Is Orange Fiber Vegan? Material Facts & Alternatives
Also known as: Citrus cellulose fibre, Citrus silk
Vegan
No animal products or byproducts are involved in the production of this material.
Origin
Plant-derived — produced from the pastazzo (citrus peel and pulp waste) left over from the Italian citrus juice industry, particularly in Sicily. Developed by Adriana Santanocito and Enrica Arena.
Common Uses
Luxury fashion. Ferragamo produced a limited capsule collection in 2017 in collaboration with Orange Fiber.
Durability
Comparable to silk in drape and feel. Relatively new — long-term durability data accumulating.
Environmental Impact
Low Environmental ImpactUses industrial waste from the citrus juice industry — approximately 700,000 tonnes of pastazzo is generated annually in Italy alone. The fibre itself requires no dedicated agricultural land. Production is chemical-free.
Editorial Notes
One of the most innovative next-gen materials. The fabric can be infused with citrus essential oils during production, providing a subtle natural scent. Currently very limited production and high cost. Fully biodegradable. A compelling waste-to-fibre story.