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Dye textiles the natural way with the Onion Society
November 1st, 2019
Dyeing fabric the natural way with onion skins is a zero-waste process and cuts down on food waste by providing an alternative use for skins of the much beloved onion. Photos: Parsons School of Design. Onions are great on burgers, in spaghetti sauce and, of course, in French onion soup. But this vegetable possesses qualities […]
Vegan leather, beyond beLEAF™
November 1st, 2019
Leather made from leaves has the feel and texture of traditional leather while offering an environmentally sustainable option. Photos: Ricardo Perini. A material that looks and feels like leather is actually made from leaves. Natural and renewable, beLEAF™ is the creation of Nova Kaeru, a Brazilian company dedicated to developing ethical, sustainable and innovative products. The […]
The state of sustainability: textile companies work to give themselves an eco-friendly edge
October 1st, 2019
As climate change and pollution concerns remain at the forefront of public attention, textile companies work to give themselves an eco-friendly edge. by Jeff Moravec A decade ago in this magazine, the growing attention to sustainability in the textile supply chain was a hot topic. Guess what? It still is. This doesn’t mean the industry hasn’t […]
The Eco Pavilion at Wonderfruit 2018
September 1st, 2019
With sheltering umbrellas, Wonderfruit’s circular Eco Pavilion was created to respond to the needs of the activity it contains while integrating seamlessly into the landscape. Photos: Wonderfruit. While the U.S. has Burning Man and Coachella, Thailand has Wonderfruit, a pioneering festival that attracts more than 10,000 people to the lush hills west of Pattaya on […]
From train seat to handbag
September 1st, 2019
Made from reused leather train seats, batches five and six of the Amtrak collection of recycled leather goods include handbags, cardholders, sunglass cases, weekenders, totes, travel kits and backpacks. Photo: People for Urban Progress. Amtrak’s Acela Express trains, which offer comfort and upscale amenities for passengers along the northeast corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., […]
Mermet Corporation seeks to protect ecology, promote sustainability and improve communities
August 1st, 2019
By Paul Johnson Mermet Corporation was not content to create just any standard environmental stewardship program for the company. Instead, the Cowpens, S.C.-based innovative solar shade manufacturer went several steps further to create its Weaving Change initiative. The program is a broad-based movement that supports sound environmental textile manufacturing, resource conservation, environmental protection and charitable […]
Partying in sustainable style: Cannes Film Festival
August 1st, 2019
The “after party” for the colorful, sustainable carpet used at a Cannes Film Festival event includes being reused before being recycled. The worn part will be regenerated, and the rest will be repurposed. Photos: Aquafil. Since 1998, Swiss jeweler Chopard has been an official partner of the Cannes Film Festival. The luxury house crafts the […]
Curtains that combat indoor air pollution
June 1st, 2019
The technology that enables IKEA curtains to purify the air can be applied to any textile. GUNRID curtains will be available in stores next year. Photos: ©Inter IKEA Systems B.V. As air pollution continues to be a serious issue, particularly in urban areas, the quality of indoor air is also a concern. The World Health […]
YKK Group’s global commitment to efficiency and sustainability
April 1st, 2019
The YKK Group, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has implemented a bold and broad-based strategy for energy efficiency, reduced carbon output and sustainability. YKK’s green approach has substantially decreased the environmental impact of its 111 facilities operating in 73 countries and regions. But beyond the environmental benefits, these measures have also lowered operating costs, improved safety […]
Sustainable sourcing
April 1st, 2019
Following her recent podcast Sustainable Textile Sourcing for Performance Textiles in Munich, I caught up with Anne-Marie van Hoof, owner and creative director at 4-Options Studio in The Netherlands, to get her take on what she sees as driving sustainability within the industry now and into the future. Fiber credentials The 4-Options Studio offers a […]