fibers are broken down into their basic chemical building blocks.  These processes enable the production of high-quality spinnable fibers from textile waste.

Brewed Protein™ and other bio-based materials

A groundbreaking innovation is Brewed Protein™ – a revolutionary material created through the microbial fermentation of plant-based ingredients.  This process, developed by Spiber , mimics natural protein evolution and produces versatile, sustainable materials.

The environmental benefits are considerable: Compared to animal proteins like cashmere, Brewed Protein™ reduces greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land use by up to  99% .  Furthermore, the material is biodegradable – both in marine environments and in soil.

Brewed Protein™ is already used in commercial products  Goldwin , The North Face , and Woolrich Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia blends it with merino wool, while the Kering Group (Gucci, Bottega Veneta) is testing its applications.

Furthermore, startups like Re-Root Tex Solution materials from pineapple leaves – agricultural by-products that are processed into high-quality textiles instead of being disposed of.

Cultural significance and visions for the future

Home textiles are far more than functional everyday objects – they embody cultural values, tell stories, and shape our identity. This deeper meaning is gaining increasing relevance in the sustainable textile industry.

Textiles as carriers of history and identity

Even in Roman times, textiles served as a direct means of expressing personality and identity. The EU-funded project DressID explored how clothing functioned as a marker for religious, ethnic, gender, and professional identities. Clothing reveals the degree of cultural assimilation of a region and its inhabitants.

Even today, sustainable home textiles offer diverse opportunities to play with one's own identity – be it through association with social groups or by emphasizing individuality. In previous centuries, textiles were of such high quality that they were worn for decades, mended, and even passed down to subsequent generations.

Combining craftsmanship and high-tech

Modern textile production merges traditional craftsmanship with high-tech processes. Companies like PONGS combine over 100 years of experience in textile manufacturing with state-of-the-art technology. Experts like Christian Kaiser emphasize:

High tech needs a foundation in craftsmanship.”

This connection is crucial for the future of the European textile industry, which is undergoing a transformation towards a circular economy. At the Circular Lab, companies and scientists are working on radically new approaches, while firms like everve in Albstadt handcraft cycling apparel while simultaneously searching for high-performance, bio-based materials.

Colors that tell stories

The color palette of the Heimtextil Trends 25/26 reflects current social developments. From “Naturally Uneven Green” to “End of Petrol” and “Imperfect Pink” – each color tells a story and has been interpreted by Alcova both visually and verbally. These colors combine natural, unbleached tones with dynamic, vibrant accents and reflect the tension between tradition and innovation.

The designs at Heimtextil 2025 were strongly influenced by nature – with patterns and shapes reminiscent of organic structures such as leaves, waves, or irregular lines. These design elements, collectively known as “ Naturally Uneven,” exude vibrancy, individuality, and authenticity.

What follows from this…?

The future of sustainable home textiles is undoubtedly promising. Natural fibers such as hemp, jute, and flax are not only returning as nostalgic elements but are establishing themselves as pioneering materials due to their outstanding properties. Organic cotton – as used by Verhees Textiles – and regenerative agriculture form the foundation for a fundamental transformation in the industry.

Particularly noteworthy is the transparency that now permeates the entire supply chain. Strict EU regulations against greenwashing ensure that consumers can make informed choices. Furthermore, technological innovations such as waterless dyeing processes and Brewed Protein™ are revolutionizing production processes in a sustainable way. These technologies significantly reduce the environmental footprint while simultaneously enabling the production of high-quality textiles.

Sustainable home textiles are far more than just environmentally friendly products. They also serve as carriers of history and identity. The fascinating fusion of traditional craftsmanship with high-tech processes creates textiles that are both culturally significant and future-proof.

In summary, the textile industry is at a crucial turning point. The trends for 2025 clearly demonstrate that sustainability is not a passing fad, but a fundamental reorientation. By combining tradition, innovation, and environmental awareness, home textiles that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional, but also make a positive contribution to our planet. The coming years will undoubtedly bring exciting developments in this area, with the potential to make our living spaces more sustainable and conscious.