ERIC Number: EJ1465973
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1082-1651
EISSN: EISSN-2331-5369
Available Date: 0000-00-00
When Natural Isn't Sustainable Enough: Consumer Impressions of Biomaterial Bacterial Cellulose and Implications for FCS Educators
Jennifer Harmon; Ayesha Siddika
Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, v117 n1 p29-33 2025
Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for sustainably produced goods, yet many find these alternatives too costly and less effective. The fashion industry struggles to balance sustainability and performance, particularly in textiles, where synthetic fibers dominate. Education is key to informed consumer choices, and biomaterials, like bacterial cellulose (BC), offer promise as sustainable textiles. In the survey, consumer impressions of a BC ottoman compared to leather alternatives were explored, revealing that while BC was perceived as natural, it is also seen as less comfortable and mistakenly thought to be the cheapest. This highlights the need for enhanced consumer education and further development of biomaterials to meet performance expectations.
Descriptors: Family and Consumer Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Sustainability, Costs, Clothing, Natural Resources, Consumer Economics, Barriers, Microbiology, Consumer Education, Furniture, Handicrafts, Performance Factors, Finishing
American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. 400 North Columbus Street Suite 202, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 800-424-8080; Tel: 703-706-4600; Fax: 703-706-4663; e-mail: bookstore@aafcs.org; Web site: http://www.aafcs.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A