Natural fibres and circularity in architecture – Environmental, economic, and social sustainability

Plant-based fibres demonstrate substantial potential for integration within the construction sector in both national and international contexts. The use of bio-based materials aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, influencing water consumption, embodied energy and carbon, and the establishment of sustainable supply chains. This systematic review investigates the relationship between two strategic economic sectors, agriculture and construction, with the aim of identifying their respective opportunities and constraints in advancing sustainability objectives. The findings reveal that the environmental sustainability of natural fibres in construction is extensively addressed in the existing literature. Yet, they also highlight the need to strengthen the integration of life-cycle assessment tools. Such integration is essential to balancing environmental quality, social responsibility, and economic performance, thereby supporting a production model consistent with the principles of SDG 8.