MATERIALS
MATERIALS
THE MATERIALS WE USE FOR OUR CLOTHING HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. THE PRODUCTION OF YARNS AND FABRICS CONSUMES CONSIDERABLE AMOUNTS OF WATER, ENERGY, SOIL, CHEMICALS, AND NATURAL RESOURCES. AT XANDRES, WE ARE TAKING GRADUAL BUT MEANINGFUL STEPS TO REDUCE THIS IMPACT BY CAREFULLY SELECTING MATERIALS THAT ARE KINDER TO BOTH PEOPLE AND PLANET.
Each year, we aim to incorporate more recycled and certified materials into our collections. While we do not certify our end products, we place a strong focus on sourcing fabrics that are certified, and we strive to increase this proportion year by year. Currently, a large part of our materials is still conventional, but we've seen notable improvements over the last years
To guide us, we developed our own "Material Matrix". All materials have an ecological impact, those listed below are generally classified as lower-impact materials. Even these have an environmental footprint, yet the factors that make them comparatively less harmful are explained in the following sections.
Fabrics we use
RECYCLED FABRICS
THE GLOBAL RECYCLED STANDARD (GRS) LABEL GUARANTEES A REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, DURABLE PRODUCTS, HIGH RECYCLED CONTENT, ETHICAL PRODUCTION, TRACEABLE MATERIALS, TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT.
Generally, recycled materials have a lower impact because they conserve resources by reducing the need for new material production, saving energy and water. They divert waste from landfills and incinerators, and often have a lower carbon footprint due to reduced energy and water usage. Lastly they promote a circular economy and in some cases reduce chemical use.
CERTIFIED ORGANIC FABRICS
ORGANIC FIBERS SHOULD HAVE EITHER GOTS OR OCS100 STANDARDS. Organic fibers offer several environmental and social benefits, which include a reduced reliance on chemicals, water conservation through efficient irrigation and conservation methods, a strong emphasis on soil health and biodiversity support.
Decreased energy requirements leading to a lower carbon footprint, the establishment of safe working conditions, and the promotion of consumer health by minimizing chemical usage.
FSC VISCOSE
FSC-CERTIFIED VISCOSE IS PRODUCED IN SUSTAINABLY MANAGED PLANTATIONS.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes ecologically sound, socially responsible, and economically viable forest management worldwide.
Forest management respects the ecosystem and ensures the preservation of forest biodiversity, it takes optimal consideration of the local population with fair and safe condition for forestry workers, and is economically viable.
RWS WOOL
RWS WOOL STANDS FOR RESPONSIBLE WOOL STANDARD WOOL DEVELOPED BY TEXTILE EXCHANGE.
The RWS certification is a global standard that ensures that wool comes from farms that follow strict criteria for the ethical treatment of animals and responsible land management.
The Responsible Wool Standard includes animal welfare, requiring humane treatment of sheep, including proper nutrition, access to clean water, shelter, and healthcare. Controversial practices like mulesing are prohibited without the use of pain relief. It also includes social criteria for fair treatment and safe working conditions for the workers.
RECYCLED FABRICS
THE GLOBAL RECYCLED STANDARD (GRS) LABEL GUARANTEES A REDUCED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, DURABLE PRODUCTS, HIGH RECYCLED CONTENT, ETHICAL PRODUCTION, TRACEABLE MATERIALS, TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION AND STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT.
Generally, recycled materials have a lower impact because they conserve resources by reducing the need for new material production, saving energy and water. They divert waste from landfills and incinerators, and often have a lower carbon footprint due to reduced energy and water usage. Lastly they promote a circular economy and in some cases reduce chemical use.
RWS WOOL
RWS WOOL STANDS FOR RESPONSIBLE WOOL STANDARD WOOL DEVELOPED BY TEXTILE EXCHANGE.
The RWS certification is a global standard that ensures that wool comes from farms that follow strict criteria for the ethical treatment of animals and responsible land management.
The Responsible Wool Standard includes animal welfare, requiring humane treatment of sheep, including proper nutrition, access to clean water, shelter, and healthcare. Controversial practices like mulesing are prohibited without the use of pain relief. It also includes social criteria for fair treatment and safe working conditions for the workers.
CERTIFIED ORGANIC FABRICS
ORGANIC FIBERS SHOULD HAVE EITHER GOTS OR OCS100 STANDARDS. Organic fibers offer several environmental and social benefits, which include a reduced reliance on chemicals, water conservation through efficient irrigation and conservation methods, a strong emphasis on soil health and biodiversity support.
Decreased energy requirements leading to a lower carbon footprint, the establishment of safe working conditions, and the promotion of consumer health by minimizing chemical usage.
FSC VISCOSE
FSC-CERTIFIED VISCOSE IS PRODUCED IN SUSTAINABLY MANAGED PLANTATIONS.
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) promotes ecologically sound, socially responsible, and economically viable forest management worldwide.
Forest management respects the ecosystem and ensures the preservation of forest biodiversity, it takes optimal consideration of the local population with fair and safe condition for forestry workers, and is economically viable.
RMS MOHAIR
RMS (RESPONSIBLE MOHAIR STANDARD) MOHAIR IS A MATERIAL SOURCED FROM ETHICALLY RAISED AND SUSTAINABLY MANAGED FARMS.
In terms of animal welfare, the Five Freedoms are upheld, ensuring global standards and best practices are followed. Concerning land management, RMS farms employ progressive techniques that safeguard soil health, promote biodiversity, and protect native species.
The last standard encompasses social welfare considerations, including working conditions and the health and safety of workers.
ECOVERO VISCOSE
THE LENZING GROUP IS AN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY SPECIALIZED IN THE PRODUCTION OF WOOD-BASED VISCOSE FIBERS, MODAL FIBERS, LYOCELL FIBERS, AND FILAMENT YARN.
LENZING ECOVERO viscose stands as a preferable alternative to conventional viscose for several reasons.
Its production process consumes minimal water and emits less CO2 during the conversion of fibers into fabric. Additionally, this material is sourced from sustainably managed forests, often bearing FSC certification.
LINEN
LINEN HAS BEEN IN USE FOR CENTURIES AND IS RENOWNED FOR ITS ENDURING COMFORT.
It is derived from the flax plant, which requires less water for cultivation compared to other textile crops like cotton.
Linen is also naturally resistant to moths, ensuring the longevity of your clothing.
MONO-MATERIALS
MONO-MATERIALS ARE EASIER TO RECYCLE PRIMARILY BECAUSE THEY CONSIST OF A SINGLE TYPE OF MATERIAL, MAKING THE RECYCLING PROCESS MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD AND EFFICIENT. IT CAN BE EASILY SORTED AND SEPARATED FROM OTHER WASTE MATERIALS AT RECYCLING FACILITIES.
RMS MOHAIR
RMS (RESPONSIBLE MOHAIR STANDARD) MOHAIR IS A MATERIAL SOURCED FROM ETHICALLY RAISED AND SUSTAINABLY MANAGED FARMS.
In terms of animal welfare, the Five Freedoms are upheld, ensuring global standards and best practices are followed. Concerning land management, RMS farms employ progressive techniques that safeguard soil health, promote biodiversity, and protect native species.
The last standard encompasses social welfare considerations, including working conditions and the health and safety of workers.
MONO-MATERIALS
MONO-MATERIALS ARE EASIER TO RECYCLE PRIMARILY BECAUSE THEY CONSIST OF A SINGLE TYPE OF MATERIAL, MAKING THE RECYCLING PROCESS MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD AND EFFICIENT. IT CAN BE EASILY SORTED AND SEPARATED FROM OTHER WASTE MATERIALS AT RECYCLING FACILITIES.
ECOVERO VISCOSE
THE LENZING GROUP IS AN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY SPECIALIZED IN THE PRODUCTION OF WOOD-BASED VISCOSE FIBERS, MODAL FIBERS, LYOCELL FIBERS, AND FILAMENT YARN.
LENZING ECOVERO viscose stands as a preferable alternative to conventional viscose for several reasons.
Its production process consumes minimal water and emits less CO2 during the conversion of fibers into fabric. Additionally, this material is sourced from sustainably managed forests, often bearing FSC certification.
LINEN
LINEN HAS BEEN IN USE FOR CENTURIES AND IS RENOWNED FOR ITS ENDURING COMFORT.
It is derived from the flax plant, which requires less water for cultivation compared to other textile crops like cotton.
Linen is also naturally resistant to moths, ensuring the longevity of your clothing.
SOME OTHER THINGS WE FOCUS ON WHEN IT COMES TO MATERIALS
- 100% of our suppliers signed our Code of Conduct to guarantee good working conditions in the factories.
- We focus on high quality fabrics.
- We avoid the use of harmful chemicals in our garments by adhering to the REACH directive and requesting Oeko-Tex 100 certifications from our suppliers. Currently, 63% of our fabrics are Oeko-Tex 100 certified.
- We have an animal welfare policy in place, inhibiting the use of fur, angora or hides/leathers from exotic animals.
Our 6 pillars
Want more numbers and details?
Read the full Xandres Sustainability Report