The numbers speak for themselves: every year, over 60% of clothes purchased by consumers end up in landfills or are incinerated. Europeans throw away an average of 35 items of clothing annually, with only three being recycled and one reused domestically. These figures are even more alarming considering the textile industry is one of the most environmentally harmful, accounting for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The main culprit? Fast and ultra-fast fashion, promoting disposable clothing. So, how can we return to reason, with desirable yet durable garments? The good news is that circular fashion is gaining ground in France. Among its advocates, L’Atelier des Matières places eco-friendly and recycled materials at the heart of its mission. After all, sustainable fashion starts with responsible sourcing, paving the way for a brand’s transformation toward durability.

What Is an Eco-Friendly Textile Material?

Eco-friendly materials are gaining traction in France and beyond because they’re made from sustainable fibers and produced with processes designed to minimize environmental impact and make better use of existing waste.

The Goals of Eco-Friendly Materials

The sustainability of a material is measured tangibly. For example:

• Reducing water usage: Organic cotton, flax, and hemp are much less water-intensive than conventional options.
• Lowering greenhouse gas emissions: The carbon footprint of recycled textiles, such as recycled polyester, is significantly smaller than that of virgin or new textiles.
• Avoiding toxic chemicals: Eco-friendly production methods exclude harmful chemicals, benefiting both the environment and human health.

Which Materials Should You Choose for Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion depends on eco-friendly materials. In France, the range of options is becoming increasingly diverse. L’Atelier des Matières offers a variety of solutions, including deadstock, recycled fibers, and repurposed materials, giving brands the tools to attract environmentally conscious consumers.

Organic Natural Fibers

• Plant-based: Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Flax needs little water and no pesticides, while hemp grows quickly, regenerates soil, and is highly renewable.
• Animal-based: Organic wool, produced under organic farming and animal welfare standards, is biodegradable and long-lasting.

Semi-Synthetic Fibers

Semi-synthetic fibers are often derived from wood pulp:

• Lyocell, usually from eucalyptus, is made using a closed-loop process that recycles solvents.
• Tencel®, a branded version of Lyocell and Modal, boasts nearly 100% solvent recovery.
• Ecovero® viscose is made from certified, sustainably managed wood sources.

Recycled Fibers and Fabrics

Recycled fibers come from both fossil-based sources (e.g., polyester, nylon) and biological origins (e.g., wool, cashmere). Examples include:

• Recycled polyester, made from plastic bottles or textile waste.
• Econyl®, a regenerated nylon from waste, including ocean plastics.
• Innovations like biological recycling, which uses enzymes to produce 100% recycled plastic yarn.

Deadstock Materials

Deadstock fabrics and leathers, anonymized for reuse, open exciting possibilities for upcycling, such as capsule collections.

Repurposed Materials

Unsold items, including clothing, shoes, and leather goods, can be transformed into innovative materials. Examples include:

• Shoe reinforcements made from leather production scraps.
• Wadding for puffer jackets made from repurposed textiles.

Criteria for Choosing Eco-Friendly Materials

As eco-friendly materials become a key factor in consumer choices, it’s crucial for brands to select the right ones and ensure their sustainable impact is genuine.

Traceability and Transparency

The EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiative, aimed at detailing material sourcing, manufacturing processes, repairability, and recyclability, will soon be mandatory. Meanwhile, environmental certifications enable brands to establish credibility and earn consumer trust.

Environmental and Ethical Certifications

Vague claims like “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” don’t suffice for today’s discerning consumers. Recognized certifications include:

• GOTS®: Ensures textiles are eco-friendly and socially responsible.
• OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100: Guarantees the absence of harmful substances.
• Fair Trade Certified: Verifies ethical working conditions.
• Global Recycle Standard (GRS): Certifies recycled materials meet environmental and social standards.

L’Atelier des Matières offers GRS-certified materials, ensuring quality and integrity across their network.

As demand for sustainable fashion grows, gaining consumer trust and staying ahead of stricter regulations is essential. L’Atelier des Matières not only supplies beautiful, responsible materials but also partners with brands to instill sustainable practices that drive success in a lasting way.