Fabrics like bamboo, organic cotton, tencel, modal and merino wool are slowly becoming part of our mainstream dialogue when we talk about sustainable clothing. Eco-design pioneers now look to even more contemporary fabrics and manufacturing processes.
According to Eco-Textile news, a magazine for sustainable textiles and clothing, U.S.-based organic wool provider Vermont Organic Fiber Company will show a new range of shrink-proof washable organic wool fabrics called O-Wool Washable at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer exhibition in Salt Lake City, which it says is a first in the USA.
Recognized brands like J. Crew, Loomstate and Patagonia are part of the larger push to work with the wool demanding their clothing’s textiles be processed in a more environmentally-friendly way and with the smallest carbon footprint.
Other companies like ISA Tan Tec, a German/Chinese leather producer, are setting a new standard for footwear giants Timberland, New Balance, Simple and Rockport by utilizing a new concept that will have a considerably smaller carbon footprint than traditional tanneries by monitoring energy and water consumption. The company estimates saving 60,000 liters of fresh water a day with an expected CO2 emission reduction of over 2,000 tons per year for the wastewater treatment alone.
With more companies questioning the traditional supply chain performance, making sure money invested is going towards environmental goals, as well as stricter sustainability indexes or guidelines to grade themselves by, not only does the pioneering continue, the earth gets a little healthier, which is something we all want.
Image: Anna Kika