Book excerpt: The textile industry is focused in its search for alternative green fibres with the aim of providing high-quality products which are fully recyclable and biodegradable. Natural textile materials from renewable sources play an increasingly important role in the industry due to their unique properties and functionality over synthetic fibres, as well as their sustainability. Fundamentals of Natural Fibres and Textiles covers all the fundamental and basic information about natural fibres and textiles. Many different fibres are covered from their origin, through processing, properties, and applications. The latest methods for characterisation and testing of natural fibres are all addressed with reference to cutting-edge industry trends. This uniquely comprehensive approach to the topic provides the ideal entry point to natural fibres for textile and clothing scientists, engineers, designers, researchers, students, and manufacturers of such products. Explains the characteristics of natural fibres to show how they compare to synthetic fibres for a range of purposes Provides an overview of the environmental impact of the processing of fibres and how this creates industrial waste Covers a wide range of natural fibres in detail, from traditional silk and wool to electrospun biopolymers Provides the latest updates on technologies for designing natural fibres and applying them to the development of new products