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Archive for the ‘EKO Sense Fabrics’ Category

EKO Sense fabrics – Soyabean protein fibre

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Each of EKO Sense garment is made from sustainable fabrics selected from the latest technology in eco-fibres.

Soyabean protein fibre has 16 amino acids that are healthy and nutritional to the skin, and its moisture absorption, ventilation, draping and warmth cover the superior performances of natural fibres and synthetic ones.

This fibre has the softness and smoothness of cashmere, but has less of an impact on the environment. Its production emits few pollutants, and residue from the protein extraction process can be used as animal feed.

Soyabean fabric also has a natural lustre and good draping properties, which make it ideal for clothing, particularly sports wear. Its components include amino acids, isoflavones, bamboo honey and pectin, all of which are skin lovers and hold anti-bacterial qualities.

EKO Sense fabrics – Organic cotton

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

EKO Sense

Organic cotton is grown without pesticides from plants, which are not genetically modified. As of 2007, 265,517 bales of organic cotton were produced in 24 countries and worldwide production was growing at a rate of more than 50% per year.

Though organic cotton has less environmental impact than conventional cotton, it costs more to produce. Side-effects of conventional production that are avoided in organic growing methods include:
•    High levels of agrochemicals are used in the production of non-organic, conventional cotton. Cotton production uses more chemicals per unit area than any other crop and accounts in total for 16% of the world’s pesticides.
•    The chemicals used in the processing of cotton pollute the air and surface waters.
•    Residual chemicals may irritate consumers’ skin.
•    The conventional cotton industry relies on a high level of forced child labor.

EKO Sense fabrics – Bamboo fibre

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Each of EKO Sense garment is made from sustainable fabrics selected from the latest technology in eco-fibres.

Bamboo fabric is very soft and can be worn directly next to the skin. Many people who experience allergic reactions to other natural fibres, such as wool or hemp, do not complain of this issue with bamboo. The fibre is naturally smooth and round without chemical treatment, meaning that there are no sharp spurs to irritate the skin.

Bamboo fabric is favoured by companies striving to use sustainable textiles, because the bamboo plant is very quick growing and does not usually require the use of pesticides and herbicides to thrive. As a result, plantations can easily be kept organic and replanted yearly to replenish stocks. The process of making unbleached bamboo fibre is very light on chemicals that could potentially harm the environment.

In textile form, bamboo retains many of the properties it has as a plant. Bamboo is highly water absorbent, able to take up three times its weight in water. In bamboo fabric, this translates to an excellent wicking ability that will pull moisture away from the skin so that it can evaporate. For this reason, clothing made of bamboo fibre is often worn next to the skin, and used in sports clothing.

Bamboo also has many antibacterial qualities, which bamboo fabric is able to retain, even through multiple washings, which helps to reduce bacteria that thrive on clothing and cause unpleasant odours. It can also kill odour-causing bacteria that live on human skin, making the garments more hygienic than standard fabrics.

Bamboo fabric has insulating properties and will keep the wearer cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The versatility of bamboo fabric makes it an excellent choice for clothing designers exploring alternative textiles, and in addition, the fabric is able to take bright dye colours well, drape smoothly, and star in a variety of roles from jersey t-shirts to woven skirts.