The Bezos Earth Fund is allocating up to $34 million worth of grants to advance the research on future textile materials that could minimize the ecological footprint left behind by the fashion industry due to the resource-intensive fibers used.

The funds will be allocated to researchers and laboratories conducting studies on fiber replacements like polyester, rayon, and cotton, known for causing considerable environmental harm in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Manufacturing processes account for a significant part of the environmental impact.

The grants will be directed at scientific organizations investigating biodegradable and biological fibers. This will include research on materials that grow out of bacteria and spider-like fibers, alongside the production of improved cotton genetically engineered to increase longevity and decrease environmental footprint.

The move is part of a recent trend towards climate funding aimed at supporting sectors such as fashion, where emissions are related to supply chain and manufacturing operations. The program will reportedly bring together researchers and manufacturers to facilitate the adoption of these materials.

Current methods for creating textiles make use of synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels as well as intensive agriculture for the cultivation of cotton. Fibre pollution and water consumption are the main problems to be addressed through material innovation.

This particular investment represents an expansion of the efforts that have been made previously by the fund for sustainable fashion projects. Earlier, there were initiatives focused on design and research collaboration. This time, emphasis is placed on material innovations and development.

Alternative fibres still remain scarce because of cost and performance issues. There is research being done to find new materials that could be easily incorporated into existing manufacturing processes.

The funding is expected to support research over the coming years, to move new textile materials from laboratory development to commercial production.