NuBonelle - Biodegradable textiles— and how we balance practicality with sustainability

Textiles galore - Fabric store -  How do these fabrics biodegrade? 

Before exploring the Better Choices range in more detail, it's worth taking a closer look at some of the terms that often appear in sustainability conversations.

Responsibly sourced – materials and products obtained in ways that minimise environmental impact, support fair working practices and protect natural resources.

Eco-friendly – causing less harm to the environment than conventional alternatives.

Biodegradable – materials that can break down naturally and safely over time into microorganisms - into substances found in nature, without leaving harmful residues behind.

For example, natural fibres like cotton or linen can biodegrade — but only if they haven’t been heavily treated with synthetic chemicals.

At NuBonelle, we take this into account at the sourcing stage — not as an afterthought.

Because a textile is only as sustainable as its full lifecycle.

Below is a table setting out the time textiles need to biodegrade. The differences can be surprising. Some natural fibres may break down within weeks or months, while synthetic textiles can remain in the environment for decades.

Textile Biodegradation Timeline

Textile/Fibre	Approximate Time*	Key Notes
Linen	2 weeks	Pure natural flax‑based fibre; faster if cut into small pieces.
Hemp	2 weeks	Similar behaviour to linen; fast‑breaking natural plant fibre.
Cotton (100%)	1–5 months	Faster in compost; slower if treated or blended.
Wool	Months to ~1 year	Natural protein fibre; rate depends on thickness and conditions.
Rayon / Viscose	Weeks to a few months	Cellulosic but processed; condition‑ and blend‑dependent.
Nylon	30–40 years	Very slow; tends to fragment into microplastics.
Polyester	20–200 years	Highly persistent; microplastic release is a major concern.
Spandex / Elastane	20–200 years	Similar to polyester; very slow and not truly biodegradable.
Acrylic	200 years or more	Petroleum‑based; very slow degradation.

 

Key Insights

·       The Eco-Divide: Natural and semi-synthetic fibres completely break down in under a year. Synthetic fibres—which are essentially plastics—remain in the environment for generations.

·       Microplastic Risk: As synthetic textiles like polyester and nylon slowly break down over decades, they fragment into harmful microplastics rather than safely returning to the ecosystem.

Disclaimer: * Times are approximate ranges seen in typical disposal or landfill‑like conditions; composting or industrial bioreactors can accelerate some natural fibres, while coatings, dyes, or synthetic blends tend to significantly slow down decomposition.

 

NuBonelle's Better Choices  range - 100% Cotton textiles 

Why “Better Choices” — Not “Perfect Choices”?

We intentionally named this collection Better Choices.

Because sustainability is not always black and white.

There are always trade-offs:

• Durability vs biodegradability
• Practical use vs environmental impact
• Longevity vs disposal
• Aesthetic appeal vs efficiency and functionality

Rather than claiming perfection, we focus on making better, more informed decisions at every stage.

This includes:

• Selecting materials with lower environmental impact (cotton vs plastic)
• Designing for durability (so products last longer)
• Producing in small batches to avoid overproduction

One example is our popular pocket-sized Tissue Holder.

These are made using cotton, linen and carefully selected upcycled textiles. The aim is simple: to provide a reusable alternative to disposable plastic tissue wrappers.

The holder can be refilled repeatedly using tissues from a standard box, helping to reduce reliance on the pocket sized tissues and single-use plastic packaging.

 
 Tissue Holder made from 100% cotton - a sustainable fibre 

This small product reflects the principles behind the Better Choices Range: lower-impact materials, durability through repeated use, and small-batch production that helps avoid unnecessary waste.

It’s about progress — not perfection.

Balancing Practicality with Sustainability

A product can be sustainable — but if it doesn’t function well, it won’t be used.

And if it’s not used, it becomes waste.

So, practicality matters.

When designing pieces in the Better Choices Range, we ask:

• Will this be used regularly?
• Will it last over time?
• Does it solve a real need?

At NuBonelle we believe the most sustainable product is one that is: used, valued, and kept for longer.

This is where craftsmanship plays a crucial role.

Each NuBonelle piece is handcrafted with attention to:

• Strength
• Functionality
• Everyday usability

As well as aesthetics.

In the Better Choices Range, we strive to use natural fibres instead of synthetic alternatives wherever practical. For example, NuBonelle's drawstring washbags are made primarily from attractive, durable cotton rather than synthetic fabrics.

To ensure they remain practical for everyday use, however, we include a small waterproof lining. This contains a limited amount of plastic, allowing the washbag to perform its intended purpose while still significantly reducing the use of synthetic materials overall.

It is a good example of the choices we make throughout the range. We don't claim perfection, but we do aim to make thoughtful decisions that balance sustainability with practicality.

Because, ultimately, it's about progress — not perfection.

I believe being open about these choices is just as important as making them.

 

Better Choices -  Drawstring washbag and washcloth in sustainable cotton 

Small Choices, Real Impact

Earlier this year, NuBonelle conducted a customer survey. One message came through clearly: many people want to make more sustainable choices, but they're often unsure where to begin.

 

NuBonelle's Customer feedback - barriers to their sustainable choices

For those who are just beginning their sustainability journey, this range is an invitation — not a statement.

You don’t have to change everything overnight.

Sometimes, it starts with choosing:

• One better material
• One longer-lasting product
• One more considered purchase

And over time, those choices build.

NuBonelle's Better Choices Collection – Natural Fibres

Every product in the Better Choices Collection reflects the same philosophy: thoughtful design, carefully selected materials, practical everyday use and affordability.

Here are featured pieces:

·       Laptop Cover: 

Made from biodegradable 100% cotton, this quilted laptop cover features a vibrant blue, cerise and red Batik design, with cotton batting, muslin lining and a secure tie closure.

·       Storage Bag: 

Crafted from 100% biodegradable cotton, this compact Batik storage bag keeps every day or travel essentials organised and protected with a contrasting muslin lining, smooth zip and fabric pull.

·       Containers – Trio: 

Bring sustainable style to your home with this trio of square storage baskets in small, medium and large. Made from 100% biodegradable cotton with a contrasting lining, each set combines yellow, green and white floral and vibrant geometric fabrics. Every set is unique, creating a practical and distinctive storage solution.

·       Poop Bag Dispenser: 

Reduce plastic on dog walks with this reusable eco-friendly cotton dispenser, featuring black and grey bone and paw prints, contrast piping, a sturdy snap clip, and a compact 9.5 cm x 5.5 cm size that fits standard waste bag rolls. Includes a roll of free poop bags.  

            

Closing Thought

Sustainability isn’t about doing everything right.

It’s about doing things more thoughtfully.

And sometimes, the best place to start…
is simply making a better choice.

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Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What does a "better choice" mean to you?

Whether you're already making sustainable changes or just beginning to explore the possibilities, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Share your experiences in the comments or join the conversation on our NuBonelle social media channels. 

Because the conversation around sustainability isn’t fixed— it’s something we build together.

Join the NuBonelle mailing list

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If you would like to access sustainability training the Carbon Literacy Project provides generic training courses and specialist for different sectors.

 

Biography 

 

My love for textiles and making started long before I ever imagined creating a sustainable brand.

One of my earliest memories is sewing at infant school. I’d take my needlework home over the weekend, finish it as quickly as I could, and bring it back on Monday, hoping I’d be immediately given another piece to make. That joy of creating something by hand has never really left me.

I went on to study textiles and fashion, trained at the London College of Fashion, and worked in the fashion industry, gaining professional experience in garment technology and high-quality craftsmanship.

Later I ran children’s wear businesses and managed a fashion centre, so I’ve seen the industry from the inside — its creativity, its pace, and its impact.

Over time, I became increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the industry, the environmental toll of textile production and fast fashion. That awareness changed how I thought about materials, design, and what it really means to create responsibly.

NuBonelle grew from that shift in thinking.

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