When we set off on this journey, we promised ourselves that our sheets would be no ordinary sheets – they would change lives. That they wouldn’t just feel good to the touch, they’d be good within.
With this aim, we support Fairtrade and have sustainability entrenched in each step
Farming
Small-scale farmers organically and sustainably grow and hand-pick premium, long-staple cotton at family-owned Fairtrade farms. In addition to a fair price for their produce, they also receive a Fairtrade Premium to reinvest in their business or put towards community projects like education, healthcare or infrastructure to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions.
Economic sustainability = production of organic cotton and rotational crops leading to higher yields
Social sustainability = improved business performance, increased employment and better social standing.
Ginning and Spinning
Natural cotton fibres are separated from the cotton seed (called ginning) at organic facilities; the waste cotton seed is then reused for fuel or feed.
Spinning involves twisting together of strands of fibres to form yarn (or thread). Not only is our yarn of the highest quality – ultra-smooth, super soft, it is ethically produced at mills powered by hydro-electricity.
Unfortunately, often being an overlooked part of the textile industry, spinning mills have been known to be plagued by unethical practices like forced labour, particularly of young women. Our spinning mills take all human rights issues seriously and ensure their workers are a minimum of 18 years old, all are paid living wages, enjoy good working conditions and shifts are strictly adhered to ensure a good work-life balance.
Ginning and Spinning
Natural cotton fibres are separated from the cotton seed (called ginning) at organic facilities; the waste cotton seed is then reused for fuel or feed.
Spinning involves twisting together of strands of fibres to form yarn (or thread). Not only is our yarn of the highest quality – ultra-smooth, super soft, it is ethically produced at mills powered by hydro-electricity.
Unfortunately, often being an overlooked part of the textile industry, spinning mills have been known to be plagued by unethical practices like forced labour, particularly of young women. Our spinning mills take all human rights issues seriously and ensure their workers are a minimum of 18 years old, all are paid living wages, enjoy good working conditions and shifts are strictly adhered to ensure a good work-life balance.
Dyeing
Colouring the fabric or dyeing is normally a water-hungry process and conventional dyeing processes can use various toxic chemicals including cancer-causing substances like benzidine-based AZO dyes or formaldehyde, ammonia bleach etc. All our cotton is dyed using GOTS certified organic dyes – free from any nasty chemicals that don’t meet GOTS’s strict criteria. Our dyeing unit takes its water consumption seriously – it recovers 90% of all steam condensate (water vapour) and reuses 30% of water, making it one of the lowest consumers of water in the Dyeing industry.
Weaving and Knitting
The spun organic cotton yarn is then woven or knitted to the highest standard resulting in a smooth, soft, sumptuous fabric at Fairtrade certified textile mills. Here again, employee welfare is central to the company management. All mill workers benefit from a lot more than just fair wages. They receive pension contributions, bonuses, healthcare scholarships for their children and many other benefits. They have access to safe transport to and from home, healthy food, and shares in the company so they can participate in the success of the business.
Weaving and Knitting
The spun organic cotton yarn is then woven or knitted to the highest standard resulting in a smooth, soft, sumptuous fabric at Fairtrade certified textile mills. Here again, employee welfare is central to the company management. All mill workers benefit from a lot more than just fair wages. They receive pension contributions, bonuses, healthcare scholarships for their children and many other benefits. They have access to safe transport to and from home, healthy food, and shares in the company so they can participate in the success of the business.
Sewing and Finishing
Highly skilled workers cut and sew the fabric to create our beautiful linen in an ethical, Fairtrade factory – no cutting corners, no compromises – just happy workers creating our beautiful sheets with love. As it’s free from chemicals, the bedding doesn’t require pre-wash so saves water. Each item is packaged in bags made from waste fabric off-cuts which would have otherwise gone to a land-fill.
With a firm belief that every purchase matters, our partnership with the Fair Trade Foundation ensures more than just safe, healthy, and prosperous working conditions. It means our farmers, weavers and all other workers are treated with respect.
