Fabric Secrets
We work hard with our partners in school and workwear to find the best and most sustainable alternative to overly processed, chemically ladened fibre and hence fabrics. We firmly believe, after research with people much smarter than us, that we can make a difference by choosing fabrics that are healthier for the planet and our kids.
Our plan is to progressively develop new school and work wear options and make the switch to fabrics that can lessen the impact of textile pollution on the planet and in our own lives. Many of these are already available, many are being used - but, the mindset in 'fashion' and the massive volumes being manufactured remains a significant issue. Where we can we manufacture in Australia so we can have a transparent supply chain, manage quantities and help keep people here employed.
Organic Cotton
Cotton’s exact age is unknown. Scientists have found pieces of cotton cloth in caves in Mexico that are at least 7000 years old. It is one of the most popular fabrics in the world but it require 2700 litres to make 1 t-Shirt (WWF). It needs to be grown with mass use of pesticides, chemicals.
The chemicals used in conventional cotton production are some of the most harmful known to man. Every year new chemicals are created to spray cotton crops as the cotton plant and insects that invade it, grow immune to the current chemicals used.
Cotton is now being grown in certified organic fields and in many cases it is processed in a manner to reduce environmental damage.
Organic cotton still requires a great deal of water to grow but as it's grown in colder climates pesticides and chemicals aren't needed. Due to the limited production and high expense of organic cotton fibre, it is often blended with conventional cotton. Turkey and USA are the largest producers of organic cotton, however, it still only accounts for .03% of the world total cotton production.
Cotton is a popular textile due to its natural wicking properties and absorption of dye color - although it fades over time. Cotton is a moderate strength cellulose fibre.
Recycled Polyester
Sustainable development can be achieved by following “3-R” Principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Recycled Polyester (R-PET) is making PET fibers and products from the waste and landfill PET bottles and other PET waste which is up-cycled as Recycled Polyester (R-PET).
Poly (ethylene terephthalate - or simply PET) is the most common polyester used for fiber purposes. This is the polymer used for making drink bottles.
Recycling PET by re-melting it and extruding it as a new fiber saves raw materials as well as reducing energy needs. Recycled Polyesters are popular because they are more fire-retardant, are easy to clean, and inexpensive. They can be blended with almost any other fiber.
One square yard of fabric contains roughly five clear, 2-liter soda bottles.
Bamboo
is a fast growing plant with shoots averaging 24 to 36 inches or more in a 24-hour period. When bamboo shoots emerge from the ground in the spring they reach full size in just a few months.
Bamboo is processed with little or no environmental damage and its long fibers are extremely strong. It has a natural ability to breath and wick moisture away due to its porous nature and, since it is a cellulose fiber, it can biodegrade in normal soil conditions.
It actually keeps the wearer cooler by one to two degrees than someone cotton. Bamboo is also naturally anti-bacterial and resistant to mould. Even after multiple washings, over 70% of bacteria cultured on bamboo textiles are destroyed by the fibre.
Hemp
Hemp is a cellulose fiber first used over 5000 years ago that has only recently gained new popularity in North America. The great Renaissance painters first painted on hemp – canvas actually comes from the word “cannibis”.
Hemp has played a very important role in American history as well. In the early 1600’s hemp was considered such a vital resource that laws were passed ordering farmers to grow it. Before 1850, all ships were rigged with hemp because of its high resistance to rot and mildew. Colonial taxes were often paid in hemp bales and soldier’s uniforms were made of hemp cloth.
Hemp is one of the most environmentally friendly fibers in the world, requiring no pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers and very little water. Almost half of the agricultural chemicals used on U. S. crops are applied to cotton.
Hemp is considered a high-yield crop and produces significantly more fiber per square foot than either cotton or flax. Hemp’s life cycle is only one hundred days.
Hemp exhibits eight times the strength of cotton and fabrics made from hemp are more insulating, absorbent, and more durable than cotton. It is also hyper-allergenic and non-irritating to the skin.