In an era marked by climate urgency and an escalating demand for sustainable alternatives, Bangladesh has introduced a notable innovation in the textile industry: lotus silk — a rare, biodegradable, luxurious fabric derived from the stems of the Asian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera).
Produced in Bangladesh for the first time, this product blends age-old traditions with modern environmental innovations, paving the way for meaningful social and economic progress in rural communities.
Long revered for its symbolic purity, the lotus plant now presents a practical solution to one of the most polluting industries in the world — textiles. Traditionally crafted in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, lotus silk has long been valued for its soft, breathable, wrinkle-resistant texture — akin to a natural fusion of silk and linen.
In Bangladesh, the innovation of lotus fibre was spearheaded by Bengal Plants Research and Development (BPRD). The idea for the extraction of lotus fibre was initiated in 2021 while BPRD was carrying out a research project about diversity, use and conservation of lotus, with funding and support from the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO.
“This is not just a scientific innovation; it’s a cultural renaissance in Bangladesh,” Sikdar Abul Kashem Shamsuddin, chairman of BPRD and lead researcher of the project, told Mongabay. “For generations, the lotus has been part of our heritage. Now it is also a part of our sustainable future.”
“The lotus petiole has an incredible natural fine filament that can be transformed into high-value fibre with minimal intervention. It’s organic, it’s durable and, above all, it’s ours,” said Rakha Hari Sarker, a supernumerary professor at the department of botany in the University of Dhaka.
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This is not just about textiles – it’s about transforming lives. Women who never imagined working in a high-value global industry are now skilled artisans of a premium fabric.
Sikdar Abul Kashem Shamsuddin, chairman, Bengal Plants Research and Development
A green process rooted in tradition
Unlike conventional fabric production that relies heavily on electricity, chemical dyes and water, lotus silk production in Bangladesh has a low impact on the environment and is eco-friendly.
It begins with the careful harvesting of lotus petioles from various wetlands distributed throughout Bangladesh without uprooting the plants, ensuring ecological balance and regenerative growth.
“We harvest the petioles without harming the plant. This allows new leaves and slender petioles to grow, mostly within weeks,” said Shamsuddin. “It’s a sustainable process from start to finish.”
The sticky filaments inside the stems, when exposed to air, form thin threads that are rolled by hand, dried naturally, and woven into fabric using traditional handlooms.
This zero-emission, chemical-free process requires no water, fossil fuel or any material that pollutes the environment, making it one of the most sustainable, eco-friendly textile options available today.
Moreover, leftover plant matter is also biodegradable and often used as organic fertiliser or cattle feed, creating a circular economy.
Reviving heritage, empowering communities
Beyond its environmental benefits, lotus silk is revitalising Bangladesh’s weaving heritage while offering a new lifeline to rural women and artisans.
In villages like Ronkoil in the Faridpur district, women are being trained in lotus thread production, which generates jobs for low-income families and promotes women’s economic empowerment.
“This is not just about textiles — it’s about transforming lives,” said Shamsuddin. “Women who never imagined working in a high-value global industry are now skilled artisans of a premium fabric.”
The process requires meticulous handwork and craftsmanship — skills that echo Bangladesh’s rich history in fine textiles. As demand grows, lotus silk production could provide sustainable employment across wetland regions and help preserve endangered biodiversity, as the wetlands housing lotus plants are maintained rather than converted for conventional farming or industry.
“Bangladesh is a riverine nation with a variety of wetlands, such as rivers, beels, haors and baors. Among these wetlands, several enormous beels are located all over Bangladesh where lotus plants grow without fail every year. These precious wetlands are required to be maintained properly if we really want to extract lotus silk naturally,” Shamsuddin said.
The global demand for lotus silk
Internationally, lotus silk is already gaining attention as an ultra-premium, eco-conscious fabric. In Italy, luxury fashion house Loro Piana has debuted exclusive lotus fabric lines, including jackets priced around US$5,600 (680,000 takas), media reported.
In India, a textile manufacturing company developed a line of “NoMark” lotus shirts using hydrophobic nanotechnology for stain resistance and sustainability.
In Cambodia, a UNESCO-awarded brand, Samatoa, has demonstrated how a small-scale, women-led enterprise can turn lotus fibre into globally sought-after fashion items while remaining rooted in ethical practices.
These success stories offer a blueprint for Bangladesh to build its own niche in the global luxury market.
“Bangladesh has the natural resources, the labour force, and now the knowledge,” Shamsuddin said. “We can be the next name in ethical luxury if we invest in the right systems — research, sustainable harvesting and green dyeing techniques, besides international marketing to reach conscious consumers seeking sustainable luxury.”
With lotus silk priced between US$2,500 (304,000 takas) to US$4,000 (486,000 takas) per kilogram (US$1,134 (138,000 takas) to US$1,814 (220,400 takas) per pound), Bangladesh, with its abundant lotus-filled wetlands and skilled labor force, has the potential to become a major global player.
Researchers of this lotus silk extraction process pointed out that the chemical composition of the lotus silk is a special type of cellulose produced within the petioles of lotus plants. They observed that the accumulation of this cellulose depends on the depth of the water where the plant is growing.
Shamsuddin mentioned that research can be carried out for the improvement of the quality and quantity of cellulose of lotus petioles responsible for the lotus silk.
“In this case, techniques of modern plant breeding such as plant cell and tissue culture as well as plant biotechnology can be applied for the enhancement of the lotus fibre production,” he said.
A vision for the future
As the world moves towards environmentally responsible and ethically sourced products, lotus silk symbolises Bangladesh’s commitment to a greener, fairer future.
“With proper policy, investment and awareness, lotus silk can be a flagship for sustainable innovation,” said Shamsuddin. “It’s not just fabric — it’s a national opportunity.”
Bangladesh has long been a global leader in ready-made garments. Now, with lotus silk, it has the chance to lead the future of sustainable fashion.
This story was published with permission from Mongabay.com.
