SILK

ABOUT OUR SILK

Our silk is the most lustrous fabric that we work with. It is a really special fabric that is buttery soft to touch and suede like, but also extremely durable. Our silk is also one of the most versatile fabrics we work with. We choose to use silk for its strength and natural properties, including its ability to take dyes easily and absorb vibrant colours without the need of chemical enhancement. This allows us to create sustainable homeware that puts design first, whilst still using low-impact manufacturing methods.

WHERE DOES SILK COME FROM?

Silk comes from silkworms. Our selected farmers source cocoons from the seed centre. Prices are government controlled to ensure that they remain steady, that market demand remains high and that there is no excess egg production so that the conditions remain fair for farmers.

The eggs are then cultivated until the larvae hatch. Over a 21-day period the worms are fed organic mulberry leaves twice a day until the larvae wind themselves into a cocoon of silk. At that point, they are steamed, killing the insect before it turns into a butterfly. The silk can then be harvested.

Although this means that our silk is not vegan, our process allows the larvae to live in harmony with their natural process. We also don’t use any pesticides in the mulberry leaves used to feed them, and they are nurtured in optimum conditions in the incubation centres up to the end of their lifecycle. We use the same supplier to cultivate the larvae, harvest and spin the silk, so we can be sure that these factors will always meet our ethical requirements.

There are many different definitions of what a sustainable fabric means, and we remain completely transparent about our process. There are two ways to process silk - one involves steaming the silkworm cocoons with the worms inside, so that they die and the other way is “peace silk”, where the worms are allowed to hatch and complete their lifecycle first, then the empty cocoons are harvested for silk.

We looked into whether it would be possible to use peace silk for our fabrics and did many trial runs with this, but unfortunately, because of the hatching of the cocoon, the silk breaks into small strands and the fabric ends up bumpy, with slubs which affects the quality and makes it unusable for printing.

Although we are not using vegan silk, our process is cruelty free up until the death of the larvae, without using any harsh chemicals that are harmful for the worms or for the environment.

WHAT ARE SILK’S PROPERTIES?

Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics to work with. Because it hangs and fits to form so wonderfully, it is a favourite with fashion designers. From a home décor perspective, silk adds luminosity and vibrance to dyes, and its sheen-like surface repels dirt and grime.

Despite popular belief, the material can also be extremely strong and durable, with different weights of fabric available. This makes it a soft, warming material for upholstery.

HOW IS SILK SUSTAINABLE?

Natural silk fabric is completely biodegradable. Paired with low-impact, eco-friendly dyes as we have, and you have a completely non-toxic product. Unlike some materials, silk is also comparatively low-impact on the environment throughout the production stage. Water and land usage are minimal, and as long as no pesticides are used, environmental damage is low.

ORGANIC COTTON

ABOUT OUR COTTON

There is an important distinction between organic cotton and cotton without the organic accreditation. Organic cotton significantly reduces its environmental and human impact through its water consumption and use of chemicals. We only use certified GOTS organic cotton for our products, and we use low-impact, GOTS dyes on our fabric to keep our environmental impact low. And we make sure to use a cotton with extremely durable but soft properties, so that you can be sure that you are buying the highest quality fabric that is made to last.

WHERE DOES ORGANIC COTTON COME FROM?

Cotton is sourced from the cotton plant by harvesting the soft, fluffy buds. It’s perhaps the world’s most popular fabric, and certainly one of the largest non-food crops. However, non-organic cotton is farmed using huge quantities of pesticides which is harmful to us and to the planet. Organic cotton fabric removes this issue by using natural, eco-friendly alternatives to these chemicals, such as spraying with garlic or chillies. Sometimes farmers will also intersperse similar looking companion plants to confuse insects. Our cotton has been grown by organic certified farmers in Madhya Pradesh and southern regions of India, so when we source it, we keep our carbon footprint low.

WHAT ARE ORGANIC COTTON’S PROPERTIES?

Like linen, natural, untreated organic cotton has beautiful qualities that enhance over time. This includes texture and hue, with it typically getting softer over its lifespan, and deepening in colour. For these reasons, cotton is often described as “soft” and “plush”.

Cotton is also a breathable fabric that doesn’t irritate the skin. Your organic cotton cushion will always be an indulgently comfortable place to rest your head or feet!

HOW IS ORGANIC COTTON SUSTAINABLE?

Unlike treated cotton, organic cotton is 100% biodegradable. It is also naturally durable and will stand the test of time. When you buy luxury cotton for your furnishings, it is designed to last a lifetime.

Linen (COMING SOON)

ABOUT OUR LINEN

Our linen is organically grown in Europe and hand spun and woven. Our linen supplier is a family owned business, passing down skills through generations. They rely on the traditional handloom production technique that does not use any electricity or any use of chemicals. This regulates water and electricity usage, allowing us to fulfil our promise to our low carbon footprint. Our manufacturers also champion our fair trade, ethical practices. We have made sure that we have sourced a linen that is luxurious, durable and of the highest of quality. And because our linen is sourced from Europe, we also make sure we offset its carbon footprint.

WHERE DOES LINEN COME FROM?

Linen comes from the flax plant. It is one of the world’s oldest fabrics. When processed using time-honoured techniques, using handlooms that have a low impact on land usage, as well as the world’s resources.

WHAT ARE LINEN’S PROPERTIES?

Thick, luxurious and sensual, everything about linen evokes the sense of a living thing. Its porous texture enables it to regulate your temperature when used in clothing. For items like cushions, it creates a comfortable, breathable surface.

Linen is also moth-resistant, kind to sensitive skin, antibacterial, and naturally moisture-wicking. Over time, your linen will grow softer, rather than getting tired.

HOW IS LINEN SUSTAINABLE?

European linen is one of the most eco-friendly raw materials in the world and our linen is organically grown without any chemicals. Linen is naturally, 100% biodegradable. As well as being an easy material to work with in terms of production techniques that do not use any electricity (woven on handlooms) and low labour intensity, all parts of the flax plant can be used. The outer part can be used for textiles or paper, the inner parts, which are the linseeds, can be used in cooking products or the seeds can be sprinkled over dishes.

You will also find that linen lasts longer than most fabrics. Your cushions and upholstery will give you the wear you need, reducing your impact on the world’s resources.

WOOL

ABOUT OUR WOOL

Wool is a long-lasting, environmentally friendly material that is both sumptuous and practical. All our cushions are filled with eco-friendly wool fillers, sourced from a family run farming business in the South East of England.

HOW IS WOOL MADE?

As sheep are sheared every year and then regrow their fleece, we believe that wool is one of the most sustainable fibres to use for our cushion inners. Wool’s impact on the environment during the production process is also minimal as it’s a natural bi-product of farming as well as wool being a biodegradable material. If wool is not used after the shearing process then mostly it is thrown away. However, we want to minimise waste by using this versatile filling.

WHAT ARE WOOL’S PROPERTIES?

Importantly, wool is perfect for cushion fillers because it lasts longer than other synthetic fillers, ensuring your cushions stay fresh and plump. We believe that wool was the most eco-friendly option for our fillings and the material that gives you the most luxurious, long-lasting cushions.

ECO FIBRE FILLING

ABOUT OUR ECO FIBRE FILLING

Although we use sustainably-sourced wool for most of our cushion fillings, we also use eco fibre filling for others, such as our ruffle cushions. With a medium firm density, it’s the perfect alternative for designs like this, to keep them looking their best in the long run.

HOW IS ECO FIBRE FILLING MADE?

Made from post-consumer PET bottles, our eco fibre filling makes use of materials that would have ended up in landfill or the world’s oceans. The production process involves reprocessing plastic bottles in an eco-friendly alternative to materials like hollow fibre. The end result is a candyfloss like texture with some firmness, which helps cushions to retain their shape.

WHAT ARE ECO FIBRE FILLING’S PROPERTIES?

Aside from being relatively firm and easy to plump, eco fibre fillers can be washed up to 60 degrees making them durable and practical. They are also allergy-friendly, repelling dust mites and bacteria growth. Along with their green credentials, eco fibre fillings are vegan and free from animal by products. For our vegan customers, you may request your cushions to be stuffed with eco fibre instead of wool!

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