Water: A Precious and Limited Resource
Globally, around 2 million people live in regions that undergo water stress,1 a term for a period during which the demand for water surpasses the quantity available or when its quality limits usage. Needed for the soil irrigation required to grow natural fibres, the dyeing process, and at-home clothing care, water is a major concern, now more than ever.
Many options are available in order to reduce the impact on this precious resource:
Recycled Cotton
This popular natural fibre is also one that can be recycled!
Recycled cotton gives textile scraps a second life. By reusing reclaimed clothing, cotton scraps, and other post-industrial and post-consumer waste to compensate for the production of new materials, the amount of water, energy, and dye used is massively reduced.
Organic Cotton
Farmed according to agricultural standards that prohibit the use of GMOs and minimize the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, organic cotton offers many advantages compared to conventional cotton:
- Improves the health and quality of the soil
- Improves the water quality and local biodiversity
- Significantly reduces the impact on natural resources, like water
Organic farming helps protect the planet and people's health by reducing their exposure to toxic chemical products that find their way into the air, water, and imbed themselves in the food chain.
TENCELTM Lyocell
TENCELTM Lyocell is a cellulosic fibre produced by the Austrian firm Lenzing. Biodegradable and compostable, this fabric is made from wood pulp that comes from certified and controlled sources. In fact, all the wood and pulp that's used is harvested in certified forests according to sustainable forest management standards. TENCELTM Lyocell is made using a closed-loop production process, meaning that the water and solvents are reused every time. This way, nothing is wasted, contaminated, or thrown away!
TENCELTM Modal
TENCELTM Modal is also a fibre derived from wood pulp that's harvested at the hearts of forests that respect sustainable forest management standards. It's biodegradable and compostable.
TENCELTM Lyocell with REFIBRATM Technology
Relatively new in the textile market, TENCELTM Lyocell fibres are produced with innovative REFIBRATM technology, which involves upcycling cotton scraps in addition to wood pulp during the manufacturing process.
It should be noted that the wood pulp used to produce this material comes entirely from certified and strictly controlled sources. Additionally, TENCELTM Lyocell is made using a closed-loop production process, meaning that the water and solvents are reused every time. This way, nothing is wasted, contaminated, or thrown away!
LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM Viscose
LENZINGTM ECOVEROTM Viscose fibres have an environmental impact that's significantly smaller than their generic equivalent. Made from wood pulp that comes from certified and controlled sources, they help to ensure the protection of ancient and endangered forests throughout the world.
Sources:
1 https://www.futura-sciences.com/planete/definitions/eau-stress-hydrique-16637/
2 These results were calculated with the help of the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The Higg MSI analyzes the impact of materials over their entire life cycle (up until the materials are ready to be assembled into a product). The Higg MSI scores or the calculations of percentages provided here represent only one production step within the scope of the Higg MSI (for example, fibres or raw materials). They do not provide an overall view of the impacts involved in the production of materials. The SAC does not verify the results of users' custom materials. (Higg Materials Sustainability Index, 2020) https://msi.higg.org/page/msi-home
