Sustainability Glossary

Many of our products use terms to describe what the fabric is or how it is made. Some products are associated with industry-recognised standards and frameworks to ensure the ethical and social impacts of their actions are accounted for*. We have put together this glossary of the key terms used in describing our products to provide a better understanding of the terminology used. *These are correct to our knowledge from the information provided by suppliers.

Organic cotton is considered more environmentally friendly compared to conventional cotton for several reasons:

1. Reduced Pesticide Use: Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and insecticides. This reduces the risk of harm to farm workers, surrounding ecosystems, and wildlife, as well as minimizing pesticide residues in the cotton fiber itself.
2. Health Benefits: Organic cotton farming promotes healthier working conditions for farmers and laborers. They are not exposed to toxic chemicals that can have adverse health effects.
3. Soil Health: Organic farming practices typically focus on soil health through crop rotation, composting, and other sustainable methods. This enhances soil fertility and reduces soil degradation.
4. Biodiversity: Organic cotton farms often maintain higher levels of biodiversity, with natural predators helping to control pests instead of chemical pesticides. This can lead to a more balanced and resilient ecosystem.
5. Water Conservation: Organic cotton farming can be more water-efficient because it often relies on rain-fed irrigation methods and practices that reduce water waste.
6. Non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism): Organic cotton is typically non-GMO, contributing to the preservation of natural seed varieties and genetic diversity.
7. Sustainable Practices: Organic cotton farming is part of a broader commitment to sustainable agriculture, including reduced resource use and lower environmental impact.
8. Long-Term Benefits: Over time, organic cotton farming can lead to healthier soil, reduced land degradation, and a more sustainable farming system. It can contribute to the long-term well-being of both the planet and the communities that depend on cotton farming.

Recycled polyester, often referred to as RPET (Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), is a sustainable alternative to virgin polyester. It is produced by recycling existing plastic materials and repurposing them into new polyester fibers. Here are some key points about recycled polyester:

1. Source of Material: Recycled polyester is created from various sources of plastic waste, including post-consumer waste and pre-consumer waste.
2. Post-Consumer Waste: This includes materials that have already been used by consumers, such as PET bottles, industrial fishing nets, and some used clothing. By recycling these materials, recycled polyester helps divert plastic from landfills and reduce environmental pollution.
3. Pre-Consumer Waste: Pre-consumer recycled content consists of materials that have never reached the end-user but were diverted from the waste stream during manufacturing processes. Examples include waste generated during yarn spinning or garment cutting. Recycling these materials reduces waste and conserves resources.
4. Recycling Methods: Recycled polyester can be produced using mechanical or chemical recycling methods.
   • Mechanical Recycling: Involves melting down plastic waste and then extruding it into new yarn or fiber. This method is relatively energy-efficient and is commonly used for recycling PET bottles.
   • Chemical Recycling: This process breaks down the plastic waste to its monomer or polymer phase before extruding it into yarn or fiber. It can be used for a wider range of plastic materials and is gaining popularity for its ability to handle mixed plastics.
5. Environmental Benefits:
   • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Recycled polyester typically has a lower carbon footprint compared to virgin polyester. The estimated reduction can be as much as 32% per tonne of fiber. This is because the recycling process requires less energy and reduces the need for new raw materials.
   • Resource Conservation: Recycling plastic waste conserves valuable resources and reduces the demand for petroleum-based raw materials used in virgin polyester production.
   • Waste Reduction: By repurposing plastic waste, recycled polyester helps reduce the amount of plastic entering landfills and oceans, addressing environmental pollution issues.
6. Sustainability: The use of recycled polyester supports a circular economy by giving a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. It aligns with sustainability goals by reducing waste and conserving resources.
7. Certifications: Look for certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) to ensure that products labeled as recycled polyester meet specific environmental and social criteria.

Recycled polyester has gained popularity in the textile industry as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional polyester. It offers a way to reduce the environmental impact of clothing and textile production while promoting the responsible use of plastic materials.

"Spun Dyed" or "Dope Dyed" is a dyeing process used in the textile industry, primarily for polyester fabrics. This method offers environmental advantages over traditional dyeing processes. Here's how it works and why it's considered more sustainable:

1. Dyeing Process:
   • In the Spun Dyeing or Dope Dyeing process, the color dye is added directly to the polyester chips before they are melted and extruded into yarns. This means that the dye is incorporated into the polyester material at the very beginning of the production process, at the polymer chip stage.
   • The colored polyester chips are then heated, melted, and extruded to form yarns. These colored yarns are used to weave or knit fabrics to create clothing and textiles.
2. Environmental Benefits:
   • Reduced Water Usage: Traditional dyeing methods often involve large vats of water to dye fabric. In contrast, Spun Dyeing significantly reduces water consumption since the dye is applied to the polyester chips before the extrusion process. This minimizes the need for water-intensive dye baths.
   • Chemical Reduction: Spun Dyeing also reduces the use of chemicals required for traditional dyeing processes. In traditional methods, chemicals are used to prepare the fabric for dyeing and fix the dye, which can have environmental impacts.
   • Energy Efficiency: Since the dye is added at an earlier stage in the manufacturing process, it can lead to energy savings compared to traditional dyeing methods, which often require extensive heating and cooling processes.
3. Color Fastness: Spun Dyed or Dope Dyed fabrics are known for their excellent color fastness because the dye is an integral part of the polyester material. This means the colors are less likely to fade over time, even with repeated washing and exposure to sunlight.
4. Sustainability: Combining Spun Dyeing with the use of recycled polyester further enhances the sustainability of the fabric. Recycled polyester reduces the need for virgin polyester production, conserving resources and energy.
5. Environmental Certifications: Products made with Spun Dyed or Dope Dyed polyester may qualify for environmental certifications like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) or other sustainability labels, depending on the manufacturer's practices and materials used.

This is an eco-friendly choice for those looking to minimize the environmental impact of textile manufacturing.

The concept of transitional cotton is an important development in the organic farming industry. As you mentioned, it can take several years for a field to transition from conventional to organic farming practices and become officially certified as organic. Here's more information on transitional cotton:

1. Transition Period: To achieve organic certification, farmers need to adhere to organic farming practices for a specific period of time, typically at least three years. During this period, they must avoid the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and follow organic practices for soil management and crop cultivation.
2. Challenges During Transition: Transitioning to organic farming can be financially challenging for farmers. They may face increased costs due to changes in farming methods, lower yields during the transition period, and the cost of certification.
3. Transitional Cotton: Transitional cotton refers to cotton that is grown on fields during the period when they are transitioning to organic status but have not yet achieved full organic certification. These cotton crops are grown using organic farming practices, which means no synthetic pesticides or GMOs are used.
4. Market Incentives: Initiatives to encourage the cultivation and sale of transitional cotton are important for supporting farmers during the transition period. These initiatives often involve partnerships between farmers, textile companies, and organizations involved in the organic industry. They may provide financial incentives or premium prices to farmers for their transitional cotton, recognizing the effort and commitment required to transition to organic farming.
5. Consumer Demand: The demand for organic cotton and sustainable textiles has been steadily increasing due to environmental and health concerns. As a result, there is a market for transitional cotton products, and consumers are willing to support the transition to organic farming by purchasing these products.
6. Certification: To ensure the authenticity of transitional cotton, there are certification programs and standards in place. These programs verify that the cotton is grown according to organic practices, even if the fields have not yet completed the full transition period.
7. Environmental Benefits: Supporting transitional cotton helps reduce the use of synthetic chemicals in cotton farming and promotes healthier soil and ecosystems. It aligns with the principles of organic agriculture, which focus on sustainability and reduced environmental impact.

In summary, transitional cotton represents a bridge between conventional cotton farming and full organic certification. It allows farmers to adopt organic practices while still being able to sell their crops, providing financial support during the transition period. This approach supports the growth of organic farming and offers environmentally conscious consumers the option to choose products that align with their values.

Fairtrade is a global movement and certification system that seeks to address the inequalities and injustices present in conventional trade, particularly in agricultural and commodity markets. One of the central principles of Fairtrade is the requirement for companies to pay sustainable prices to producers, ensuring that these prices do not fall below the market price. Here's how Fairtrade addresses these issues and empowers producers:

1. Fair Prices: Fairtrade sets a minimum price for certain products, which is often higher than the prevailing market price. This minimum price serves as a safety net for producers, ensuring that they receive a fair and stable income for their goods, even when market prices fluctuate.
2. Price Stability: Fairtrade also provides price stability by offering producers a fixed, predictable income for their products. This helps protect them from the volatility of global commodity markets, where prices can often be unpredictable and subject to rapid fluctuations.
3. Empowerment: By receiving fair and stable prices for their products, small-scale farmers and workers in developing countries gain more control over their livelihoods. They are less vulnerable to poverty and can plan for the future with greater confidence.
4. Investment in Communities: Fairtrade premiums, which are additional sums of money paid on top of the fair price, are often invested in community development projects. These projects can include building schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure, improving the overall quality of life for producer communities.
5. Environmental Sustainability: Fairtrade also promotes environmentally sustainable farming practices. Producers are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly methods that reduce the use of harmful chemicals and minimize the environmental impact of agriculture.
6. Gender Equity: Fairtrade actively promotes gender equity by encouraging women's participation in decision-making processes and ensuring that women receive fair treatment and equal pay.
7. Social Accountability: Fairtrade certification requires companies to adhere to social accountability standards, ensuring that labor rights are respected, and workers are treated with dignity and respect. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.
8. Consumer Awareness: Fairtrade labeling on products allows consumers to make informed choices that support fair and ethical trade. This awareness empowers consumers to be part of the solution by choosing products that align with their values.

Oeko-Tex is a registered trade mark, representing the product labels and company certifications issued and other services provided by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology. Most notably known for STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety.

The OEKO-TEX® certification and labeling system is a well-known and respected standard in the textile and leather industry, providing assurance to consumers and manufacturers that products have been tested for harmful substances and comply with safety and environmental standards. Here are key points about OEKO-TEX®:

1. International Association: OEKO-TEX® is administered by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology (OEKO-TEX® Association). This association is comprised of independent textile research and testing institutes from around the world.
2. Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®: This is one of the most recognized and widely used labels offered by OEKO-TEX®. It is a comprehensive testing and certification system for textiles at all stages of production. Products that carry the STANDARD 100 label have been tested for harmful substances and deemed safe for human use.
3. Product Safety: STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® focuses on ensuring that textiles do not contain substances that are harmful to human health. This includes testing for a wide range of potentially harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticides, and allergenic dyes.
4. Consumer Confidence: The OEKO-TEX® label, especially the STANDARD 100 label, provides consumers with confidence that the textile products they purchase have met stringent safety standards. It helps consumers make informed choices by selecting products that have been independently verified for safety.
5. Ecological Responsibility: In addition to safety, OEKO-TEX® also offers certifications and labels related to environmental responsibility. This includes certifications like MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX®, which verifies that products are made in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.
6. Supply Chain Assurance: OEKO-TEX® certification extends throughout the textile supply chain, from raw materials to finished products. This means that each component of a textile product is subject to testing and certification, ensuring that the entire production process meets safety and environmental standards.
7. Global Reach: OEKO-TEX® certifications and labels are recognized and accepted worldwide. Many textile manufacturers and brands seek OEKO-TEX® certification to demonstrate their commitment to safety and quality.
8. Regular Testing: Products that carry the OEKO-TEX® label are subject to regular testing and must meet updated standards to maintain their certification. This ongoing commitment to quality and safety is a hallmark of the program.

The amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) Audit is an industry-driven movement that aims to monitor and assess workplace standards across the global supply chain.

SMETA, which stands for Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit, is a widely recognized social audit methodology and framework used to assess and evaluate a company's responsible business practices. It focuses on key areas related to labor, health and safety, environment, and business ethics. Here's more information about SMETA:

1. Audit Scope: SMETA is designed to assess a company or organization's ethical and social compliance practices across various aspects of its operations. These include labor standards, health and safety, environmental impact, and ethical business conduct.
2. Labor Standards: SMETA evaluates labor practices within the organization. This includes assessing working conditions, labor rights, fair wages, working hours, child labor, forced labor, and freedom of association. It helps ensure that employees are treated fairly and work in safe and ethical environments.
3. Health and Safety: The audit examines health and safety practices within the workplace. It assesses whether the organization provides a safe and healthy work environment, implements proper safety protocols, and complies with relevant regulations to protect the well-being of employees.
4. Environment: SMETA evaluates the environmental impact of the organization's operations. This includes assessing waste management, energy efficiency, water usage, and efforts to reduce the organization's carbon footprint. It encourages environmentally responsible practices.
5. Business Ethics: The audit considers ethical business practices, such as anti-corruption measures, transparency, and adherence to ethical business standards. This ensures that the organization conducts its business affairs in an ethical and transparent manner.
6. Sedex Membership: Sedex is a global platform for sharing responsible sourcing data and conducting ethical audits. SMETA audits are typically carried out within the framework of Sedex membership, which promotes transparency and collaboration in the supply chain.
7. Common Reporting Framework: SMETA follows a common reporting framework, making it easier for organizations to share audit results and assessments with their stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and other partners.
8. Continuous Improvement: SMETA is not just a one-time assessment; it encourages continuous improvement by identifying areas where an organization can enhance its responsible business practices. It provides recommendations for corrective actions and follow-up assessments to monitor progress.
9. Supplier Engagement: Many organizations use SMETA audits to assess the ethical and social compliance of their suppliers and partners in the supply chain, helping to ensure responsible sourcing practices throughout the production process.

The Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) is an organization dedicated to promoting ethical and responsible manufacturing practices globally. Originally founded as the Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production, it has since expanded its focus beyond just apparel and now covers various industries. WRAP's primary goal is to ensure that factories and production facilities operate in a manner that is safe, lawful, humane, and ethical.

Key features of WRAP include:

1. Certification: WRAP certifies factories and facilities based on adherence to its "Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production Principles." These principles cover various aspects of ethical and responsible manufacturing, including labor practices, workplace conditions, and environmental concerns.
2. 12 Principles: WRAP's certification process is based on twelve core principles that encompass a wide range of ethical and responsible practices. These principles include compliance with labor laws, workplace safety, humane treatment of workers, and environmental responsibility.
3. Labor Standards: WRAP places a strong emphasis on labor standards. Its principles require factories to ensure fair wages, reasonable working hours, safe working conditions, and no use of forced or child labor.
4. Environmental Responsibility: While WRAP's origins are in apparel production, its principles now extend to environmental concerns. This includes responsible resource management, waste reduction, and environmentally sustainable practices.
5. Transparency: WRAP encourages transparency in the supply chain by requiring factories to provide documentation and evidence of compliance with the principles. This transparency helps buyers and consumers make informed choices.
6. Global Reach: WRAP operates on a global scale, working with factories and facilities in many countries. This international presence allows it to promote responsible practices across different regions and industries.
7. Continuous Improvement: WRAP emphasizes continuous improvement. Factories that receive certification are encouraged to maintain and enhance their ethical and responsible practices over time.
8. Consumer Confidence: For consumers, WRAP certification can serve as a mark of assurance that the products they purchase have been produced under ethical and humane conditions.
9. Industry Collaboration: WRAP often collaborates with various industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, brands, and retailers, to encourage the adoption of responsible and ethical practices throughout the supply chain.

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products for their unique properties, which include resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. They are commonly used to create fluoropolymer coatings on a wide range of products, including clothing, non-stick cookware, waterproof textiles, and firefighting foams. However, there are concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of PFCs:

1. Health Concerns:
   • Reproductive Harm: Some PFCs have been associated with reproductive health issues. Research has shown that exposure to certain PFCs, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), may affect fertility and fetal development in animals and potentially in humans.
   • Tumor Promotion: There is evidence to suggest that certain PFCs may promote the growth of tumors, particularly in animal studies. However, the direct impact on humans is still under investigation.
   • Hormone Disruption: PFCs can interfere with the endocrine system by disrupting the normal functioning of hormones. This disruption can have wide-ranging health effects, including potential impacts on growth, development, and metabolism.
2. Environmental Concerns:
   • Bioaccumulation: PFCs are known for their persistence in the environment. They can accumulate in the bodies of organisms over time, a process known as bioaccumulation. This can lead to higher concentrations of PFCs in organisms higher up the food chain.
   • Global Distribution: PFCs have been found in various environmental media worldwide, including water, soil, air, and wildlife. They have been detected in remote regions such as the Arctic and Antarctic, far from their point of use.
   • Water Contamination: PFCs can leach into groundwater and surface water from landfills, industrial sites, and wastewater treatment plants. This contamination can affect drinking water supplies and aquatic ecosystems.
3. Regulatory Response: In response to the environmental and health concerns associated with certain PFCs, regulatory agencies in various countries have taken action to restrict or phase out the use of some PFCs. For example, PFOA and PFOS have been largely phased out in the United States.
4. Alternatives: Manufacturers and researchers are exploring alternatives to PFCs for various applications, including waterproofing textiles. These alternatives aim to provide similar performance without the potential environmental and health risks associated with PFCs.