Sustainability Dictionary
When it comes to sustainability, it’s not just the materials that play a role, but also how people, animals, and nature are treated. Within this topic, there are many expressions as well as various certificates and seals that are not very clear at first. This is why we created a dictionary with the most important terms in sustainable fashion.
Sustainable materials:
Organic cotton: Organic cotton needs 90% less water than conventional cotton. For example, jeans made from ordinary cotton need 10,000 liters of water. Jeans made from organic cotton only need 10% of it.
Organic linen: In organic linen, it is prohibited to use hazardous chemicals. When processing conventional linen, the focus is on efficiency. The harvested plants are placed in pools with warm water, whereby the plant will be split and broken down into individual parts. This creates polluting wastewater and requires a lot of energy and water. With organic linen, natural bacteria and fungal organisms split the field. At the same time, the soil receives important nutrients.
Hemp: Hemp is one of the most sustainable plants for making clothing, because it is easy to care for, needs little water, and grows back naturally very quickly.
Organic silk: Silk is a continuous fiber that is obtained from the coconut of the silk moth (also known as the silkworm). No pesticides or artificial fertilizers are used in organic silk. This gives the silk moths high-quality feed, which automatically affects the quality of the silk. For the further processing of the silk, the material loses its weight. In the markets, people pay by weight, which is why chemicals or metal salt are added to conventional silk.
Wild silk / Thussah silk: The wild silk or also called thussah silk is obtained from the cocoon of the wild thussan spinner. The difference with the silk moth is that the cocoon is only collected after the butterfly has hatched and is not killed to obtain the silk.
Curpo: Also called vegan silk. This is left over from the cotton production. The cotton plant contains seeds that are not suitable for the production of cotton fabrics. This fiber is then treated with a copper-ammonia solution.
Peace Silk: Also known as Ahimsa Silk. The word “Ahimsa” comes from the Indian language and means “non-injury”. With this type of silk extraction, the pupated caterpillar is allowed to hatch. Only then, the silk can be removed from the cocoon.
Soy: Yes, soy can not only be eaten, it can also be worn. The environmentally friendly soy fiber looks just as soft and shiny as silk, and is more stable and warmer than cashmere wool. Soy silk is cheaper than organic silk and 100% biodegradable.
Econyl: For the production of Econyl, waste is used, for example, production waste from nylon production, fabric scraps and carpets, and fishing nets are rescued from the oceans. With the waste and an innovative and technical cleaning and regeneration process, high-quality fibers for the fashion industry are produced.
Lyocell or also called Tencel: Lyocell or Tencel is comparable to viscose, but it is environmentally friendly. Lyocell is made from eucalyptus. The plant is considered to be very productive. Eucalyptus is extremely rich in oil, which means that it has an antibacterial effect against fungi and therefore hardly needs any pesticides. The plant needs a lot of water, that’s why it is important to use wood from FSC-certified eucalyptus forests.
Lenpur viscose: Lenpur viscose is made from cellulose obtained by pruning trees. This means no trees have to be felled and no chemical additives are used. It is also called “Peace Viscose” because of its peaceful production.
Seacell: The material is obtained from algae. Algae are known to contain trace elements, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. When it is worn, it secretes these nutrients into the body. In addition, the plant has a high proportion of antioxidants, which protect the skin from cell-damaging free radicals.
Common Terms:
Fashion Revolution: FR is an organization that arose because of this tragic occurrence in 2013 in Bangladesh. One of the largest textile factories forced their employees, although the building was closed about the risk of collapse. The building collapsed and over 1000 people died and over 2000 people were injured. Fashion Revolution fights for justice and fairness in the fashion industry.
Greenwashing: Companies use PR measures to create an environmentally conscious and sustainable image without having any sufficient basis.
Eco Fashion: Eco means eco, clothes have been created on the basis of ecological and mostly ethical principles.
Fair Trade: Fashion was produced sustainably under fair working conditions.
Fast fashion: Quickly creating the latest fashion and the latest trends, regardless of the environment.
Organic: It expresses to use of no chemical substances in the manufacture of the clothing.
Upcycling: This refers to the reuse of used materials such as waste or leftovers that are converted into new materials.
Seal and certificates
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): It is considered one of the safest certifications. It confirms the ecological cultivation and the use of at least 90% natural fibers as well as minimal pollution with processing substances. In addition, the standard for GOTS certification is regularly checked.
FWF (Fair Wear Foundation): Fair working conditions apply in the clothing industry. This includes free choice of job, no forced labor, no discrimination, no child labor, payment of a living wage, reasonable working hours, safe working conditions, no health risks, and a ban on physical or sexual violence.
Naturtextil IVN certified BEST: Minimization of waste and environmental pollution, prohibition of dyes, documentation of transport and transport routes, and 100% natural fibers from controlled organic cultivation.
bluesign® Standard: This certification guarantees compliance with strict requirements of human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and the fight against corruption. Hazardous substances and chemicals are avoided, and regular wastewater controls and health and safety in the workplace are guaranteed.
Fair Trade Cotton: It is the highest social standard as well as support for family businesses in the third world, sustainable cultivation, and a ban on chemicals. However, you have to be careful with the materials, because this seal does not automatically mean that it comes from controlled organic cultivation.
Naturland seal: Strict controls, social guidelines, sustainability, nature and climate protection, consumer protection and the preservation of natural soils apply here. In addition, the environmental impact is minimized and the chemicals are disposed of correctly.