ECO-GUIDE

1. NATURAL DYES

Natural dyes are derived from animal or plant sources without the use of any synthetic chemical treatment. Majority of natural dyes are vegetable dyes obtained from plant based sources like flowers, roots, berries, bark, leaves, wood, fungi and lichens. Fixatives, or mordants (which fix the dye to the fabric), are usually required as an additive to the natural dying process for the colour to adhere to the fabric. Mordants can be toxic, which reduces the positive aspect of the natural colouring process.

2. LOW IMPACT DYES

Low impact dyes have been classified by an international certification process known as the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 as eco-friendly. Low impact dyes generally do not contain toxic chemicals or mordants, require less rinsing and have a high absorption rate in the fabric, saving energy and creating less water waste. Fibre-reactive dyes are low-impact synthetic dyes that directly bond with the garment fibres rather than merely remaining as an independent chemical entity within the fibre. They contain no heavy metals or other known toxic substances, and do not need mordants. The dye cycle is shorter in comparison to other dye processes, resulting to the use of less water, salt and chemicals.

3. DIGITAL PRINTING

Just like any industrial process, conventional textile printing requires raw materials, consumes energy and produces waste. Yet, there is considerable scope for reducing the impact of the process. One the best alternatives to plate based printing that has emerged in the last few years is digital printing. Digital Printing uses cleaner consumables, it is a more efficient printing process that is urea-free, using less water, less energy and much less chemicals. Printing companies who implement digital printing technology use Dry Toner Ink, these produce virtually no hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and do not require chemicals for clean up.

4. LYOCELL/TENCEL

Lyocell is a man-made fibre derived from cellulose, better known under the brand name Tencel. Though it is related to rayon and modal, a revolutionary aspect of Tencel® manufacturing is the recovery and reuse of up to 99.8 percent of the solvent with the remaining emissions are broken down in biological water treatment plants. Processing Tencel® requires less energy and water than that of cotton. The trees used are usually grown without pesticides.

5. ALCANTARA

Alcantara is an artificial substitute for suede, composed of about 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane. Developed in Japan in the 70’s, it is now only produced in Italy. Alcantara is made from synthetic petrochemicals, therefore, the environmetal impact of using non-renewable energy resources remains. Although Alcantara is non-biodegradable, it is vegan friendly. It holds the velvety texture of suede that doesn't cost the life of a cow. Since 2009, producers of Alcantara have quantified, reduced and compensated all the CO2 emissions produced by the production processes of its material.

6. HEMP

Perhaps one of the earth's most sustainable material, hemp is one of the best choice for eco fabrics. Made from the tough, coarse fiber of the cannabis plant, hemp is a natural fiber that acts and dyes very much like cotton. The hemp plant grows extremely quickly and is naturally organic. Hemp fabric is safe, natural and biodegradable and wears it wears practically forever. As a fabric, hemp provides all the warmth and softness of a natural textile but with a superior durability seldom found in other materials. Hemp is extremely versatile and can be used for countless products such as apparel, accessories, shoes, furniture, and home furnishings. Apparel made from hemp incorporates all the beneficial qualities and will likely last longer and withstand harsh conditions.

7. ORGANIC COTTON

Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a protective capsule called a boll. Despite it's white, fluffly appearance, cotton is one of the most heavily subsized, genetically modified (GM) and chemical-intensive crops in the world. In addition to being highly water dependent, conventional cotton farming accounts for 25% of the global insecticide use, consuming approximately $2.6 billion worth of pesticides each year. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility while aiming to build biologically diverse agriculture. Federal regulations prohibit the use of GM seed for organic farming. 100% Organic cotton contains no toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are used in the production.

8. RECYCLED COTTON

Cotton recycling does not use any new pesticides or dyes. The impact on the environment is reduced (plus it takes less time and money) because the process skips the intensive process of harvesting, spinning and dying of new cotton. It extends the life of the fibre preventing more clothes being dumped into landfill.

9. BAMBOO

Bamboo is a grass and has been measured growing as fast as one metre in one day! For the last few years it has been touted as the best eco friendly material to date. Bamboo reaches maturity in 3-5 years, producing more oxygen the same square footage than many tree varieties. Due to the durable nature of bamboo plants, no pesticides or chemicals are needed to encourage the maturation process, and they require much less water than trees. Bamboo products may decompose into a completely reusable and nutrient-rich composted soil.

10. SYNTHETIC DYES

The textile industry is heavily dependent on chemicals for dyeing. “During the dyeing process an average t-shirt will use 16-20 litres of water. 80% of the dye is retained by the fabric and the rest is flushed out. The global textile industry discharges 40,000 – 50,000 tons of dye into the water system and Europe discharges 200,000 tons of salt.” Cambridge University, Well Dressed report. It's the number #1 polluter of clean water (after agriculture). The waste in textile mills include formaldehyde, chlorine and heavy metals such as lead and mercury, these have a terrible effect on the environment, polluting whole river beds. The final product, finished dyed textiles still contain traces of chemicals, that have been shown to be carcinogenic for humans. Of particular concern are the Azo dyes, used to give some garments their vibrant yellow, reds, and orange colors, which have been linked to cancer.

11. MODAL

Modal a semi-synthetic cellulose fibre made by spinning reconstituted cellulose usually from beech trees with a texture that is similar to silk or cotton and the material stays soft through repeated washings. Modal is biodegradable. It is 50% more water-absorbent than cotton, dyes well, holds colour fast, and is resistant to fading.