Consumers today are eager for more information from fashion brands concerning their supply chain, the materials used and their environmental commitment to reduce environmental impact, While they wish to make conscious and sustainably focused purchasing decisions, yet they can only do so if they recognise and can trust the label or packaging of what is in the final product. This shows that transparency in the supply chain is becoming even more important from this point of view.
As everyone working in the sector is now committed to a more sustainable, more responsible and more ethical fashion industry, innovations in the field of ecoresponsibility are continuing to progress and responses are multiplying making the virtuous circle a reality. Labels can now draw on a large range of solutions, meaning that precise and sometimes complex understanding is needed.
Organic material
Products with a composition of more than 50% organic natural material (cotton, wool, linen and silk, mainly).Organic materials follow the rules governing organic agriculture and are produced without the use of synthetic chemical products.
Recycled material
Material consisting of at least 30% recycled material, whether natural or synthetic (mainly cotton, wool, linen, silk, polyester, polyamide). It is becoming more widespread not only in fabrics but also in the production of accessories through the use of recycled plastics, textiles, metals and leather.
Bio-sourced polymers
A synthetic material obtained from at least 30% bio-sourced renewable resources (e.g., glucose, castor oil, sugar cane, apple or grape residues) to which various additives are added. Biopolymers can be used as an alternative to polymers derived from non-renewable fossil resources.
Low chemical impact finishing
Treatments, dyes, prints and finish that enable a reduction in the use of chemical products and ensure their harmlessness for people and the environment. Finishes with a reduced chemical impact cover a wide spectrum of sectors such as denim, leather and printing techniques.
Waterless
Treatments, dyes, finishes that enable a reduction in or complete elimination of water consumption. The “waterless” property can be applied to one or all of the stages in the lifecycle of a product, from the plant to the finishing. It can refer to the use of fibers requiring little water such as certain bast fibers, particularly linen, but also the system for reusing wastewater during the product manufacturing.
Traceability
Identification of the history of the material along its entire production chain, from the source through to the transformation to the finished product. This property makes it possible to communicate transparently about certified information regarding a product.
Biodegradable Or compostable
This is a material that is biodegradable or compostable at the end of its life under specific environments and conditions. It can refer to natural materials, as certain fibers such as cotton, wool and silk naturally boast these properties along with other cellulosics such as Lyocell. It can also concern synthetic fibers such as polyester which generally takes hundreds of years to break down in nature.
Metal-free
Specific to leather, this is a tanning and/or finishing process that does not use heavy metals, instead employing synthetic agents, the formulation of which is specific to each tannery. It is recognized for its multi-purpose properties, adding strength and softness to the leather. It also has the advantage of enabling bright, luminous colors to be obtained, which is not possible using plant-based tannins.
Vegetable tanning
This is tanning done entirely using vegetable tannins. It is the ultimate in eco-responsible tanning. It gives the leather specific mechanical and chemical properties but limits the choice of possible colors and is notably more UV sensitive.