Materials
The materials we use for our garments hugely define our environmental impact. To improve our footprint, we’re currently focussing on increasing the use of more responsible materials. We’ve set the ambitious target to use 100% more responsible materials by 2026.*
To get more insight in what materials we actually classify as more responsible, check out Fabienne Chapot’s Fibre Index. It has five categories, ranging from Best to Banned. Only the materials in columns “A. Best” and “B. Better” are seen as more responsible. We currently classify garments as more responsible when at least 50% of the main fabric is certified organic, recycled, or lower impact (ie: fabrics in colums A and B of the Fabienne Chapot’s Fibre Index.)
Below you’ll find all main materials, including the more responsible
ones, we currently use for our garments, and more information on their social and environmental impact.
Viscose (conventional)
Viscose is a fiber made from wood pulp, for example from eucalyptus, beech, or pine trees. The production of the fabric can have negative environmental impacts, such as high water usage, chemical pollution, and deforestation if the wood pulp used is not sustainably sourced. Viscose is known for its soft and silky feel, and breathability.
Certified Viscose (FSC)
FSC Viscose is a more responsible type of viscose fiber, made from
sustainably sourced wood pulp. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures that the forests are sustainably managed. Besides that, social issues such as supporting local communities are covered. FSC Viscose is known for its soft and silky texture, breathability, and sustainability.
Lenzing™ Ecovero™
Ecovero is a more responsible type of viscose fiber. It’s made using a closed-loop production process, which means that the chemicals and water used in the process are recycled and reused. Therefore, the production process uses 50% less water and 50% less energy compared to conventional viscose production. Ecovero is certified by the EU Ecolabel, which ensures that the product meets strict environmental standards. Ecovero is known for its high quality, soft and silky texture that drapes well, and sustainability.
Bemberg™
by Asahi Kasei
Bemberg™ is a brand of cupro, regenerated cellulose fiber, produced by Asahi Kasei. It’s a more responsible type of viscose, made from cotton linters - the fuzz around the cottonseed -, which is a by-product of the production of cottonseed oil. Bemberg™ uses a closed-loop production process, so the chemicals and water used in the process are recycled and reused. This safes emissions and water usage, lowering the environmental impact of the production compared to conventional viscose. Bemberg is known for its soft and silky texture, moisture absorption, and durability.
TENCEL™
TENCEL™ is a brand name for a type of lyocell fabric, which is made from
sustainably sourced cellulose fibers. The production process uses a closed-loop system, where up to 99% of the solvents and water used to create the fabric are recycled and reused, minimizing waste and reducing the environmental impact.
TENCEL™ is FSC or PEFC certified to ensure that the wood pulp used to create the fabric comes from responsibly managed forests. Additionally, TENCEL™ is certified by Oeko-Tex, which verifies that the fabric is free from harmful substances. TENCEL™ is also certified by the EU Ecolabel, which ensures that the product meets strict environmental standards.
TENCEL™ is known for its softness and smooth texture, great strength, efficient moisture absorption, and gentleness to skin.
Cotton (Conventional)
Cotton is a natural fiber, used in for example t-shirts and denims. Cotton is known for its softness, comfort, durability, and moist absorption level.
There are however social risks linked to the farming and harvesting of conventional cotton, such as the use of forced labour. Also, farming often involves the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, which can have negative environmental and health impacts. And lastly, growing conventional cotton requires high amounts of water.
Organic Cotton (GOTS / OCS)
Organic cotton is produced using natural and sustainable farming practices, without the use of chemicals. This is better for both the earth and farmers, and it also reduces water consumption and ensures fair labor practices.
At Fabienne Chapot, we use two different certified organic cotton standards: GOTS and OCS. The main difference between the two is that OCS certifies the organic content of a product, while GOTS certifies both the organic content and the entire production process. GOTS ensures that the entire production process, from farming to manufacturing, is environmentally and socially responsible, while OCS verifies that a minimum of 95% of the fibers in a product are organic. Organic cotton is known for its softness, comfort, durability, and moist absorption level.
Polyester
(Conventional)
Polyester is known for its durability and wrinkle resistance. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that's usually derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Polyester is not biodegradable, and the use of polyester fibers is one of the main contributors to the world's plastic and microplastic pollution.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled Polyester is made from pre-consumer and post-consumer polyester waste, such as scraps and offcuts from wool production or old polyester dresses. These materials are made into new yarns, which can be used to create new polyester products. This process reduces polyester waste, extends the lifecycle of polyester products, and does not require virgin materials, which helps to save resources and reduce emissions. Additionally, the process requires less water and energy when compared to conventional polyester production. Recycled Polyester is known for its durability and wrinkle resistance.
RPET (in collaboration with Waste2Wear)
RPET is a polyester fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and other post-consumer plastic waste. It helps reduce waste in landfills and oceans, and it reduces the need for virgin materials. The production of RPET uses 70% less energy consumption, 86% less water consumption, and has a 75% lower carbon footprint compared to regular polyester fabrics. RPET is known for its durability and wrinkle resistance.
Curious to know how many bottles you need to make a dress? Check the label of an RPET garment and you’ll find out!
Leather
Leather is known for its comfort, durability, and versatility. Leather is
derived from animals. Conventional leather comes with the risk of mistreatment of animals, such as mulesing. Also, conventional leather production can involve traditional methods that rely on synthetic chemicals during the tanning process, leading to environmental harm. We continue to investigate more responsible alternatives, though it’s important to note that faux leather or vegan leather also come with complexities due to their production techniques or level of durability. Other more responsible alternatives could be certified or recycled leather.
Wool
Wool is known for its durability, insulation, and moisture absorption. Wool can come from many different animals, such as sheep, goats, and alpacas. It is produced using conventional land management and animal farming practices. Risks include the use of pesticides and fertilizers, overgrazing, depleted land, and mistreatment of animals. We’re looking into alternatives such as the use of certified and recycled wool.