Considering worldwide concerns about the future of our planet, we have a wonderful opportunity to promote flax — the natural fiber woven into cloth for nearly 10,000 years. All of our natural fabrics wear our “ECO LINEN” label: Tests have determined that no chemical residues are found in the final product.

FLAX BY NATURE IS A “GREEN” PRODUCT

• No irrigation is needed for growing flax.

• The flax plant is gentle on the land and is easy to incorporate into modern crop rotation cycles.

• The processing of flax needs very little energy and does not harm the environment.

• The water retting process has been replaced by environmentally friendly dew retting on the field.

• Flax seed is beneficial in human and animal nutrition because of its very high alpha omega-3 fatty acid content. Flax seeds can be used as the base for fine flour used in medical compresses.

• Linseed oil — squeezed out of flax seeds — is also used as a component in paints, cosmetics, soil coverings, etc.

• Flax fibers are also being used in heat insulation, packaging, etc.

• The remaining residual products are used in fiberboard, bank notes, etc.

• The inherent strength of linen yarn reduces the need for starching during spinning and weaving.

FROM FIBER TO FABRIC: SPINNING & WEAVING

The industrial processes of spinning and weaving have very little to no impact on the environment. Our partner mills are constantly investing in new equipment and production methods, reducing the need for energy and water and eliminating or recycling most of the waste. These mills use natural gas as a source of energy, which does not pollute the air. Our partner mills’ research is ongoing to improve production methods that limit even more of their impact on the environment.

Linen fabrics can be recycled into paper and insulation materials for the automobile industry. Another great advantage of linen is its typical “natural” color obtained by the interaction of the plant with the sun, the rain and the earth.