What is Orange Fiber?
Orange Fiber is an Italian company that’s truly breaking new ground in sustainable fashion. They’re the world’s first brand to produce fabrics made from citrus juice by-products—yes, the leftover bits from juicing oranges and other citrus fruits. Since 2014, their innovative and patented process has been turning what would be waste into refined, silky textiles that luxury and premium brands can’t get enough of. It’s a fresh take on sustainability, blending innovation with tradition to create something genuinely unique.
The Main Benefit: Sustainability Meets Innovation
Orange Fiber’s approach isn’t just clever—it’s impactful. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight why this project matters:
- Citrus is the largest fruit crop worldwide, but 40–60% of the fruit ends up as waste after juicing.
- In Italy alone, 1 million tons of citrus juice by-products are produced every year.
- Globally, 110–120 million tons of citrus waste are generated annually, posing huge environmental challenges.
- Orange Fiber’s patented process transforms these by-products into high-quality, sustainable fabrics.
- The company partners with industry leaders to push the boundaries of eco-friendly textile production.
Innovative Collaborations: TENCEL™ & Orange Fiber
One of the coolest things about Orange Fiber is its collaboration with the Lenzing Group, a global leader in wood-based specialty fibers. Together, they created the first-ever TENCEL™ branded Lyocell fiber made from a blend of orange and wood pulp. This isn’t just any fiber—it’s produced using the same award-winning closed-loop process as standard TENCEL™ Lyocell, making it a game-changer for sustainability in textiles. This partnership brings a novel cellulosic fiber to the market, pushing the fashion industry toward a greener future.
From Fiber to Yarn: The Italian Craftsmanship
The journey from citrus waste to fabric is a fascinating one. After creating the TENCEL™ Limited Edition x Orange Fiber, the transformation into yarn happens at Pozzi Electa’s factories. Pozzi Electa is a top-notch Italian manufacturer known for high-quality yarns. Through spinning and twisting, they produce the prized Orange Fiber yarn, available in various counts and ready to be woven. This step highlights the blend of cutting-edge innovation with Italy’s rich textile heritage.
Fabric Collections: Versatility Meets Tradition
Orange Fiber’s fabric collections are the perfect example of sustainable innovation meeting traditional craftsmanship. They collaborate with renowned textile companies across Italy and Europe to develop fabrics that are not only eco-friendly but also versatile and timeless. For instance, Tessitura Serica Taborelli in Como crafts shuttle-weave fabrics inspired by silk traditions, while Tessuti di Sondrio (part of the Marzotto group) focuses on fabrics for men’s clothing. Candiani, famous for denim, also partners with Orange Fiber to create sustainable denim collections. These collaborations ensure that the fabrics meet diverse creative needs across fashion and design.
Project Impact: Aligning with Global Goals
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by turning waste into valuable textiles.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – through patented, innovative production processes.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by reducing environmental impact linked to textile waste and production.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – supporting sustainable industry growth and partnerships.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by minimizing waste disposal and its harmful effects on ecosystems.
Award-Winning Leadership in Sustainable Fashion
Since its start in 2014, Orange Fiber has grown from a bold startup into a recognized leader in sustainable textile innovation. The company’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed—they’ve snagged numerous awards like the Social Innovation Tournament by the EIB Institute (Finalist), Mass Challenge Switzerland, MF Supply Chain Awards, and the Global Change Award, among others. In 2020, they were even selected as an official nominator for the prestigious Earthshot Prize by the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. These accolades reflect Orange Fiber’s commitment to reshaping luxury fashion with ethics and sustainability at its core.
