Traditional textile production often involves harmful chemicals, excessive water usage, and significant carbon emissions, leading to environmental degradation and health hazards. By embracing eco-friendly fabrics, such as modal and Tencel and recycled materials like polyester and nylon, we at Jeetly can reduce our part of the industry's ecological footprint.
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between cotton and organic cotton? Asked what is modal the same as Tencel? Or looked at a clothing label and thought actually, what is Tencel? To help cut through the noise surrounding eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics, we've put together a glossary of sustainable fabrics to help you decide on your next sustainable fashion purchase.
Organic cotton holds impressive sustainable credentials, making it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This cultivation method protects both the soil and water sources from chemical pollution, preserving biodiversity and promoting ecological balance. Organic cotton farming relies on natural and sustainable practices, such as crop rotation and the use of beneficial insects, to control pests and maintain soil fertility. Additionally, organic cotton production consumes significantly less water compared to conventional methods. By choosing products made from organic cotton, consumers support a more sustainable textile industry, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to the well-being of farmers and ecosystems worldwide.
Modal, a type of rayon derived from beech trees. The production of modal involves a closed-loop process where the majority of solvents and chemicals used in the manufacturing are recycled and reused, minimising waste and environmental impact. Modal is made from renewable beech trees, which require less water and land compared to other fibre crops, reducing the strain on natural resources. Additionally, the beech forests used for modal production are often sustainably managed, ensuring responsible forestry practices and biodiversity conservation. Modal fabric is known for its softness, breathability, and draping qualities, making it a popular choice in the fashion industry. Furthermore, modal is biodegradable, allowing it to naturally break down at the end of its life cycle and reduce landfill waste. By choosing modal, consumers can embrace a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric that combines comfort, style, and reduced environmental footprint. Check out our range of eco-friendly tops here
Recycled polyester, also known as rPET is often an attractive choice in the textile industry. It is produced by transforming post-consumer plastic bottles or other polyester waste into new polyester fibres, reducing the demand for virgin polyester and diverting waste from landfills. The recycling process requires less energy and water compared to the production of virgin polyester, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and conservation of resources. By using recycled polyester, the dependency on fossil fuel extraction is decreased, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. Recycled polyester maintains the same performance characteristics as virgin polyester, including durability and versatility. It can be used in a wide range of applications, such as clothing, accessories, and home textiles. By opting for recycled polyester, consumers actively participate in the circular economy, promote waste reduction, and help mitigate the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Our key capsule wardrobe suit set Fern double breasted blazer and Hattie tailored shorts both contain 33% recycled polyester!
Hemp possesses remarkable sustainability credentials, making it a highly desirable material in various industries. As a crop, hemp requires minimal water and no pesticides, making it a low-impact and eco-friendly choice. It grows quickly and densely, providing high yields per acre and reducing the need for land use. Hemp plants also have a remarkable ability to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them valuable in combatting climate change. Furthermore, hemp fibres are incredibly durable and versatile, allowing for the creation of long-lasting and recyclable products. With its sustainable growth, minimal environmental impact, and potential for carbon sequestration, hemp stands as a remarkable solution for creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Linen boasts impressive sustainability credentials, making it a favoured choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Linen is derived from the flax plant, which requires significantly less water and fewer pesticides compared to other fibre crops. Flax plants are resilient and can grow in diverse climates, reducing the need for irrigation. Linen is also known for its durability, allowing products made from linen to have a longer lifespan and reducing the frequency of replacement. Furthermore, linen is biodegradable and can easily decompose, minimising its impact on landfill waste. The production of linen also has minimal waste, as the entire flax plant can be used, from the fibre to the seeds. These sustainability attributes make linen a highly sustainable choice in the textile industry, promoting a more eco-friendly and circular approach to fashion and lifestyle.
Tencel, a type of fabric derived from the wood pulp of sustainably harvested trees, boasts impressive sustainable credentials. The production process of Tencel utilises a closed-loop system, where almost all solvents and chemicals used are recycled and reused, minimising waste and environmental impact. Additionally, the extraction of the wood pulp occurs in a responsible manner, ensuring forest regeneration and biodiversity conservation. Tencel is biodegradable and compostable, contributing to a circular economy and reducing landfill waste. The fabric itself offers excellent moisture absorption and breathability, promoting comfort and reducing the need for excessive washing. These attributes, combined with its sustainable production practices, make Tencel a highly eco-friendly choice in the textile industry. Shop our 100% Tencel duster coat here
Recycled nylon, also known as rNylon is created by transforming post-consumer nylon waste, such as discarded fishing nets or industrial scraps, into new nylon fibres. This process helps reduce the demand for virgin nylon, divert waste from landfills, and mitigate environmental harm. The production of recycled nylon requires fewer resources, including energy and water, compared to the production of virgin nylon, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and conservation of valuable resources. Not only that but using recycled nylon helps combat marine pollution since discarded fishing nets are a significant contributor to ocean debris. Recycled nylon retains the same strength, durability, and performance characteristics as virgin nylon, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including apparel, swimwear, and outdoor gear. By opting for recycled nylon, consumers actively contribute to the circular economy, promote waste reduction, and support the sustainable transformation of the fashion industry.
Bamboo fabric possesses notable sustainability credentials, often making it a desirable option for eco-conscious individuals. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that requires minimal water, pesticides, and fertilisers compared to other crops. Its rapid growth rate allows for frequent harvesting without depleting the soil. Furthermore, bamboo has a natural resistance to pests, eliminating the need for chemical treatments. The production process of bamboo fabric typically involves a mechanical or chemical process to extract the fibres. Mechanical processing, known as "bamboo linen," uses a mechanical method to produce the fabric, while chemical processing, known as "bamboo rayon" or "bamboo viscose," involves the use of chemicals. However, advancements are being made to ensure more sustainable production methods. Bamboo fabric is known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties, making it a popular choice in clothing. Additionally, bamboo fabric is biodegradable, contributing to a more circular and environmentally friendly textile industry. However, it's important to note that the sustainability of bamboo fabric can vary depending on the specific production practices employed.
Wool is a natural and renewable fibre, sourced from sheep and other animals. It is biodegradable and has a low environmental impact throughout its life cycle. Wool production is often carried out through shearing, a process that does not harm the animals when done responsibly. Wool is highly durable, and products made from wool tend to have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacement. Additionally, wool possesses excellent insulating properties, helping to regulate body temperature and reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. Wool is also naturally flame-resistant, eliminating the need for chemical flame retardants. Moreover, wool is a versatile material that can be recycled and reused, contributing to a circular economy. These sustainability attributes, combined with its natural comfort and performance qualities, make wool a sustainable choice in the textile industry.
Peace silk, also known as Ahimsa silk or non-violent silk, carries significant sustainability credentials and ethical considerations. Unlike traditional silk production, which involves the killing of silkworms during the cocoon harvesting process, peace silk is obtained in a cruelty-free manner. The process allows the silkworms to complete their natural life cycle and emerge from the cocoons before the silk is extracted. This approach promotes animal welfare and aligns with ethical and compassionate practices. Peace silk production also minimises environmental impact. The mulberry trees, which are necessary for silkworm rearing, are often grown using sustainable and organic methods. Furthermore, peace silk is typically dyed with eco-friendly and non-toxic dyes, reducing pollution and harm to ecosystems. By choosing peace silk, consumers support a more humane and sustainable alternative to conventional silk production, without compromising on quality or style.
Piñatex, a sustainable fabric made from pineapple leaf fibres, offers impressive sustainability credentials. It is derived from a byproduct of the pineapple industry, utilising the leaves that are typically discarded after harvesting the fruit. This innovative approach reduces agricultural waste and promotes a circular economy. Piñatex production requires fewer resources compared to traditional leather or synthetic materials. It requires minimal water, pesticides, and land use, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative. Additionally, the manufacturing process of Piñatex involves minimal chemical usage. The resulting fabric is durable, versatile, and biodegradable. It can be used in various applications such as fashion, accessories, and furniture, offering a cruelty-free and sustainable option for those seeking animal-free alternatives. By opting for Piñatex, consumers support a more sustainable and ethical textile industry that promotes resource efficiency and reduces waste.
Cupro is derived from a byproduct of the cotton industry, utilising the short fibres that remain after the cotton is ginned. This up-cycling process reduces waste and promotes a circular economy. Cupro production requires less water compared to other regenerated cellulose fibres like viscose or rayon. The closed-loop production system used in cupro manufacturing allows for the majority of solvents and chemicals to be recycled and reused, minimising environmental impact. Cupro fabric has excellent breathability, drapes beautifully, and offers a luxurious feel, making it a popular choice in fashion. It is also biodegradable, contributing to a reduction in landfill waste. By opting for cupro, consumers can choose a sustainable and eco-friendly fabric that combines comfort, style, and reduced environmental impact.
Embracing fabrics like these not only aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility but also allows us to create high-quality, stylish garments that our customers can feel good about wearing. By choosing Jeetly, you can be confident that you are making a positive impact on the planet and supporting a company dedicated to sustainability in the fashion industry. Shop our collection created with sustainable fabrics here