Eco-innovation in Textiles: Sustainable Technical Fibers and the Future of Fashion

The fashion industry is among the most resource-intensive and envi-ronmentally impactful sectors worldwide, due to high water consumption, chem-ical use, greenhouse gas emissions, and textile waste. These pressures have been further intensified by fast-fashion models characterized by accelerated production and consumption cycles. In response, sustainability and circular economy princi-ples have become central to debates on the future of fashion, with fiber innovation emerging as a critical lever for reducing environmental impact. This chapter exam-ines technical eco-innovation in textiles by focusing on sustainable and innovative fibers as a pathway toward a more circular and responsible fashion system. Drawing on the literature on sustainable fashion, circular economy, and green innovation, the chapter explores how fibers derived from waste and renewable biological sources can contribute to waste reduction, resource efficiency, and value creation. Particular attention is devoted to the luxury fashion sector, which faces both opportunities and tensions in integrating sustainability while preserving quality and exclusivity. Based on the results from a narrative review and multiple case-based analysis (Orange Fiber, Piñatex, and Mylo) the chapter illustrates different models of sustainable fiber innovation, including waste-to-resource processes, plant-based leather alternatives, and biotechnology-driven materials. The analysis highlight both the potential and the challenges of scaling sustainable fibers, emphasizing the importance of supply-chain collaboration, technological maturity, and consumer acceptance. Overall, the chapter positions sustainable technical fibers at the intersection of innovation, circularity, and consumer culture, contributing to the rethinking of the future of fashion.