Fibers: One of the crucial steps in the creation of ecological clothing and which constitutes the largest percentage of raw material for the manufacture of ecological clothing are quality fibers with a low impact on the environment. Our choices fell on three certified organic fibers: Hemp, Cotton, Bamboo.
Hemp:
Hemp clothing allows us to meet an essential need thanks to a healthy fabric, both for us and for the planet. It is probably the oldest textile to have been domesticated by man. The benefits of hemp are many, hemp fibers are porous, forming a fabric that breathes and has great thermal insulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Plus, it softens with washes, and the hemp fabric helps produce eco-responsible clothing. Additionally, hemp fields have the ability to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. Then, to produce the same quantity of textile, hemp consumes four times less water than cotton and does not require pesticides or the synthesis of chemical compounds.
Organic Cotton: First, it is grown with natural compost that replaces chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with good insects that eliminate bad ones and an ecosystem that is respected. Then, it is GMO-free and its water consumption necessary for cultivation is reduced by half compared to conventional cotton, its fiber is bleached with hydrogen peroxide and not with chlorine. The dyes are made without heavy metals or other carcinogenic substances, the organic cotton fiber is softer and more flexible, thicker and hypoallergenic. In addition, the organic cultivation of cotton allows producers, by reducing their investments, to get out of the spiral of indebtedness, it improves their working conditions, their health and that of those around them. Finally, crop rotation in organic farming helps oxygenate the land and preserve its richness.
Bamboo: There are two types of textiles made from bamboo. The first, which is called flax bamboo, is converted into yarn without chemical agents and is environmentally friendly. The plant is first crushed and then, with the help of natural enzymes, it is transformed into pulp. The fiber is finally combed, then spun. The other way of producing bamboo is chemical, by chemically regenerating the cellulose and thus creating viscose bamboo. It is then mixed with other materials, which makes it silkier. So, we know that basically the bamboo textile comes from an ecological and sustainable raw material. We now know that there is a possibility of transforming this raw material into an almost perfectly ecological textile. However, most traded bamboo textiles undergo chemical treatment. On the other hand, although imperfect, we consider that it is greatly favorable to wear clothing made from bamboo rayon than from conventional cotton clothing, which is both more polluting and less resistant. We also consider that bamboo textiles are much more ecological than polyesters made from petroleum and that bamboo clothing meets several characteristics of the desired ecological textile and consider it as such. Our dearest desire, the one that will materialize in future years, is that the technique of flax bamboo becomes more accessible. We are also looking towards improving the rayon process so that it is made without the use of chemicals.
Our partners:
By producing Canadian clothing, Another Land Nearby ensures transparency throughout the production chain as well as recognition of the work done by dedicated workers. We ensure that production meets quality, environmental and ethical standards at all stages of the production chain.
