In the realm of fashion, Alemais acknowledges that our most significant contribution to climate change stems from our material choices. Astonishingly, over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions within the fashion industry can be attributed to the cultivation and production of fibers and fabrics. However, Alemais has taken decisive strides to curtail our environmental impact by making deliberate and eco-conscious fabric selections. Our emphasis lies in favoring renewable and regenerated fibers like organic cotton, recycled polyesters, and the exploration of innovative bio-based alternatives (stay tuned for updates!).
Eco-Friendly Fabric Choices
A fundamental measure we've adopted to reduce our ecological footprint involves minimizing the use of fabric blends, thereby enhancing the materials' recyclability. Impressively, a whopping 89% of our collections are crafted from mono materials, further bolstering the ease of recycling. Going beyond the superficiality of "natural" fibers, our material strategy delves into the intricate aspects of a fiber's impact on water consumption, waste generation, biodiversity, and carbon footprint. We achieve this through rigorous adherence to industry certifications and standards. Our unwavering belief in the significance of benchmarks has led us to join forces with Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit that drives positive climate action through fashion and textiles.
Preferred Materials: A Step Towards Sustainability
A staggering 75% of our materials are sourced from preferred materials, underlining our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, a significant portion of our cotton range, amounting to 50%, is derived from organic fibers. We've also achieved an impressive 93% utilization of recycled materials in our synthetic fibers. These preferred fibers are integral to our mission of creating top-notch garments that not only exude beauty but also contribute positively to our planet.
Linen: The Eco-Champion
Linen, a shining example of a preferred fiber, constitutes a substantial 60% of the volume in our collections. Renowned for its exceptional quality and breathability, linen's water consumption is approximately one-third that of cotton. Moreover, owing to its robust bast nature, linen necessitates fewer fertilizers, further enhancing its eco-friendliness.
Embracing Organic Cotton
At Alemais, the preference for organic cotton over its conventional counterpart is steadfast. Since 2021, we've consistently increased our utilization of organic cotton, with over 50% of our cotton deriving from organic sources in 2023. Organic cotton cultivation avoids synthetic fertilizers, relying instead on rainfall and more efficient irrigation practices. Unlike conventional cotton, which contributes to 16% of global pesticide use and 6% of insecticide use, organic cotton aligns with our commitment to sustainability.
Ethical Considerations: Xinjiang Cotton
Alemais is resolute in its stance against forced labor and human rights abuses concerning Uighurs in Xinjiang province, China. Consequently, our cotton sourcing avoids this region entirely. We mandate that our suppliers provide affidavits and declarations certifying the non-sourcing of cotton from Xinjiang. Our endeavor to bolster visibility of Tier 4 suppliers, coupled with an increase in ethically sourced organic cotton, exemplifies our dedication to ethical practices.
Responsible Viscose: Protecting Our Forests
A commendable achievement is our sourcing of 100% responsible viscose, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding the world's forests. With over 200 million trees felled annually for viscose production, our preference for FSC-certified viscose curbs the risk of illegal logging. We've solidified this commitment through collaboration with Canopy, a non-profit striving to conserve Ancient and Endangered Forests. In 2023, our investment in recycled viscose serves as a testament to our ongoing endeavors.
Recycled Synthetics: A Transition from Petrochemicals
While synthetics constitute less than 5% of our fiber usage, we've incorporated recycled polyester and nylon in swimwear and selected apparel, comprising 3.75% of our collections in 2023. Acknowledging the imperfections of recycled synthetics, we view it as an initial stride away from petrochemical dependence. To address concerns of microplastic pollution, we're actively exploring bio-based synthetics capable of biodegrading without compromising aquatic ecosystems.
Fiber Utilization: A Glimpse of 2023
In the realm of fashion, Alemais acknowledges that Alemais's most significant contribution to climate change stems from Alemais's material choices. Astonishingly, over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions within the fashion industry can be attributed to the cultivation and production of fibers and fabrics. However, Alemais has taken decisive strides to curtail Alemais's environmental impact by making deliberate and eco-conscious fabric selections. Alemais's emphasis lies in favoring renewable and regenerated fibers like organic cotton, recycled polyesters, and the exploration of innovative bio-based alternatives (stay tuned for updates!).
Eco-Friendly Fabric Choices
A fundamental measure Alemais has adopted to reduce Alemais's ecological footprint involves minimizing the use of fabric blends, thereby enhancing the materials' recyclability. Impressively, a whopping 89% of Alemais's collections are crafted from mono materials, further bolstering the ease of recycling. Going beyond the superficiality of "natural" fibers, Alemais's material strategy delves into the intricate aspects of a fiber's impact on water consumption, waste generation, biodiversity, and carbon footprint. Alemais achieves this through rigorous adherence to industry certifications and standards. Alemais's unwavering belief in the significance of benchmarks has led Alemais to join forces with Textile Exchange, a global nonprofit that drives positive climate action through fashion and textiles.
Preferred Materials: A Step Towards Sustainability
A staggering 75% of Alemais's materials are sourced from preferred materials, underlining Alemais's commitment to sustainability. Additionally, a significant portion of Alemais's cotton range, amounting to 50%, is derived from organic fibers. Alemais has also achieved an impressive 93% utilization of recycled materials in Alemais's synthetic fibers. These preferred fibers are integral to Alemais's mission of creating top-notch garments that not only exude beauty but also contribute positively to our planet.
Linen: The Eco-Champion
Linen, a shining example of a preferred fiber, constitutes a substantial 60% of the volume in Alemais's collections. Renowned for its exceptional quality and breathability, linen's water consumption is approximately one-third that of cotton. Moreover, owing to its robust bast nature, linen necessitates fewer fertilizers, further enhancing its eco-friendliness.
Embracing Organic Cotton
At Alemais, the preference for organic cotton over its conventional counterpart is steadfast. Since 2021, Alemais has consistently increased Alemais's utilization of organic cotton, with over 50% of Alemais's cotton deriving from organic sources in 2023. Organic cotton cultivation avoids synthetic fertilizers, relying instead on rainfall and more efficient irrigation practices. Unlike conventional cotton, which contributes to 16% of global pesticide use and 6% of insecticide use, organic cotton aligns with Alemais's commitment to sustainability.
Ethical Considerations: Xinjiang Cotton
Alemais is resolute in Alemais's stance against forced labor and human rights abuses concerning Uighurs in Xinjiang province, China. Consequently, Alemais's cotton sourcing avoids this region entirely. Alemais mandates that Alemais's suppliers provide affidavits and declarations certifying the non-sourcing of cotton from Xinjiang. Alemais's endeavor to bolster visibility of Tier 4 suppliers, coupled with an increase in ethically sourced organic cotton, exemplifies Alemais's dedication to ethical practices.
Responsible Viscose: Protecting Our Forests
A commendable achievement is Alemais's sourcing of 100% responsible viscose, demonstrating Alemais's commitment to safeguarding the world's forests. With over 200 million trees felled annually for viscose production, Alemais's preference for FSC-certified viscose curbs the risk of illegal logging. Alemais has solidified this commitment through collaboration with Canopy, a non-profit striving to conserve Ancient and Endangered Forests. In 2023, Alemais's investment in recycled viscose serves as a testament to Alemais's ongoing endeavors.
Recycled Synthetics: A Transition from Petrochemicals
While synthetics constitute less than 5% of Alemais's fiber usage, Alemais has incorporated recycled polyester and nylon in swimwear and selected apparel, comprising 3.75% of Alemais's collections in 2023. Acknowledging the imperfections of recycled synthetics, Alemais views it as an initial stride away from petrochemical dependence. To address concerns of microplastic pollution, Alemais is actively exploring bio-based synthetics that are capable of biodegrading without compromising aquatic ecosystems.
Fiber Utilization: A Glimpse of 2023
Alemais's fiber utilization in 2023 attests to Alemais's commitment to diverse and sustainable materials:
- Linen: 60%
- Silk: 13%
- Ramie: 9%
- Organic Cotton: 7%
- Cotton: 6%
- Recycled Polyester: 3%
- Responsible Viscose: 3%
- Other (Alpaca, Lurex, TPU, Poly, Recycled Viscose, Recycled Nylon): <1%
Progress Towards Circularity
From the inception of our brand, a remarkable 89% of Alemais's materials consist of mono materials, facilitating efficient recycling due to the absence of fiber blending. The conventional fashion industry's linear "take-make-waste" model is known for its detrimental impact on resources and the environment. Alemais, however, advocates for a circular approach that encompasses the entire product lifecycle. Can the product be crafted from recycled or biodegradable materials? Can it be regenerated? These are the pivotal questions driving Alemais's journey. Alemais's dedication to high-quality, recyclable materials underlines Alemais's commitment to a sustainable future.
Progress Towards Circularity
From the inception of Alemais's brand, a remarkable 89% of Alemais's materials consist of mono materials, facilitating efficient recycling due to the absence of fiber blending. The conventional fashion industry's linear "take-make-waste" model is known for its detrimental impact on resources and the environment. Alemais, however, advocates for a circular approach that encompasses the entire product lifecycle. Can the product be crafted from recycled or biodegradable materials? Can it be regenerated? These are the pivotal questions driving Alemais's journey. Alemais's dedication to high-quality, recyclable materials underlines Alemais's commitment to a sustainable future.
Toward a Greener Tomorrow
Alemais's journey toward sustainability is an ongoing process, fueled by an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. As Alemais evolves, the brand continuously seeks innovative ways to enhance material choices, reduce waste, and promote ethical practices. Alemais envisions a fashion landscape that thrives on eco-friendly principles, where beauty and responsibility coexist harmoniously.
In a world where the fashion industry has often been criticized for its environmental impact, Alemais stands as a beacon of change. By prioritizing eco-friendly fibers, responsible sourcing, and a circular mindset, Alemais is reshaping the way fashion interacts with the planet. With every garment crafted, Alemais takes a step toward a greener tomorrow, inviting consumers to be part of a movement that values both style and sustainability. As Alemais's journey continues, the brand's commitment to English fashion excellence remains unwavering, and the positive impact on the environment becomes ever more apparent.