**6. Conclusions**

The significance of natural fibers to fulfill the basic human needs of clothing and shelter has been well established since time immemorial. However, with the advent and upsurge in the popularity and demand of synthetic fibers, the global consumption of natural fibers became archaic. Nevertheless, the world wide clamor for sustainable and eco-friendly approaches in textile supply chain and depletion of petroleum resources have stimulated the usage of natural fibers thereby replacing synthetic fibers with sustainable natural fibers.

Cotton holds lion's share of market as far as textile applications are concerned but the fiber cannot be considered sustainable owing to massive utilization of water, pesticides, fertilizers and toxic chemicals thereby leading to environmental and economic distress. Apart from cotton, some resource efficient fibers namely hemp, flax, organic cotton, bamboo, jute, kenaf, ramie, sisal, coir are replacing cotton in varied textile applications and for development of polymer composites on account of their biodegradability, high performance profile, sustainable attributes, lightweight and economic viability.

Natural fiber composites are composite materials comprising reinforcing fibers derived from renewable and carbon dioxide neutral resources like wood or plants. NFCs find application in molded articles that demand moderate strength for acceptable performance like large diameter piping, equipment housings, roofing for economical or low-budgeted housing. Natural fiber composites owing to replacement of synthetic materials by bio-base and renewable sources are classic examples of sustainable resources for industrial applications. The materials exhibit the potential of being cost effective for identical structural characteristics, can be grown in controlled facilities or farms and can substantially bring down the carbon footprints. Natural

fiber composites offer several environmental benefits in contrast to their synthetic counterparts.

However, the applications of natural fibers are restricted to interior structures owing to their hydrophilic nature thereby demanding chemical treatment for improving their moisture related properties. Undoubtedly, natural fibers are potential sustainable candidates to replace synthetic fibers for myriad of textile and non-textile applications.
