Updated September 2026 — This archival article has been reviewed and expanded.
In 2009 the United Nations designated an International Year of Natural Fibres. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the initiative highlighted plant- and animal-based fibres including flax, cotton, wool, sisal, silk and jute, and the people and communities involved in producing them.
Why natural fibres mattered in 2009 — and still matter today
The campaign aimed to raise awareness, stimulate demand and encourage international cooperation across natural-fibre industries. Those goals remain relevant: choosing well-made textiles from renewable fibres can support skilled production, long product life and a closer connection with the materials used in everyday life.
Linen’s place among natural fibres
Linen is made from flax. It is valued for strength, breathability, moisture management and the way it becomes softer with use. A durable linen towel, tablecloth or set of bed linen can remain in service for years when it is cared for according to its label.
At the time, LinenMe founder Inga Lukauskiene said that people who discover linen’s qualities often value it for life, while wider education about natural textiles remains essential. She hoped the initiative would place natural fibres in the spotlight and encourage partnership between fibre industries.
How to make a thoughtful choice
Look beyond the fibre name alone. Check the composition, construction, care instructions and whether the product is designed to last. Choose pieces you will genuinely use, wash them responsibly and repair or repurpose them where practical.
Explore our linen fabrics and learn more about LinenMe’s approach to sustainability.
Historical context: the International Year of Natural Fibres was a 2009 initiative. The original LinenMe commentary and its support for natural fibres have been retained and clarified here.