The circular fashion market is valued between $6 billion and $7.5 billion, with an annual growth rate of about 9 percent, indicating a shift toward sustainability. Such circular fashion challenges the traditional “take, make, dispose” model by offering solutions to the industry’s waste and environmental issues.

These days, the novel material development is very active in textile industry. Derived from renewable resources such as plants, agricultural byproducts and organic waste, biobased materials reduce dependence on fossil fuels and offer better end-of-life solutions. Pineapple leaves, banana stems and hemp are being repurposed into sustainable textiles, while leather alternatives made from mycelium and cactus-based materials offer durable, eco-friendly options. In fact, there are consistently more textile raw materials being made from biobased feedstock in the market.

Yet as brands embrace these innovative materials, credible third-party verification and science-backed solutions become critical. Unverified sustainability and material claims—even when true—can still lead to skepticism among consumers and regulators.  

In a recent fireside chat, Lauren Parker, director of SJ and Fairchild Studios, chatted with Min Zhu, senior director, technical services and operations, US & Canada Softlines, SGS, and Haley Gershon, marketing manager at SGS Beta (formerly Beta Analytic), which SGS acquired in November 2024. Both explored the growing market for biobased materials—and their increasing needs for validation—in the industry quest for accountability.

“Carbon-14 results tell you exactly how much of a product comes from biobased, or renewable, versus fossil-based sources,” said Gershon. “That’s a key piece of the puzzle for companies making sustainability claims, especially with growing global regulations and consumer demand for transparency.”

In footwear, innovations are also making an impact. Gershon pointed to a major sneaker brand that achieved certification under the USDA BioPreferred Program, with their sustainable sneakers containing 75 percent bio-based content (without any compromise on durability or performance). Gershon explained that certifications—like SGS’s green mark—build trust with consumers, investors and retailers, enhancing brand credibility while protecting companies from reputational risks tied to greenwashing.

Rigorous testing, combined with material innovation, allows brands to meet sustainability and circularity goals without sacrificing functionality or quality. As regulatory pressures grow and consumers demand greater transparency, verified biobased materials will assume an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of fashion.

“SGS provides certifications that the brand can share with their consumers and business partners, offering retailers assurance that the products they carry meet the industry’s rigorous standards and regulations,” said Zhu. “[It validates] that these products aren’t just simply marketing gimmicks.”

As environmental scrutiny of the fashion industry intensifies, advancements in sustainable materials and credible verification are increasingly essential. SGS helps brands navigate these challenges with broad range of testing and certification services under the four pillars of its recent “IMPACT NOW” sustainability initiative—Circularity, Climate, ESG Assurance and Nature.

To view the fireside chat, click the video above.

To learn more about SGS, click here.
To learn more about SGS Beta (formerly Beta Analytic), click here.