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Jane Wood, Lecturer in Textile and Fashion Technology, University of Manchester

The surprising chemical footprint of your clothes

Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

When trying to make more sustainable clothing choices, many consumers follow a simple rule: choose natural fibres over synthetic ones. Cotton instead of polyester. Wool instead of acrylic. Linen instead of nylon.

The logic seems straightforward. Natural fibres originate from plants or animals, while synthetic fibres are largely derived from fossil fuels. If a fibre comes from nature, it must surely be the more environmentally friendly option.

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