2024-04-11
What Is Greenwashing?As society’s preferences have been modified by climate emergency, some brands are involving claims related to circularity and sustainability to collect and engage their potential consumers.It is a good practice to use green claims as a value proposition, communicating good environmental practices to consumers. However, in some cases, the brands are not as green as they communicate, misleading or making false statements about their environmental credentials.Definition of GreenwashingGreenwashing is the act of making false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product or practice. It can be a way for companies to continue or expand their polluting as well as related harmful behaviors, all while gaming the system or profiting off well-intentioned, sustainably-minded consumers.NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL (NRDC), 2023Why is it important to fight against it?There is no doubt that climate change is due to human activities, such as overconsuming or bad manufacturing habits. Reducing human activities’ carbon footprint is a worldwide emergency, and the first step to change it is communication and education.The whole society must be aware of the real problem we are facing and would have to be educated about good practices, especially in industries such as fashion, some of the most polluting of the world. The extraction of raw materials instead of repairing, reusing, or upcycling them are some of the main problems that manufacturers have. Deadstock fabric marketplaces or softwares to improve stock management to reduce waste, are some of the best solutions that the textile industry must adopt to change that solution.Greenwashing confuses consumers and modifies their purchasing decisions, making them choose brands whose activities are not aligned with their environmental values, undermining real efforts to reduce emissions.[banner-standard-module title="The Ultimate Guide for Fashion Regulation" buttonTitle="Learn More" description="Discover the current landscape of the European Fashion Regulation related to Circularity and Sustainability." lang="es" backgroundImage="https://store.recovo.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portadas-Blog-3.jpg" buttonUrl="https://store.recovo.co/assets/the-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-regulation/"]EU Greenwashing RegulationsFebruary 2024, the president of the European Union and the president of the European Council have signed the new directive to enhance the former Unfair Commercial Practices (UCPD) and the Consumer Rights Directive (CRD). This directive includes the following:- Consumers would have to be informed about more durable, reparable, durability, and their Environmental and social impact, adding this information to the list of product characteristics (UCPD).- Comparison methods of comparing the sustainability of products would be required.- New commercial practices would be added to the list of commercial practices banned in all circumstances: - Displaying a sustainability label not based on a certification scheme or not established by public authorities.- Generic environmental claims.- Presenting requirements imposed by law on all products as a distinctive feature of a trader’s offer.- Omitting information to the consumer about features of a product that limits its durability.- False claims about a product’s durability.- False claims about a product’s repairability.- Persuading consumers to replace a product earlier than necessary for technical reasons.- Consumers would have to be informed about longer legal guarantees (2 years) when buying products. Consumers would also have to be informed about the repairability score if this repairability score is already established for the product under EU law, or information about the availability of spare parts and user and repair manual if the producer has made such information available.What can brands and fashion do to fight against GreenwashingIn today’s crowded marketplace, where consumers are bombarded with information, brands must stand out with authenticity. Greenwashing tactics can backfire, confusing customers and eroding trust. To combat this, fashion companies should prioritize transparency throughout their supply chain.Here are some key actions brands can take:- Educate yourselves: Stay up-to-date on the latest greenwashing tactics used by others, identifying them, avoiding misleading claims in your own marketing efforts, and trying to educate their consumers about this issue.- Focus on circularity and sustainability: Integrate circularity practices into your core operations. Don’t rely solely on marketing messages to portray an eco-friendly image. Certifications like Bluesign or other kinds of information generate transparency and confidence in your consumers and demonstrate your commitment to the environment.- Promote life cycle assessment: Consider the environmental impact of your products throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. Explore ecodesign to extend product lifespans. You can learn more about ecodesign in our asset about the EU regulation Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.- Embrace transparency: Communicate your sustainability efforts and goals. Partner with credible third-party organizations for verification and suppliers such as Recovo, which brings you information about the real impact of the products you are acquiring. Due to the newest regulations and consumer awareness, transparency is no longer optional; it’s essential for building trust and brand loyalty.ConclusionsAs circular promotion and circularity play an important role in the companies’ marketing strategies, some companies did some bad practices and started to communicate data and information that did not adjust to what their environmental impact effort really is, taking advantage of this growing circular consumer awareness that society is developing.As organizations commit to reducing their carbon footprint and authorities regulations to avoid these practices, it is important to fight and detect those greenwashing tactics and educate our consumers to detect and avoid them. DO YOU WANT TO BE UPDATED WITH ALL THE NEWS ABOUT CIRCULARITY IN FASHION? Subscribe to Newsletter
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2024-04-11
How To Prepare For The Ecolabel LawOne of the European Commission’s main objectives in dealing with the actual climate emergency that the planet is experiencing is related to transparency. As environmental education and consumer awareness grow, companies have taken advantage of it by communicating green claims or properties from their products or services whose integrity has yet to be demonstrated.This type of practice, also known as Greenwashing is being faced by the EU through different legislations whose objective is to enhance transparency and give information to consumers, and initiatives such as the Ecolabel have arrived to add extra value to environmentally efficient products.What is the Ecolabel?The ecolabel emerged 30 years ago, known as the “Community Eco-label” which tried to influence consumers to greener choices, providing a reliable guide towards environmental care. The former ecolabel has evolved and, nowadays, it is an award to products and services which have a lower environmental impact than their competence consumed in the EU market. we can find a wide range of products under these regulations:- Cleaning products- Clothes and textiles- Coverings- Do-it-yourself materials- Electronic equipment- Furniture and mattresses- Gardening- Vacation accommodation- Lubricants- Paper- Personal and animal care productsAll the products included in this list have the most environmental performance over the whole life cycle, and just 10-20% of the total products available on the European market fit its requirements.Every sector has its special requirements and solutions to reduce its climate footprint and achieve the European Ecolabel. For example, the textile industry can bet on more innovative materials which reduces the industry climate impact, or can resort to deadstock fabrics marketplaces.EU Ecolabel criteriaThere is not just one single list of requirements that covers all the product categories included on the Ecolabel. Every category has its characteristics and climate impact, so its requirements are adapted to them.Even if it is not possible to define a unique list of requirements, the criteria for them are common for all the products, following ethical and circular economy motivations, all of them devised using scientific data on the whole of a product’s life cycle, from product development to disposal. They cover environmental and climate impact, health, safety, social, and ethical aspects and promote durability, recyclability, and recycled materials used on them.The regulation for the textile industryThe textile industry become one the principles polluting reasons of the world, so promoting environmentally respectful practices on it is very important to reduce its climate footprint. The European Ecolabel has defined two separate directives, one that covers textile products and another one that covers footwear, whose validity will be from the 31st of December of 2025. That means that textile industry companies have almost 2 years to prepare and adopt circular economy solutions to achieve the Ecolabel for their products.For the textile industry, the European Ecolabel guarantees:- Natural-origin raw materials are sustainably managed- Reduced pollution in production processes- Minimised use of hazardous substances- Tested for durabilityOn the other hand, the requirements for them are related with:- Manufacturing - Materials used during the production process - Water consumption and emissions - Hazardous substances - Corporate social responsibility - Components and accessories - How energy-efficient is the production process- Usability - Packaging - User information - Durability - Fitness for use[banner-standard-module title="The Ultimate Guide for Fashion Regulation" buttonTitle="Learn More" description="Discover the current landscape of the European Fashion Regulation related to Circularity and Sustainability." lang="es" backgroundImage="https://store.recovo.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portadas-Blog-3.jpg" buttonUrl="https://store.recovo.co/assets/the-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-regulation/"] How Recovo can help you with Ecolabel To ensure transparency and obtain for the ecolabel or to communicate to your consumers, data is essential. The data must contain information about the different parts that involve the whole product lifecycle, it is more than its composition. At Recovo, we consider it, so we add information about fabric composition and other information related to its impact on the environment and traceability, such as water, CO2, and chemical emissions in every order at Recovo’s deadstock fabrics marketplace. This information is not only useful for the ecolabel but also for the Digital Product Passport, which will also be introduced in 2025. This valuable extra information aims to materialize what we are achieving for the environment, adding realistic data about how this type of service can reduce the textile industry’s climate footprint personalized for any order. Another Recovo service for the circular economy is the software to manage warehouse stocks to reduce waste and production costs CiMS. Reducing overconsumption is one of the easiest ways for companies to reduce their waste and production costs, reducing raw material extraction and manufacturing environmental emissions.
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2024-04-11
EU’s Textile Legislation Landscape Guide For 2024In 2015, United Nations member states defined the 17 climate objectives for Sustainable Development, the famous 2030 Agenda. These compromises are becoming a reality through some regulations from different authorities such as the European Commission, that promote circular economy as the solution for developing new business models that are more sustainable for our planet and society.The textile industry is also into this change as one of the most polluting industries in the world. This article will sum up the different regulations that the EU will launch in the textile industry landscape.EU regulations stateEuropean Commission is making efforts to adopt a circular economy and it is visible through their latest regulations. Several regulations related to these objectives in different stages cover different stages of the lifecycle of products. We can resume them in the following table:How to adapt to EU’s regulationsAs we have seen, the UE is developing a lot of legislation related to the new circular economy landscape that aims to achieve due to the United Nation’s SDG, trying to change how European society produces and consumes. Some of them are currently approved or in implementation, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities, or the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).Companies must be ready to adapt their operations to comply with this new legislation if they want to survive and grow. Nowadays, it is possible to find different complying solutions, such as Recovo’s CiMS software, which digitalizes warehouse management, or other recycling solutions for companies’ waste that cannot be reused.Another aspect that companies must focus on if they want to use these changes as an opportunity is related to marketing and communication. It is a fact that society is more conscious about its climate footprint and both existing and new businesses use this type of good practices as a competitive advantage. As every landscape changes, new opportunities come up.[banner-standard-module title="The Ultimate Guide for Fashion Regulation" buttonTitle="Learn More" description="Discover the current landscape of the European Fashion Regulation related to Circularity and Sustainability." lang="es" backgroundImage="https://store.recovo.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portadas-Blog-3.jpg" buttonUrl="https://store.recovo.co/assets/the-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-regulation/"]EU’s regulations objectivesTransparencyOne of the most important objectives that the newest regulations focus on is transparency. Greenwashing practices have been common during the last years to take advantage of society’s climate consciousness.The European Commission will control and ban Green Claims practices, both on environmental and human rights claims, introducing regulations such as the Substantiating Green Claims directive which requires to companies more information about their real sustainable effortsIn the textile sector, information about the garment’s fiber composition, care instructions, and origin country must be provided on their labels (Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011), verifying compliance with environmental and ethical EU standards.One of the easiest solutions for complying with transparency requirements is deadstock fabrics marketplaces such as Recovo’s, which provides information about the fabrics’ origin and labels water CO2 emissions and chemicals saved due to this type of service.Product and services practicesTo extend the lifespan of materials and promote a circular economy. This will ensure that products can be repaired, reused, and upcycled by both businesses and consumers. Right to Repair legislation aims to force brands to ensure repairing options to their consumers and other solutions that enlarge the product’s lifecycle.Shifting consumer behaviourThis emerging landscape fosters a shift towards circular choices by making sustainable products more attractive options for consumers.Empowering through informationAs information is one of humanity’s most powerful tools, these new regulations empower brands and consumers by providing clear certifications and robust guidelines to validate green claims and identify non-compliant practices.Brand reputation influenceWhile non-compliant brands risk reputational damage and operational challenges due to lost consumer trust, environmentally responsible brands stand to gain market share as consumers increasingly favor carbon-neutral options.ConclusionsEuropean regulations are changing following the European Commission’s aim to turn to a circular economy. We have seen how new regulations related to the environment and an ethical society are becoming a reality and also how consumers are changing their behavior, valuing brands whose principles are aligned with the circular economy.This new paradigm shift will create new opportunities for many brands and can also sink others whose practices are not responsible for our environment. It is very important to be aware of when regulations are going to be implemented and how this regulations landscape is evolving during the next years.
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2024-01-24
What Happened At The Regenerative Fashion ConferenceWhether you are a fashion brand, supplier, fashion professional or individual eager to expand your knowledge and apply the principles of regenerative fashion, the Regenerative Fashion Conference offers an immersive experience where sustainability takes center stage. This dynamic event delves into a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from design innovation, creative processes and legislative considerations to crisis management and the daunting challenges posed by climate change. Participants are invited to reflect on sustainable solutions that can radically change the future of the fashion industry. They will gain practical tips for developing sustainability practices in their organization. In addition, this meeting serves as a platform to foster professional networks, connect with like-minded individuals and leave attendees inspired to effect meaningful change.A concise summary of the key moments of the conferenceAccountability Mechanisms for SustainabilityOne resounding message from the conference was the lack of adequate incentives for companies to rectify their irresponsible production practices and deficient waste management systems. To counter this, there was a call to establish accountability mechanisms, especially at the CEO level, to drive change from the top down. The focus on accountability underscored the urgency of making sustainability and responsibility integral to the fashion industry’s DNA.Reimagining Production ProcessesAnother key moment at the conference centered around reimagining production processes within the fashion industry. The event advocated for direct collaboration with farmers and supply chain stakeholders, emphasizing the value of involving individuals engaged in growing, spinning, weaving, and garment production. This approach seeks to bridge the gap between fashion’s origin and its consumption, ensuring ethical practices throughout the supply chain.Design: Harmony with Raw MaterialsDesign, often at the heart of the fashion industry, played a pivotal role at the conference. Attendees recognized that working in harmony with the raw materials around you is often easy to forget when you’re in the midst of designing. The conference emphasized the need for designers to consider the environmental and ethical implications of their creations. Designers were encouraged to incorporate sustainable and regenerative principles into their work, creating garments that respect and honor the materials from which they are crafted.Environmental Sustainability and Human RightsThe intersection of environmental sustainability and human rights took center stage at the conference. Speakers delved into the often dehumanizing aspects of the fashion industry, highlighting the urgent need to restore a meaningful connection between consumers and the products they buy. This connection is essential for addressing complex challenges like the debt crisis, climate change, and the living wage imperative.Embracing “Degrowth”The concept of “degrowth” emerged as an essential principle for the fashion industry. It emphasized the shared responsibility of both consumers and brands in reducing overproduction. This shift towards responsible consumption and production practices is vital for achieving long-term sustainability and reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.Moving Away from Fossil FuelsOne of the most passionate calls at the conference was for the cessation of polyester and fossil fuel-derived products. The devastating environmental impact of fossil fuels, particularly within the fashion realm, was emphasized. Attendees urged a bold 89% reduction in fossil fuel utilization to achieve “net zero” emissions and mitigate global warming. The solution lies in transitioning away from virgin fossil fuel-derived materials, such as nylon and polyester fabrics, and seamlessly integrating raw materials into the design process.ConclusionThe Regenerative Fashion Conference served as a platform for a profound exploration of the multifaceted challenges facing the fashion industry. It underscored the pressing need for a just transition towards a more sustainable and equitable future. The conference’s key moments centered on legislative action, accountability, reimagining production, human rights, “degrowth,” and moving away from fossil fuels—all critical elements in the path towards a regenerative and responsible fashion industry. The resounding message was clear: it’s time for the fashion world to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainability and ethical responsibility. DO YOU WANT TO BE UPDATED WITH ALL THE NEWS ABOUT CIRCULARITY IN FASHION? Subscribe to Newsletter
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2024-01-24
Why Is Textile Reusing One Of The Most Sustainable Solutions For Producing Fashion?The global textile industry is estimated to have used over 109 million tonnes of fibers last year alone. Given the fact that it is the second-biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions globally, more and more brands are developing products that are environmentally conscious to meet their sustainability goals.Every year, millions of tonnes of clothes are produced. Textile production produces an estimated 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 and consumes 79 billion cubic meters of fresh water annually, which has a direct impact on the planet and the environment. In addition, the dyes used to change the color of fabrics contain toxic chemicals that factories dump into rivers and lakes, degrading the surrounding ecosystems and endangering the health of the population nearby.For these reasons sustainability has been recognized as a major concern for the textile industry. Action is imperative and innovative manufacturing processes that are not harmful to the environment are urgently needed.Fabric waste, fashion’s biggest problemThe reality is that 92 tonnes of textile waste are generated annually, which is disposed of in landfills or burned. In fact, one garbage truck full of textiles is landfilled or burned every second according to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Discarded fabrics, which is common in deserts like Chile’s Atacama, takes hundreds of years to biodegrade, damaging the ecosystem and water.In the textile industry, sustainability extends beyond the use of organic materials and efficient methods. It entails tackling the entire production chain all the way to the designing stage to be more responsible with the materials that already exist.Reduce waste, minimize expenses and speed up the fashion production process, accesing real-time data on your internal stock with the Upcycling Saas by Recovo.A circular economy-based approach is the way to go. To keep materials in use, innovative business models and collaboration across the value chain is required.[banner-standard-module title="The Ultimate Guide for Fashion Regulation" buttonTitle="Learn More" description="Discover the current landscape of the European Fashion Regulation related to Circularity and Sustainability." lang="es" backgroundImage="https://store.recovo.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portadas-Blog-3.jpg" buttonUrl="https://store.recovo.co/assets/the-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-regulation/"]Reusing fabrics: the way to fight wasteCircular models present a challenge in terms of rethinking how we produce fashion, and use and dispose of them, but they also present tremendous opportunities for new ventures and/or innovative business models that contribute to the sustainable development goals by implementing the 3 R’s approach.- Reducing: Measuring better the stock quantities needed for production is s a fit solution to avoid waste. However, the industry is still not shaped this way. Companies usually source an extra 5% of the fabric they need to prevent manufacturing mistakes and in-plant problems.- Recycling: It consists of the processing of fibres and clothing remnants from the manufacturing process. Several governments have proposed measures to improve recycling recently like the Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles by the UN. Although recycling is a great solution to reduce waste, it still uses energy and resources to break down and remanufacture the fabrics, so it only solves part of the problem.- Reusing. The most efficient alternative. It consists of reusing surplus textile to avoid creating new, i.e. to use the surplus fabrics as raw material for new collections instead of consuming precious resources to create fabrics that already exist. By doing this, brands are contributing to a circular fashion model, the best option to minimize environmental impact since, contrary to recycling, there’s no need to produce new fabrics.© Recovo The cycle of reusing fabrics in a circular fashion model.By reusing textile waste, brands are able to make more sustainable garments for their customers and contribute to the preservation of the environment.1 meter of Recovo fabric saves around 5,700L of waterIf you are a brand in need of fabrics for your next collections, explore our catalogue of circular textiles and contribute to lowering the environmental impact of fashion.If your company has surplus materials like textiles, yarns or trimmings, clear some space and earn money by selling it to other brands with Recovo.
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2024-01-24
Fashion Week Season Is Over. What Happened To Sustainability?As the fashion industry continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the issue of sustainability has become an increasingly pressing concern. While some fashion events have made strides in promoting eco-friendly practices, others have been slow to adopt sustainability requirements. This was particularly evident in the recent fashion weeks held in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where sustainability was largely overlooked.Copenhagen Fashion Week, the first to set sustainability requirementsCopenhagen, on the other hand, took a different approach by implementing strict sustainability requirements for its fashion week. Participating brands were required to comply with 18 mandatory rules based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including a rule that 50 percent of a collection must be made using deadstock, recycled, upcycled or new-generation materials, such as alternatives to animal-derived raw materials like leather. Fur was banned outright, and brands were also required to meet social responsibility standards, such as ensuring that their supply chains were free from child labor and that factories provided safe and fair working conditions for employees.While this may have posed challenges for some designers, it was a necessary step in reducing the environmental impact of the event. By setting these requirements, Copenhagen Fashion Week aimed to promote sustainable fashion and encourage designers to embrace eco-friendly practices.Because of this, many were hopeful that CPHFW could spark change in the following Fashion Weeks; however, this was not the case. While a few designers like PH5 (NYFW) and Johannes Warnke (LFW) made eco-friendly choices, and Milan hosted an Ethical and Sustainable Showroom, sustainability was not a top priority for the major fashion events. The fear of losing big commercial names that attract international press and buyers creates a dilemma for organizers, who must balance promoting sustainable practices with showcasing high-profile designers. This is especially challenging in an industry that prioritizes newness over sustainability, and additionally, it’s difficult to set a one-size-fits-all sustainability standard. As Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council, notes, “London Fashion Week hosts a mixture of established and emerging brands, so setting a one-size-fits-all sustainability standard is not feasible without alienating smaller businesses.”[banner-standard-module title="The Ultimate Guide for Fashion Regulation" buttonTitle="Learn More" description="Discover the current landscape of the European Fashion Regulation related to Circularity and Sustainability." lang="es" backgroundImage="https://store.recovo.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portadas-Blog-3.jpg" buttonUrl="https://store.recovo.co/assets/the-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-regulation/"]In the fashion industry, newness is still preferred over sustainabilityEven at Paris Fashion Week, where Coperni made headlines in the past for presenting a spray-on biodegradable dress worn by Bella Hadid, this year, the creative direction took a different approach. Instead of focusing on sustainability, they wanted to grab attention with the runway presentation of a yellow, four-legged robot in the shape of a futuristic dog. While this may have been an innovative choice, it highlights the disconnect between the fashion industry and sustainability. As an industry so focused on trends, it is clear that novelty continues to take precedence over other environmental factors.So, should all fashion weeks follow Copenhagen and adopt strict sustainability requirements, regardless of the challenges they may face? For some, the answer is not a simple one. While it is clear that the fashion industry needs to take greater responsibility for its environmental impact, it is also important to recognize the challenges involved in making this shift. However, it is crucial for the industry to prioritize sustainability in a more meaningful way. Given the significant influence of these events, it is imperative that they set an example for driving change in the fashion world. DO YOU WANT TO BE UPDATED WITH ALL THE NEWS ABOUT CIRCULARITY IN FASHION? Subscribe to Newsletter
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2024-01-24
Which Fabrics And Fibres Can Cause Allergies?What is fabric allergy?Have you ever had skin rashes after contact with a specific fabric? The material might make you allergic. The main sympotmps for fabric allergy are contact dermatitis (redness, scaling, and itching), burning eyes and tightness in the chest . Para-phenylenediamine and formaldehyde resins are the main causes of fabric allergies. These synthetic components provide fabrics their waterproof and wrinkle- and shrinkage-resistant properties. Formaldehyde resins can treat even some natural fibers, therefore it’s critical to research the manufacturers of your materials.Which fabrics are most likely to cause allergies?Common fibers including polyester, acrylics, rayon, and nylon can be harmful to those with skin problems. These fibers tend to trap moisture and are hydrophobic, which might irritate your skin. Lyocell and modal, two types of rayon manufactured from wood pulp, are acceptable alternatives. They offer good absorption qualities and are more environmentally and financially responsible solutions.Natural fibers like wool can aggravate atopic dermatitis in most people and trigger skin reactions when used in winter clothing. [banner-standard-module title="The Ultimate Guide for Fashion Regulation" buttonTitle="Learn More" description="Discover the current landscape of the European Fashion Regulation related to Circularity and Sustainability." lang="es" backgroundImage="https://store.recovo.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portadas-Blog-3.jpg" buttonUrl="https://store.recovo.co/assets/the-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-regulation/"]What kinds of fabric are best for sensitive skin?Cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, hemp, and semi-synthetic fabrics manufactured from wood pulp are some of the most popular fabrics that are friendly to the skin. For people with various skin disorders, any fiber with good conductive and wicking qualities is beneficial.Bamboo is a worthwhile material to purchase. This fiber has anions, which are good for the body and skin because they assist to clean the blood, relaxing the nervous system, and relieving allergy symptoms. Due to its antimicrobial qualities, which aid in keeping the skin bacteria-free, the material has seen an increase in use in the textile industry. Reduce waste, minimize expenses and speed up the fashion production process, accesing real-time data on your internal stock with the Upcycling Saas by Recovo.Although there are numerous skin-friendly materials available, not all natural fibers are always beneficial to the skin. When manufactured with hazardous colors, some materials like cotton and linen can be detrimental.Guide for sourcing skin-friendly fabrics- Regardless of whether the fabric is cotton, wool, cashmere, or synthetic fibers, it is crucial to choose high-quality materials with a low micron. Possum fiber has a tapered tip that is only 1-2 microns in diameter, making it particularly comfortable to wear.- Pick fabrics with effective moisture management capabilities. This will aid with comfort and reduce bacterial growth on the skin by drawing moisture away from the wearer’s skin.- Choose materials that can regulate temperature, such wool, which can control body heat in both hot and cold situations.- Pick strong fabrics. Strong fibers won’t break when the fabric is being made, which results in fewer fiber ends poking out of the cloth and less of a “prickle factor.”If your company has surplus materials like textiles, yarns or trimmings, clear some space and earn money by selling it to other brands with Recovo.How can I get a fabric allergy diagnosis?An allergy test can be administered by an allergist to determine whether you actually have a fabric allergy. An allergy patch test might help you figure out what materials or substances aggravate your skin. The test typically confirms the diagnosis in two days. In the event that the results are favorable, your doctor will create a treatment strategy for you. DO YOU WANT TO BE UPDATED WITH ALL THE NEWS ABOUT CIRCULARITY IN FASHION? Subscribe to Newsletter
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2024-01-24
What Are Next-Gen Fabrics And How To Implement Them In Your CollectionImage credits: 2020-21 look by Mariam Al Sibai made from Piñatex.What are next-gen fabrics?Next-generation fabrics or “next-gen” materials are non-plastic, non-synthetic and vegan fabrics that serve as ethical and sustainable alternatives to conventional fabrics for use in fashion, home products and more.Why do we need next-gen fabrics?Next-gen fabrics serve primarily as replacements for animal-based materials such as leather, fur, wool and down. The current generation of alternatives – petroleum-derived synthetics – also have serious environmental and social problems, so innovation in these types of materials, which are more environmentally conscious and of higher quality, is growing.You can find next-gen fabrics in our category of Materials of the Future.What are next-gen materials made of?As more companies get involved in materials innovation, the technologies behind next-generation fabrics are diversifying. Some 21.6% of companies specializing in next-gen materials develop these materials from microbes, while 8.2% use Mycelium, a fungus for the manufacture of vegan leather that is ideal when it comes to better replicating the performance and aesthetics of animal-derived leather.Innovation in next-generation fabrics has also led to the creation of new fabrics, such as those made from pineapple. Piñatex, a pineapple leather, is one of the main alternatives to leather and, in addition to being animal-friendly, does not require the petrochemicals often used in fake leather.Other examples of non-conventional materials are algae bioplastic (a combination of seaweed powder with fats from other species of algae), soy cashmere (made from soy protein from the surplus of tofu production), and rose petal silks (fabrics made from fallen rose petals, converted into thread and dyed with natural pigments), among others.[banner-standard-module title="The Ultimate Guide for Fashion Regulation" buttonTitle="Learn More" description="Discover the current landscape of the European Fashion Regulation related to Circularity and Sustainability." lang="es" backgroundImage="https://store.recovo.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portadas-Blog-3.jpg" buttonUrl="https://store.recovo.co/assets/the-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-regulation/"]Next-generation fabrics, a market that is constantly innovating and growingBrands are mostly opting for next-generation materials in the expectation of increasing their revenues in tandem with their sustainability and anti-animal cruelty policies.According to a study by Material Innovation Initiative, out of 95 companies engaged in the manufacture of next-gen materials, 55 were created after 2014, and 10 have been established since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrating the high growth of the sector.The study itself estimates that $2.3 billion has been invested in next-gen fabrics since 2015, with the amount of investment in 2021 being more than double that in 2020. Even at the height of the pandemic, the capital invested in 2021 alone is almost equivalent to that of the previous 4 years combined. It is also estimated that the size of the global wholesale market for next-gen materials will be approx. $2.2 billion in 2026, representing a 3% share of a $70+ billion market.The only downside to materials innovation? Lack of supply. Unfortunately, there are more interested investors than investment opportunities, so more initiatives are needed for the creation of next-gen fabrics.In conclusion, next-generation material innovation enables the use of more ethical and sustainable alternatives to conventional fabrics. Fortunately, there is more and more investment in these materials, however, the supply still lags far behind, so it is very important that more companies join the growth of this sector.If you are looking for innovative fabrics for your next collection and you are thinking of doing it in a circular and sustainable way, you can find in our catalog fabrics that contribute to reduce textile waste and the environmental impact of fashion. You can also try to sell your leftover fabrics, maybe someone is looking for them!You can find next-gen fabrics in our category of Materials of the Future. DO YOU WANT TO BE UPDATED WITH ALL THE NEWS ABOUT CIRCULARITY IN FASHION? Subscribe to Newsletter
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2024-01-24
How Is The Gas Crisis Affecting The Textile Industry?Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced last week that Russia will no longer ship gas to Europe as long as sanctions triggered by the Ukraine war remain in place. The cuts have led to unprecedented gas and electricity prices in Europe, exacerbating an energy crisis that began late last year with soaring power, gas and oil prices.What do rising gas prices mean for the textile industry?For the textile industry, the news adds to the uncertainty created by rising light, oil and raw material prices and fears of an impending recession. Further cost increases in the production chain could be an insurmountable impact for the energy-intensive European textile industry, especially in spinning, dyeing and finishing, and the inability to pass these costs on to customers would otherwise reduce Europe’s competitiveness in the international market.This has already led to capacity reductions and production stoppages. Closures and the relocation of production outside Europe are expected if the current situation persists, leading to further deindustrialization of the continent and increased dependence on external suppliers.Some specific segments of the textile industry are particularly vulnerable. The man-made, synthetic and cellulose-based fiber industry, for example, is an energy-intensive sector and a major consumer of natural gas in manufacturing. The disappearance of European fiber products would have immediate consequences for the textile industry and for society as a whole. Textile dyeing and finishing are also relatively energy-intensive activities and are essential in the textile value chain, adding value to textiles and garments through special dyes and functions.[banner-standard-module title="The Ultimate Guide for Fashion Regulation" buttonTitle="Learn More" description="Discover the current landscape of the European Fashion Regulation related to Circularity and Sustainability." lang="es" backgroundImage="https://store.recovo.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portadas-Blog-3.jpg" buttonUrl="https://store.recovo.co/assets/the-ultimate-guide-for-fashion-regulation/"]Measures demanded by textile and fashion towards the European authoritiesThat is why Euratex, the Brussels-based organization representing some 154,000 textile and clothing companies in the EU, is calling for a common European strategy to tackle the current energy crisis. Euratex proposes to the European authorities to revise the electricity price mechanism and to set a maximum gas price of €80 per megawatt hour in the EU. On the other hand, it also sees the need for special assistance to companies to avoid bankruptcy and the relocation of textile production outside Europe.“Governments must ensure that critical industries such as textiles and all its segments can secure gas and electricity contracts towards the end of the year at an affordable price,” says Euratex. “A stable and predictable energy supply is of paramount importance. Gas restrictions and rationing should only be used as a last resort, and no mandatory consumption cuts should be envisaged.”In addition to the measures under discussion, Euratex said there has been an increase in conflicting and uncoordinated national responses to the energy crisis. This has resulted in a chaotic political and regulatory environment, putting additional pressure on a fully integrated supply chain at the European level. It is therefore important to take steps to ensure a level playing field in the EU.“A scenario in which entire segments of the textile industry disappear can no longer be ruled out” says Euratex President Alberto Paccanelli. “This will lead to the loss of thousands of European companies and tens of thousands of jobs, and will further increase Europe’s dependence on the outside for essential goods.” Paccanelli emphasized that this applies specifically to SMEs, which need temporary support measures such as state aid, tax breaks and energy price caps, to cope with the current crisis and prepare for a long-term green transition.One way to combat the rising prices of newly produced fabrics is to reuse existing materials. In Recovo you can find in our catalog fabrics that contribute to reduce textile waste and the environmental impact of fashion. You can also try to sell your leftover fabrics, maybe someone is looking for them!You can source circular fabrics that reduce textile waste and the environmental impact of fashion by clicking here. DO YOU WANT TO BE UPDATED WITH ALL THE NEWS ABOUT CIRCULARITY IN FASHION? Subscribe to Newsletter
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