Speaking of plastics, one of the disadvantages of it is that it doesn't bio-degrade. Do you think the closer we get to natural fibers, the more they will bio-degrade easier?
I would expect so, since these processes are working towards using the same protein structure organized in the same way as produced by the living creature.
Also note that TFA and my earlier discussion is all about protein fibers and attempts to recreate those. Protein fibers include animal fibers such as silk, spider silk, wool, alpaca, and many more. Another approach to novel fiber qualities might arise through bioengineering and process improvements around cellulose fibers. In fact, this is exactly what's happened with rayon fibers. Rayon is a now-broad category of cellulose based fibers. Lyocell (branded Tencel) is one variant that was specifically designed to be pollution-free amongst other qualities, eliminating some serious environmental concerns with the chemical production process of early rayons. Likewise, you'll find "bamboo" yarn and fabric, which is a kind of rayon based on bamboo cellulose vs. the more usual wood chips.
Also note that TFA and my earlier discussion is all about protein fibers and attempts to recreate those. Protein fibers include animal fibers such as silk, spider silk, wool, alpaca, and many more. Another approach to novel fiber qualities might arise through bioengineering and process improvements around cellulose fibers. In fact, this is exactly what's happened with rayon fibers. Rayon is a now-broad category of cellulose based fibers. Lyocell (branded Tencel) is one variant that was specifically designed to be pollution-free amongst other qualities, eliminating some serious environmental concerns with the chemical production process of early rayons. Likewise, you'll find "bamboo" yarn and fabric, which is a kind of rayon based on bamboo cellulose vs. the more usual wood chips.