Our Materials
We select our materials with intention, carefully considering their quality, durability, and impact on the environment. Refer to our Sustainable Fashion Glossary for more information.
Our Fabrics
We’re committed to using high quality fabrics that are responsibly made from certified renewable sources as our first choice. These include natural fibres such as linen and silk, and semi-synthetic fibres such as lyocell and cupro. We avoid non-renewable synthetic fibres (such as polyester, nylon and elastane) where possible but occasionally they are required for comfort and stretch, in which case we select fabrics with no more than 20% synthetic fibre content.
Linen is one of the most sustainable fibres available. It is naturally strong, breathable, moisture-wicking and anti-microbial. Linen is derived from the flax plant, which is very resilient and grows well, often without the need for pesticides or fertilisers. Every part of the flax plant is utilised so nothing is wasted.
Our linen blend is sourced from Elsegood Silk & Fabric, a family-owned textile wholesaler in Sydney that has been operating since 1953. The fabric is custom dyed in Sydney by Jening Dyers using azo-free dyes.
Cupro is a second generation cellulosic fibre made from a polymer called cellulose, which is found naturally in plants. Cellulose is extracted, dissolved and regenerated to produce a long, continuous fibre.
Cupro is derived from recycled cotton linter and produced in a closed loop system which recycles water and solvents, making it more sustainable than its predecessors, rayon and viscose. Cupro is lightweight, anti-static, thermo-regulating and has a smooth, silk-like hand.
Bemberg™ is a brand of cupro made by Asahi Kasei in Japan. Bemberg™ is renowned for its superior quality and is commonly used as a premium lining for suits. Bemberg™ carries the GRS certification for traceability, INNOVHUB certification for biodegradability and the OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label.
Like cupro, lyocell is a second generation cellulosic fibre made from cellulose. Lyocell is derived from wood pulp and produced in a closed loop system which recycles water and solvents, making it more sustainable than rayon and viscose. Lyocell is highly durable, hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking.
TENCEL™ lyocell is a brand of lyocell produced by the Austrian company Lenzing AG using certified environmentally responsible processes from sustainably harvested raw material.
Silk is a natural fibre produced by the larvae of a moth. Silk is generally considered a sustainable fibre as it is renewable, biodegradable and uses less water, chemicals and energy than many other fibres.
For our Anita Silk Camisole and Autumn Slip Dress, we use pure silk and silk blends that are produced in socially and environmentally responsible facilities as certified by OEKO-TEX®'s MADE IN GREEN label.
Our Trims
The most sustainable trim is the one that lasts. When choosing our zippers and buttons, we are guided by the quality, performance and reliability of the trim. Where possible, we use trims made from renewable, recycled or low-impact materials.
Corozo is a renewable material derived from the seed of the tagua palm tree. The seeds are only collected once they have ripened and fallen from the tree, making corozo a sustainably harvested resource. Corozo is a highly versatile and durable material that is resistant to fading and scratches.
Our corozo buttons are custom-made for us by a family-owned business in Panama who are the original traders of corozo.
Shell buttons are made from nacre, a material produced as an inner shell lining by molluscs such as oysters and mussels. Shell buttons are strong and have a natural iridescence, adding a luxurious touch to our garments. Shell buttons are biodegradable and can be considered sustainable as oyster farming has a very low overall environmental impact.
We source our shell buttons from M Recht, a family-owned supplier in Melbourne that has been trading for 60 years.
We've chosen to use YKK zippers in our garments due to their excellent construction and reliability. YKK is the largest zipper manufacturer in the world and is renowned for their high quality, dependable zippers.
As of 2020, YKK is working to eliminate hazardous chemicals from the manufacturing process in accordance with OEKO-TEX® standards.
Our main garment label is damask woven polyester, made in Germany from a minimum of 50% recycled yarn. Our care labels are printed on sateen woven polyester using water-based ink. Both labels are certified free from harmful substances according to OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100.
We choose to use polyester labels due to their superior finish and quality. Polyester label edges can be sealed with heat, making them smooth against the skin and resistant to fraying.
Our Packaging
Our packaging is 100% plastic-free and made from recyclable or compostable materials. To help reduce our environmental impact, please reuse your packaging or place it into your curbside recycling or home compost bin.
Our swing tags are printed in Melbourne using vegetable-based ink on FSC-certified, 100% recycled kraft paper. The tags are attached to our garments using 100% recycled, undyed cotton string made from deadstock textile waste in a family factory in Barcelona, Spain.
Our thank you cards are printed in Melbourne using vegetable-based ink on 100% FSC-certified recycled kraft paper.
Our tissue paper is acid-free, compostable and recyclable.
Our branded packing tape is printed with soy-based ink on 100% FSC-certified recycled kraft paper and vegetable-based adhesive which is activated by water.
Our stickers are printed in Melbourne using vegetable-based ink on FSC-certified adhesive kraft paper.
Our mailing boxes are made in Melbourne from 80% recycled material and are completely recyclable and compostable.
Our mailers are made from 70-80% PBAT and 20-30% PLA (derived from cornstarch), and 100% home-compostable and industrially compostable.
Our shipping labels are made from FSC-certified paper and are 100% home-compostable and industrially compostable (EN1342 certified).
Poly bags are used to protect garments from dust and moisture during transportation along the supply chain. As the name suggests, poly bags are traditionally made out of plastic (polyethylene). We use compostable poly bags made from a biodegradable material derived from corn. We reuse these bags where possible or send them to a local commercial composting facility where they are used to manufacture garden soil.
We are proud to be part of NoIssue Co's Eco Packaging Alliance. When we purchase their packaging, NoIssue plants trees on our behalf in areas of need, contributing to global reforestation.
