Currently, textile production relies on resources like cotton: thirsty for water, pesticides and human labour.

Solutions might be closer than we think.

We could utilise locally available, abundant plants

that grow even when we try to get rid of them.

Take lupine, for example.

It is an invasive perennial plant that spreads explosively and suffocates local species. But it can also be used to create stunning, texture-rich fibre and fabric.

Or green algae, a local species growing near the shorelines of the Baltic sea – but growing more and more because of the eutrophication.

Could we see the surrounding flora and fauna in a new light and find value and possibilities in unseen places?

To create new, we should also utilise old, like recycled textiles – or even old books.

The variety of alternative materials is extensive, from cellulosic to lignin, oat, beans – you name it.

All of these different possibilities also highlight the natural characteristics and potential of the resources.

So in addition to looking for less harmful solutions for textile productions, the current research is also exploring the yet unseen possibilities that new materials could bring along.

Digital textile printing can be utilised to print on recycled or upcycled materials, but that's not all.

It can also mimic the visual effects of more harmful or complex printing and manufacturing methods or excessibe yarn material use.