Sorona® and WGSN Unveil Bio-Based Material Trends Shaping Fashion Through 2027
New report highlights three emerging trends driving the future of sustainable textiles, performance apparel and bio-based material innovation.
Sorona®, the partially bio-based polymer from Covation Biomaterials (CovationBio™), has partnered with global trend forecasting authority WGSN to release a new report identifying the leading bio-based material trends expected to influence the textile and apparel industry through 2027 and beyond.
The research combines analysis of bio-based functional fiber applications with global market and consumer data, highlighting how sustainability, performance and evolving consumer preferences are reshaping product development across athleisure, ready-to-wear and luxury fashion.
Bio-Based Materials Gain Momentum
According to the report, the global bio-based materials market is projected to reach USD 285.3 billion by 2029, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%. This growth significantly outpaces conventional textile and synthetic fiber markets, reflecting increasing demand for sustainable alternatives.
Consumer behavior is reinforcing this trend. Search interest in natural fibers continues to rise, with searches for “wool base layer” increasing by 61% and “cotton leggings” up 21% year-over-year. Global interest in chemical-free materials is also steadily increasing, demonstrating stronger consumer preference for environmentally responsible and skin-friendly textiles.
Three Trends Shaping Apparel Innovation
The report identifies three major trends expected to influence apparel development through 2027:
New Nature
This trend focuses on circularity and next-generation bio-based materials, encouraging the use of hybrid fiber combinations and renewable resources to create more sustainable textile solutions while maintaining functionality and design flexibility.
Climate Flex
As climate conditions continue to evolve, consumers are seeking apparel that offers greater comfort across changing environments. Climate Flex emphasizes temperature-regulating, breathable and performance-oriented fabrics designed to support active lifestyles in diverse weather conditions.
Sensory Empowerment
Growing awareness of wellness and comfort is driving demand for textiles that prioritize skin safety, soft tactile experiences and overall wearer well-being. This trend highlights fabrics that combine natural aesthetics with enhanced comfort and functional performance.
Sorona® Supports Performance and Sustainability
Across all three trends, Sorona® provides commercially available solutions that help brands combine renewable, bio-based content with the performance characteristics demanded by modern consumers.
Partially made from renewable plant-based ingredients, Sorona® can be blended with natural and cellulosic fibers to enhance stretch recovery, wrinkle resistance, breathability, durability and comfort while preserving the natural appearance and feel of the original fibers.
By addressing some of the inherent performance limitations of natural fibers, Sorona® enables brands to develop products that meet both sustainability objectives and consumer expectations for high-performance apparel.
Supporting Apparel Innovation
Through its Common Thread Fabric Certification Program and more than 25 years of collaboration with textile mills, designers and global apparel brands, Sorona® has established a sourcing platform for performance stretch fabrics, comfort knits and woven textiles.
Its material solutions are used across multiple apparel categories, including athleisure, smart sportswear, luxury casualwear, ready-to-wear, uniforms and other premium performance garments.
As the fashion industry continues to accelerate its transition toward renewable materials and circular design, the latest collaboration between Sorona® and WGSN highlights how bio-based innovations are expected to play a central role in shaping the next generation of sustainable, high-performance textiles.
