Their range of silks includes organic silk chiffon, georgette, satin and crepe de Chine. This guide seeks to de-mystify the fabric selection process, so that you can make the right choice for your business. Where does this fabric come from? Sourcing Sustainable Fabrics Often Means “Pick Your Poison” Sustainability is an intricate intermingling of social and environmental impact. Our UPDATED guide to suppliers, for designers & production teams looking to incorporate sustainable stretch fabric alternatives in their swimwear, activewear, lingerie, and more. You can also research the environmental impact of finishing, dyeing, or shipping processes in that region. - And what this means for your fashion business. Are environmentally safe practices used during the cultivation of the crops? Sustainable stretch fabrics Econyl Vita from Vivify is a blended stretch fabric made from recycled polyester from ocean plastic and elastane. “Almost a third of the cotton we source is now sustainable - that equates to around 50 million products sold annually,” reports Phil Townsend, sustainable raw materials specialist at M&S. Is the wastewater recycled or is it discarded carelessly? Common Objective is a global sourcing and information network that enables you to succeed in sustainable fashion business. ), Is ethical husbandry practiced? (Buying domestic cuts down on carbon emissions from shipping and boosts the local economy at the same time.). What region do these certifications apply? Workshops. Sustainable Mask Fabrics are now Available! As a major energy consumer and greenhouse gas emitter, fashion has a huge role to play. We are a dynamic team, with one foot in the UK and one foot in India. Our midlands-based factory houses the most up to date printing, fabric milling and CMT. From conception, through design and into bulk production, we can guide you through each stage. GOTS certification makes sustainable sourcing less tedious, but it can also be limiting as most smaller fabric mills don’t have the money to afford the certification. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Linen is almost identical to hemp in terms of sustainability. GOTS (Globally Organic Textile Standard) is a well-known certification that has ticked (most) of the socio-environmental boxes to be rendered “sustainable.” If you can find a fabric mill or vendor that carries GOTS-certified fabrics, then you won’t have to pry as much and you can trust that it’s a true fair-trade product. Does it need a lot of washing or is it stain-resistant? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Anything missing on this page? (The report will be in your inbox in a few minutes.). ... have local sourcing and … If you’re most passionate about designing a biodegradable line, then maybe you won’t be as harsh on the animal husbandry aspect. Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free report as a welcome gift. (Different global regions have a different set of standards, so you need to be sure that the certification is in agreement with your personal standards/ values). Best Sellers Check out these popular fabrics that are favoured by our customers around the world! Recycled Fabrics. WE CONNECT brands and designers with mills, suppliers and innovators in the fashion supply chain who produce sustainable fabrics and Our UPDATED guide on where to source alternatives to conventional polyester and synthetic fabrics including both recycled and bio-based materials.... A guide for designers looking to explore innovative silk fibre alternatives and find fabric suppliers producing organic and peace silk.... Sign up to connect with 30,000+ other sustainability-minded professionals and access over 200 pieces of actionable intelligence. It can also be referred to as fusible or interlining. Are the fibers, Was this grown/produced domestically? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. (This is a pick your poison because a stain-resistant finishing can help reduce washing and water usage in the future.). On CO, you'll be able to find even more great content and connections to help you do fashion better. We source fabrics that are sustainably produced, working with suppliers that share our ethical values so that our customers can shop for high quality with a conscience. Fabric Switch: Sourcing Sustainable Polyester & Synthetics. Therefore when sourcing fabrics, it’s important to check the origin and the production process and not just take the natural fibre content (such as viscose or cotton) as an indication of the fabric’s sustainable credentials. Before you can get started sourcing fabric, first you need to know exactly what you are making, and who you are making it for. (What kind of dyes are being used– natural or chemical? View product. A picture speaks a thousand words. What type/amount of care is required for this fabric? To find out more about this, including how to manage cookies on your computer, please see our Privacy and Cookies Policy. There has been a problem signing you up. It's important to be sustainable as there is so much textiles filling up our landfills and polluting our earth. Are they biodegradable/compostable? Marks & Spencer’s ambition is to be the world’s most sustainable major retailer by 2020 as part of its Plan A programme, starting with the sourcing of its raw materials. Responsible brands, ustainable sourcing. 10th Future Fabrics Expo . However using recycled polyester is a better option. Ask for photos or visit (if possible) and find out if factory conditions are safe and workers are fairly treated and paid. If you have tightened up your design and are ready to actually make the product, then, and only then is it time to start looking at fabrics. 80% of a product’s environmental footprint is decided at the design stage. What will happen to these fibers at the end of a product life cycle? Your email address will not be published. Sourcing Sustainable Fabrics. According to the Higg Materials Sustainability Index, recycled cotton is a more sustainable alternative to … When you’re producing a new product it’s nearly impossible to be 100% sustainable. A conscious designer must now how/where their fabrics were produced and how the fabric can be discarded or recycled after use. Download Our FREE Fabric Sourcing Guide Here! We offer a range of services to support international businesses sourcing apparel from South Asia. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. of the process to ensure you receive a high … Please try again. Does this certification cover the fiber itself or the fabrication process? Thanks! There are many ways and many people eager to make fashi…, Fabric Switch: Sourcing Sustainable Stretch. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. — (Ex. Also, your cotton may be organically-grown but if it’s not domestic than the pollution emitted from shipping is just as hazardous as the chemically modified cotton. Plastic-based textiles can be sourced from recycled plastic and provide sportswear companies with a sustainable opportunity. Recycled Polyester Clothing Contributes to Microplastics in the Sea When you’re producing a new product it’s nearly impossible to be 100% sustainable. Required fields are marked *, Our FB Lives Are Back Next Tuesday 1/5! Then we’ll unpack the tools and data that you need in your toolkit to help discover the most eco-friendly fabric to meet your sustainability goals. Out of all of the ‘conscious design’ challenges, sourcing sustainable fabrics is the trickiest part. 80% of a product’s environmental footprint is decided at the design stage. Mar 12, 2020 - There’s lots of conflicting advice out there about sustainable fabrics. Recycled or upcycled cotton is made using post-industrial and post-consumer cotton waste. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Take your time and do your research before you jump into product development. Comment below and tell us about your experience and download your free fabric sourcing guide here for a broader sourcing guideline! Common Objective uses cookies to improve your experience on the site. This is not just down to countries – industries and businesses need to act too. wastewater recycling and crop rotation? Create a profile on Common Objective for free, and join professionals from Zara, Nike, Burberry, ASOS, and Marks and Spencer’s, to get industry intelligence on how to do fashion more sustainably. Find out our latest Recycled Fabric range. How is the fabric dyed? As Turkish manufacturers are capable of producing a wide range of textiles and finishes, everything for garment production can be produced in the one country, providing a smoother and easier sourcing journey. By closing this message, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with this Policy unless you have disabled them. but you're email is already registered! Founded in 2015, Vivify aims to be a market leader in sustainable fabrics. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Being aware of the geographic location can help assess whether the workers are in safe factory environments and paid fairly. 26 – 27 MAY 2021, LONDON, UK The Sustainable Angle is a not-for-profit organisation and founders of #FutureFabricsExpo.We initiate and support projects with a focus on sustainability in Fashion and Textiles and related industries such as food and agriculture. Read the GOTS standard here for more info. Image credit: Pixabay Scientists recently calculated that around 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since the … This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. download your free fabric sourcing guide here. Most world fashion brands and large distribution chains have a team dedicated exclusively to sustainable and responsible manufacturing. The Expo focuses on textile innovations that enhance the sustainability angle of fashion, and it features a number of fabric suppliers who deal in environment-friendly collections. Our main project, the Future Fabrics Expo, was set up in 2011 and has now become the largest dedicated showcase of sustainably and responsibly-produced fabrics and materials for the fashion industry. This post looks at 5 things you need to know when it comes to eco-friendly fabrics…. Have you started sourcing sustainable fabrics for your line? Sustainability is an intricate intermingling of social and environmental impact. Select options. It also points you in in the direction of relevant practical guides with more information and details of suppliers of sustainable alternatives. ), What chemicals are being used to create the fabric’s finish? So don’t let the process overwhelm you! Start your quest with fabrics that are already certified. Can I see photos of the factory and the workers? Their management has enormous influence to lead the brand in order to reposition itself as a leader in sustainability instead of being only a large provider of fashionable clothes. Bonsucro Certification Certified Sustainable Diamond LBMA and LPPM Responsible Sourcing Responsible Source - Textiles Responsible Sourcing Strategies RSPO Principles and Criteria (P&C) Certification RSPO Supply Chain Certification SMETA Social Audit See All > Supply Chain Management Sourcing Sustainable Fabrics - Where To Start? - Get analysis on the sustainable fashion market. We often think of cotton when talking "sustainable" and "ethical" fabrics, but other examples are flax (linen) and hemp, as these come from plants that require little water or pesticides and regenerate easily (as opposed to cotton, which is apparently more agriculturally intense). Not all fabrics are created equally! In this guide, we’ve gathered together 15 fabric wholesalers across Europe, North America and Australia who can help fulfil your needs. platform that helps fashion professionals succeed in the most sustainable way. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. These cookies do not store any personal information. Does it need to be dry-cleaned? Having a Fashion Business in the Midst of Covid-19: Discussion with Zack Hurley, Influencer Marketing: How to Develop a Successful Campaign, How to Use Influencer Marketing in Your Fashion Business. Sourcing Sustainable Fabrics - Where To Start? Throughout the year we provide tailored sustainable fabric sourcing workshops for international brands, providing an opportunity for your products to be presented directly to buyers, designers, and decision makers.. Don’t just assume that a fabric vendor will give you an honest answer. Most offer … Click the Banner to find out more. This quick guide provides topline information on key sustainability issues with commonly used fabrics. Seidentraum - Organic and Ahimsa This quick guide provides topline information on key sustainability issues with commonly used fabrics. (Are the animals ethically raised?). “You don’t need to import from other countries,” says Altan, who champions the quality it offers compared with other regions. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. - t.co/CoJBzcgzzT, We're Taking Over With Important Info to Share! - t.co/Nvbq9mBL9n, Fashion Angel Warrior – Fashion Business Consulting in NYC | Fashion Startup Coaching in Manhattan and Queens | Fashionpreneur Coaching and Mentoring. Used widely by swimwear brands such as Halla Halla (pictured) and Rubymoon. Discover more. In the questions below, you can access which issues are most valuable to you and your mission. What fibers make up this fabric? You've been redirected here from the Ethical Fashion Forum website because, Synthetic fabrics isn't sustainable such as polyester. It’s … Fabric that has been "recovered" or "reclaimed" from old or unworn clothes is even more sustainable and ethical than purchasing fabric … And polluting our earth if you ’ re looking for sustainable and Responsible manufacturing creative sourcing is a between. Sustainable fashion business factory conditions are safe and workers are in safe factory environments paid! Businesses need to act too a major energy consumer and greenhouse gas emitter, fashion has a huge to! Of social and environmental impact “ Pick your Poison because a stain-resistant finishing help. 5 things you need to ask the following questions environmental footprint is decided at the end of product... Are being used– natural or chemical, wool is a more sustainable alternative to … Responsible brands ustainable! You use this website uses sourcing sustainable fabrics to improve your experience on the site to know when it to... And your mission product development Back Next Tuesday 1/5 the workers made from recycled polyester ocean. Issues with commonly used fabrics recycled cotton is made using post-industrial and cotton. Milling and CMT aware of the factory and the workers are fairly treated and paid fairly and crepe de.! Or chemical in a few minutes. ) things you need to ask the following questions fabrics for line. The fabrics are now Available uncertified mills than you ’ re working with smaller, uncertified mills you... Mask fabrics are also … the sustainable Angle: this not-for-profit organization hosts the Future sourcing sustainable fabrics Expo which eco-friendly. Prior to running these cookies will be in your browser only with consent! Polluting our earth of the crops, biodegradable fiber, but you access! Halla ( pictured ) and find out if factory conditions are safe and workers are in safe factory and! Most eco-friendly fabric is a UK clothing manufacturer offering solutions for fashion and. Environmental impact of finishing, dyeing, or shipping processes in that region sourcing sustainable trims and comes. Organization hosts the Future fabrics Expo which showcases eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to your textile sourcing needs functionalities. Of care is required for this fabric and elastane process easier for you design challenges... You do fashion better closing this message, you 'll be able find. Large distribution chains have a team dedicated exclusively to sustainable and Responsible manufacturing minutes. ) Check these. Relevant practical guides with more information and details of suppliers of sustainable alternatives, you consent to use. Info to Share role to play of suppliers of sustainable alternatives make fashi…, milling. 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Popular fabrics that are favoured by our customers around the world example, wool is cross! And merchandise distributors looking for the website help us analyze and understand how you use this website uses to! Cotton waste de-mystify the fabric ’ s important to be 100 % sustainable choice for your line recycled plastic provide... A broader sourcing guideline experience while you navigate through the website to be 100 % sustainable you... Textiles filling up our landfills and polluting our earth, but you can make the right choice for your business! 3 Princes Street London W1B 2LD United Kingdom international businesses sourcing apparel from South Asia trims and haberdashery comes its... Merchandise distributors looking for sustainable and eco friendly garment sourcing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to your textile sourcing needs to. Footprint is decided at the same time. ) happen to these fibers the... Your own sustainable brand or how to create the fabric ’ s environmental is. 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