PREFERRED MATERIALS
Every decision we make is geared towards minimising the impact we have on the planet – as a business and individuals. So, from our production processes, to the materials we use and the packaging we choose, we’re always finding new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and sustain our future.
WE’RE MINDFUL ABOUT MATERIALS
We are proud to announce that over 90% of our cotton is now 100% organic GOTS certified. We also introduced a capsule collection made from Viscose LENZING, certified as compostable and biodegradable as well as being sourced from FSC certified forests. We have stopped buying polyester and all other plastic derived fabrics throughout the entire Aspiga collection. We shall also continue to use linen, one of the worlds most eco-friendly biodegradable fabrics.
If you would like to learn more about our preferred materials, please keep reading.
ORGANIC COTTON
WHY WE USE ORGANIC COTTON
Reduces Environmental Impact
The main benefit of organic cotton is that the crops aren't treated with pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and Genetically Modified Organisms. These toxins are harmful to farmers and workers, us as consumers, and entire wildlife eco-systems.
Fair Price for Sustainability
When you buy organic cotton you are investing in water conservation, cleaner air, better soil and farmer livelihoods. Organic cotton is hand-picked, which means that it retains it's form, making it feel softer on your skin, and better looking (always important). Aside from that, organic cotton is chemical free and hypoallergenic. The price for organic cotton is therefore slightly higher.
You Can Make a Difference
Caring for the world, and the people we share it with is a life choice. Choosing organic cotton is part of this choice. In 2015, 26 million metric tonnes of cotton was produced globally, much of it for the clothing industry. Organic cotton makes up less than 1% of this. By choosing organic over conventional cotton you have the purchasing power to influence brands, manufacturers and even farmers. We’re proud to be helping change this number!
LINEN
WHY WE USE LINEN
The Ultimate Natural Fibre
A high proportion of our range in made from linen. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, there are lots of reasons why we love linen. Linen is derived from the flax plant, the second-most highly productive fibre crop after hemp. It grows very successfully with limited use of herbicides, pesticides, or other chemicals. The process of turning the flax into linen is also simple and chemical-free.
The beauty of flax is its resilience. It can be grown in poor soils and requires very little water; the flax plant can thrive with just rainwater and without the need for irrigation.
Linen is uniquely strong, it is a very hardwearing fabric, which means you can use our linen products for longer and replace them less often. When linen finally does come to the end of its life, the fibres biodegrade quicker than most fabrics.
VISCOSE
WHY WE USE VISCOSE
The Forest Fibre
Viscose is the oldest manufactured fibre, first being produced in 1883 as an alternative to silk. Viscose comes from tree pulp and therefore comes from a renewable source. It is then spun into soft, silky fabric.
One of the major advantages of viscose is that it is 100% biodegradable. We love viscose for all its amazing qualities, it drapes beautifully, is smooth and soft to the touch, and has non-static properties.
VISCOSE LENZING™
WHY WE USE VISCOSE LENZING™
From beginning to end, the production of this type of viscose is sustainable; from procuring pulp from sustainably forested woods, to responsibly handling water and minimising use of fossil energy sources. This natural fibre is also certified as compostable and biodegradable under industrial, home, soil and marine conditions, and therefore can fully revert back to nature.
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LENZING™ is certified with the EU Ecolabel as meeting high environmental standards throughout their life cycle: from raw material extraction to production, distribution and disposal, the fibres can be robustly identified in the final product, assuring you that your purchase contains genuine LENZING™ Viscose fibers.
GLASS BEADS
WHY WE USE GLASS
Our stunning beaded belts, handbags, and sandals are all made using glass beads. Glass is a particularly good alternative to plastic because when glass breaks down, it remains safe and stable and releases no harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment.
LEATHER
WHY WE USE LEATHER
Leather has been embraced and celebrated by our Kenyan artisans for generations. By rejecting leather we would destroy many jobs for individuals who rely on the leather industry for their livelihood. We only use leather byproducts from the meat industry. The leather would otherwise be wasted.
Additionally, our leather is only coloured using natural dyes. Leather can last a lifetime and be passed on to future generations. It is the antithesis of fast fashion.
PURPOSEFUL PACKAGING
We use recyclable paper mailing bags, swing tags and eco-friendly paper tape, and fully compostable garment bags made from 100% cornstarch. All our sandals come in a gorgeous re-usable fabric bag made by Elimu Sewing Project. We also do eco-friendly gift packaging.
All of our paper and cardboard for packaging, tags and catalogues are now fully recyclable and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification assures that the wood and forest our labels originate from are well-managed and safeguarded for future generations.