MATERIALS
Fabrics are a core element of garment production. They are at the heart of every piece, making them one of the most important areas for development, starting with the design process. For some time, we've been working on incorporating sustainable raw materials to reduce our impact on the environment; and they're now within reach.
We are proud to say that today, 61.20% of our collection is made with fibres and materials from sustainable sources. Cotton, wool, linen, raffia, viscose, TENCEL™ and modal are the most commonly used. Our aim is to gradually incorporate new processes and alternatives, eventually achieving a collection made in 100% sustainable fabrics.
We are proud to say that today, 61.20% of our collection is made with fibres and materials from sustainable sources. Cotton, wool, linen, raffia, viscose, TENCEL™ and modal are the most commonly used. Our aim is to gradually incorporate new processes and alternatives, eventually achieving a collection made in 100% sustainable fabrics.
Glossary of materials
Organic
Organic cotton is grown and produced without any toxic substances. Free from pesticides, fertilisers and chemicals: instead, natural fertilisers are used for cultivation, respecting natural soil cycles to prevent the depletion of nutrients. This also means our skin doesn't absorb any of the pesticides or chemicals used in non-organic production.
Two independent certifying and monitoring bodies have been set up in this area:
Two independent certifying and monitoring bodies have been set up in this area:
GOTS International Standard created by members of the textile industry and other organisations. It is supported by IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements) to agree on standardised criteria that could be applied globally. Description of the standard:
The standard includes the processing, manufacture, packaging, labelling, marketing and distribution of textile products. "Only textile products containing a minimum of 70% organic fibre can be certified by GOTS.
- All chemical inputs, such as dyes and auxiliaries, must comply with clear environmental and toxicological requirements.
- Accessories chosen must also be in line with organic aspects.
- Each wet processing area must have an effluent treatment plant and all processors must meet minimum social criteria.”
- A textile product with a GOTS “organic” label must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibres, while those with the “made with organic material” label must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres.
The standard includes the processing, manufacture, packaging, labelling, marketing and distribution of textile products. "Only textile products containing a minimum of 70% organic fibre can be certified by GOTS.
- All chemical inputs, such as dyes and auxiliaries, must comply with clear environmental and toxicological requirements.
- Accessories chosen must also be in line with organic aspects.
- Each wet processing area must have an effluent treatment plant and all processors must meet minimum social criteria.”
- A textile product with a GOTS “organic” label must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibres, while those with the “made with organic material” label must contain at least 70% certified organic fibres.
OCS Another global standard is Textile Exchange from the United States, whose standards are supported by many major brands.
Textile Exchange – Organic Content Standard
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is based on third-party verification that a final product contains an exact amount of a specified organically cultivated material. It does not address the use of chemical products or any social or environmental aspect of production beyond the integrity of the organic material. The OCS uses the chain of custody requirements as developed by the Content Claim Standard (CCS).
Textile Exchange – Organic Content Standard
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is based on third-party verification that a final product contains an exact amount of a specified organically cultivated material. It does not address the use of chemical products or any social or environmental aspect of production beyond the integrity of the organic material. The OCS uses the chain of custody requirements as developed by the Content Claim Standard (CCS).
BSCI
BSCI cotton fabrics ensure the responsible use of cotton: better production for the people producing it, better for its growing environment, and better for the world. This is done in collaboration with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI); a non-profit organisation representing global standards for better cotton, encompassing the whole of the complex cotton supply chain from farmers to retailers.
Increases traceability throughout the cotton supply chain
Facilitates the global exchange of knowledge on the most sustainable cotton production methods
Promotes better working conditions
Reduces the impact of water and pesticides on human and environmental health.
Recycled
Recycled or recovered cotton is the result of converting cotton into fibres in order to reuse it in new textile products. It may be pre-consumer (from waste remnants in production) or post-consumer (from discarded clothes) recycled.
Recycling has a host of benefits; it gives new life to fabrics that we no longer use, contributing to the circular economy and reducing fossil fuels and CO2 emissions, ultimately supporting sustainable production.
Recycling has a host of benefits; it gives new life to fabrics that we no longer use, contributing to the circular economy and reducing fossil fuels and CO2 emissions, ultimately supporting sustainable production.
Post consumer cotton
Chopping process
Raw material
Yarn
Recycled cotton
We guarantee 70% minimum content of certified cotton, certification included with the invoice and the PL
FSC®
Fabric obtained from certified renewable wood sources. This certification is the most reliable way of guaranteeing that the source forests are managed responsibly, adhering to strict forest management standards that promote environmental, social and economic benefits.
Unlike natural and synthetic fibre production processes, cellulose fibres are - when obtained responsibly - a renewable material. They require less water and contribute to carbon storage.
Unlike natural and synthetic fibre production processes, cellulose fibres are - when obtained responsibly - a renewable material. They require less water and contribute to carbon storage.
We guarantee a minimum sustainable viscose content of 70%, certificate attached to Invoice and PL.
Ecovero Viscose, or Livaeco certified by Lenzing or Birla or the corresponding producer.
Guarantee that they comply with the policy of not deforestation according to the EU BAT directive
Ecovero
Fabric obtained from sustainable wood and cellulose, derived from certified and controlled sources adhering to the strict criteria contained in Lenzing's wood and cellulose policy. It's more sustainable than viscose for two main reasons:
- The trees used for fabric production come from forests located close to Lenzing, resulting in a 50% reduction in transport CO2 emissions.
- A sophisticated tracking system is in place to facilitate transparency across the supply chain, enabling us to find out the history of the fibre.
- It's biodegradable; made from wood pulp, it breaks down naturally in a short space of time.
- The trees used for fabric production come from forests located close to Lenzing, resulting in a 50% reduction in transport CO2 emissions.
- A sophisticated tracking system is in place to facilitate transparency across the supply chain, enabling us to find out the history of the fibre.
- It's biodegradable; made from wood pulp, it breaks down naturally in a short space of time.
Linen
Linen fabric comes from the fibres of the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. It is a plant that thrives in cooler humid climates. It is known for its rustic and smart appearance. As a natural fibre, it is biodegradable and sustainable.
Main characteristics:
- Breathability: Linen fabric is extremely breathable and allows air to pass through it.
- Durability: It is incredibly durable and resistant, making it perfect for garments that are worn frequently.
- Softness: Linen is hypoallergenic, very soft and delicate on the skin.
- Humidity absorption: It is able to absorb up to 20% of its weight in water, which is key in summer.
Main characteristics:
- Breathability: Linen fabric is extremely breathable and allows air to pass through it.
- Durability: It is incredibly durable and resistant, making it perfect for garments that are worn frequently.
- Softness: Linen is hypoallergenic, very soft and delicate on the skin.
- Humidity absorption: It is able to absorb up to 20% of its weight in water, which is key in summer.
Machine wash with cold water (30ºC) with a delicate program.Centrifuge minimum or not.
Iron at medium temperature and inside out.
Do not dry in the dryer. Dry preferably flat to prevent the weight of water deform the garment.
Modal
Lenzing Modal is CO2 neutral, because cellulose recovery is an integral part of the production process.
The KARSU Lenzing certificate guarantees fibres are high quality and produced with sustainable standards front and centre.
The KARSU Lenzing certificate guarantees fibres are high quality and produced with sustainable standards front and centre.
Beech wood
Renewable raw material
Recycling 95% of chemicals used
Neutral CO2
Cellulosic recovery
RSW
RWS is a voluntary global standard that focuses on the welfare of the sheep and the land they inhabit. The RWS seal guarantees positive practices in agriculture, giving us confidence in the wool we use for our garments. The standard was developed by an international working group through an open and transparent process. Control Union was involved in the development of the standard as a member of the technical group, right from the start. Control Union has carried out RWS audits worldwide.
Protection of animal welfare
Preservation of the Health of the Earth
Increases traceability along the supply chain
We guarantee a minimum content in Lana RWS of 30%, Certificate attached to Invoice and PL
