Sustainability
We're here to unravel the world of sustainability terms, making it easier for parents to understand the positive impact our choices can have on the planet.
Many of our products use terms to describe what the fabric is or how it is made. Some products are associated with industry-recognised standards and frameworks to ensure the ethical and social impacts of their actions are accounted for*. We have put together this glossary of the key terms used in describing our products to provide a better understanding of the terminology used.
*These are correct to our knowledge from the information provided by suppliers.
Organic cotton is grown and farmed without the use of pesticides, eliminating highly toxic substances from the environment. This has long-term benefits for both humanity and the planet, which is why it is often seen as more environmentally friendly compared to conventional cotton.
Recycled polyester (often called RPET) is obtained by melting down existing plastic and re-spinning it into new polyester fibre. Pre-consumer recycled content is material that has never reached the end-user, having been diverted from the waste stream during a manufacturing process, which could include waste from the spinning of yarn or the cutting of garments. Post-consumer waste includes plastic PET bottles, industrial fishing nets as well as some used clothing, this diverts plastic from landfill. Methods of recycled polyester may be mechanical (melting plastic and then extruding into yarn) or chemical (going back to the monomer or polymer phase before extruding yarn). The benefits of recycled polyester include giving a second chance to materials by deferring them from landfill, and that the carbon footprint per tonne of fibre compared to virgin polyester is an estimated 32% lower.
Regenerated Cotton - this can come in two forms:
Pre consumer waste: Cotton waste from the manufacturing cutting room is recycled back into cotton which can be used in apparel production. The offcuts are sorted into different colours and shredded down, then finely spun into yarn to make clothing. This can be done by using organic or non-organic offcuts. Either way, turning a ‘waste’ material back into something usable is a great sustainable practice.
Post consumer waste: A cotton garment that has served its intended use and has been discarded for disposal, having completed its life as a consumer item. Cotton waste is processed with stripping machines that break the yarns and fabric into smaller pieces. The amount of energy, water and chemical products is much less than if virgin cotton had been used.
Fairtrade: By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.
Global Organic Textile Standard: The aim of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is to define worldwide recognised requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles – from the harvesting of raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, to labelling – to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer.
Oeko-Tex is a registered trade mark, representing the product labels and company certifications issued and other services provided by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology. Most notably known for STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety.
BSCI: The amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) Audit is an industry-driven movement that aims to monitor and assess workplace standards across the global supply chain.