Materials Guide

A comprehensive guide to plastic and plastic-free materials and fabrics - learn how you can reduce your microplastic exposure in daily life by choosing the safest apparel, bedding, kitchenware, water bottle options.

Each entry on this list explores the origin, manufacturing process, other chemical concerns of plastic and plastic-free materials, as well as recommended products, alternatives, and related articles.

Plastic-Free Fabrics & Materials

Bamboo Fiber

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Mechanically processed bamboo textile, rare natural fiber similar to linen production method.

Buckwheat Hulls

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Natural filling from buckwheat seeds, firm yet moldable for supportive pillows and cushions.

Cast Iron

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Extremely durable iron alloy for cookware, develops natural non-stick surface when seasoned.

Ceramic Enamel

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Glass-like coating fused to metal at high temperatures, creating durable, non-reactive surface for cookware.

Copper

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Naturally antimicrobial metal with excellent heat conductivity, requires maintenance to prevent tarnish.

Cotton

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Natural plant fiber known for breathability, softness, and no microplastic shedding.

Organic Cotton

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Chemical-free cotton grown without synthetic pesticides, safer for skin and the environment.

Upcycled Cotton

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Recycled cotton made from textile waste, reducing water use while staying plastic-free.

Down & Feathers

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Natural insulation from waterfowl, lightweight and warm, biodegradable alternative to synthetic fills.

Goose Down

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Premium down from geese with larger clusters and superior loft compared to duck down.

Goose Feathers

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Natural feathers with quills that provide structure and support, often blended with down for firmness.

Glass

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Chemically inert, non-porous material that doesn't leach chemicals or shed microplastics.

Borosilicate Glass

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Superior heat-resistant glass with exceptional thermal shock resistance, ideal for extreme temperature changes.

Hemp

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Extremely durable natural fiber from cannabis plants, requires minimal water and pesticides to grow.

Leather

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Durable material from animal hides, tanned and processed for longevity and water resistance.

Vegetable-Tanned Leather

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Chemical-free leather tanned with plant-based tannins, develops rich patina and fully biodegradable.

Linen

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Ancient natural fiber from flax plants, prized for cooling properties and exceptional durability.

Lyocell (Tencel)

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Semi-synthetic fiber from wood pulp, processed with non-toxic closed-loop system recovering 99%+ of solvents.

Natural Bristle

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Biodegradable bristles from animal hair or plant fibers, plastic-free alternative for brushes and brooms.

Boar Bristle

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Natural pig hair bristles prized for hairbrushes, distribute oils and reduce frizz better than synthetic.

Natural Rubber

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Biodegradable elastic material from rubber tree sap, plastic-free alternative to synthetic rubber.

Rayon (Viscose)

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk
Other Concerns:Harmful Chemical Processing

Semi-synthetic fiber from wood pulp, plastic-free but often processed with toxic chemicals.

Bamboo Rayon

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk
Other Concerns:Harmful Chemical Processing

Rayon made from bamboo pulp, same toxic chemical processing despite eco-friendly marketing.

Modal

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk
Other Concerns:Harmful Chemical Processing

Modified rayon from beech trees, softer and stronger than standard rayon but typically with less chemical processing.

Silk

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Luxurious natural protein fiber from silkworms, prized for its smooth texture and natural luster.

Stainless Steel

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Corrosion-resistant steel alloy, durable and non-reactive for food contact and everyday use.

Titanium

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Ultra-lightweight, extremely strong metal prized for corrosion resistance and biocompatibility.

Wood

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Natural composite material from trees, renewable and biodegradable for kitchenware and home goods.

Bamboo Wood

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Fast-growing grass used as wood alternative, harder than many hardwoods, naturally antimicrobial.

Wool

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Natural animal fiber prized for warmth, moisture-wicking, and natural flame resistance.

Alpaca Wool

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Luxury fiber from alpacas, softer and warmer than sheep wool, naturally hypoallergenic.

Merino Wool

Plastic-Free:No Microplastic Risk

Ultra-fine sheep wool ideal for base layers, soft enough for sensitive skin, naturally odor-resistant.

Plastic Fabrics & Materials

Acrylic

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based synthetic fiber designed to mimic wool, sheds microplastics and doesn't biodegrade.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based plastic (#2) used in bottles and containers, sheds microplastics and doesn't biodegrade.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based flexible plastic (#4) used in bags and wraps, sheds microplastics and doesn't biodegrade.

Nylon

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based synthetic fabric known for strength and stretch, sheds microplastics and doesn't biodegrade.

Polycarbonate (PC)

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based hard plastic (#7) that leaches BPA, particularly concerning for hormone disruption.

Polyester

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based synthetic fabric that sheds microplastics and doesn't biodegrade.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based plastic (#1) commonly used for bottles, sheds microplastics and leaches chemicals.

Polypropylene (PP)

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based plastic (#5) used in containers and straws, sheds microplastics and doesn't biodegrade.

Polystyrene (PS)

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based plastic (#6) including Styrofoam, leaches toxins and is particularly harmful to environment.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Chlorine-based plastic (#3) that leaches toxic phthalates, one of the most hazardous plastics to avoid.

Silicone

Contains Plastic:Low Microplastic Risk

Synthetic polymer made from silica, safer than many plastics but still semi synthetic and not biodegradable.

Spandex (Elastane, Lycra)

Contains Plastic:Medium Microplastic Risk

Petroleum-based synthetic stretch fiber that sheds microplastics, commonly blended with other fabrics for elasticity.

Teflon

Contains Plastic:High Microplastic Risk

Synthetic non-stick coating (PTFE) linked to toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" that persist in environment and bodies.

Tritan

Contains Plastic:Medium Microplastic Risk

BPA-free plastic marketed as safe alternative, but research suggests hormone-disrupting properties similar to BPA.