Material: a close-up on cashmere VS recycled cachmere
Cashmere is a luxurious and highly prized animal fiber, it is derived from the long and silky undercoat of goats known as "cashmere goats." These goats primarily inhabit the regions of Mongolia and the Himalayas, where they face extremely harsh winters with temperatures plunging as low as -40°C. To endure these severe conditions, the goats naturally develop a warm, soft, and breathable quilt during the winter months, which blends with their coarser and rougher summer coat. This natural duvet is traditionally collected in the spring through a combing process during the goats' natural shedding period, and it is then transformed into the precious and sought-after cashmere yarn. 1
Originally, cashmere was exclusively reserved for crafting the finest knits and luxurious fabrics, reflecting its exceptional quality and rarity. However, in the late 1990s, with advances in manufacturing and distribution, cashmere became more accessible and increasingly popular. As a result, the once-exclusive material became widely available in major fast-fashion retailers, captivating the general public and contributing to the growing demand for this exquisite fiber. 2
One of the most remarkable qualities of cashmere lies in its outstanding insulating and thermoregulating properties. It is revered for its ability to provide exceptional warmth and comfort while remaining remarkably lightweight. Consequently, cashmere finds its applications not only in high-end fashion for premium sweaters and ready-to-wear collections, but also in the realm of home textiles and cozy throws.
The leading cashmere fiber-producing countries include China, accounting for approximately 50% of the global production, followed by Mongolia and various Central Asian nations like Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. The total annual production of cashmere fibers worldwide ranges between 13,000 to 18,000 tonnes. For the subsequent processing and weaving of this luxurious material, Italy and Scotland have established themselves as distinguished hubs, renowned for their expertise and craftsmanship in creating high-quality cashmere products.
While cashmere has the potential to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice due to its natural origin and premium characteristics, its widespread consumption has brought forth its own set of challenges. The intensification of cashmere farming to meet global demands has led to overgrazing and significant environmental issues, particularly in certain regions of Mongolia where vegetation depletion and soil erosion have become concerning factors. Additionally, the intensive farming practices raise serious ethical concerns, including the regular maltreatment of goats. Some producers subject these gentle animals to painful procedures like castration and dehorning, along with repeated shearing, all of which are captured in distressing videos circulating on the internet.
The sustainability and ethical challenges surrounding traditional cashmere production have led to a growing demand for alternative solutions. Organic cashmere emerges as a promising option, aiming to foster a more conscientious approach to cashmere production and animal welfare. Although relatively recent, the adoption of organic cashmere holds potential for establishing a more sustainable and compassionate industry.
Another innovative and environmentally conscious solution that has gained traction is recycled cashmere. This pioneering material is manufactured using pre- and post-consumer waste, collected from factories and reclaimed from old clothing. Through a meticulous process of sorting, categorizing by color, and shredding into small pieces, the recycled fibers are then blended with a small percentage of recycled wool (typically 5-10%). The resulting yarn, which remains undyed, is remarkably strong and suitable for creating a wide range of garments and accessories.
Recycled cashmere embodies the principles of upcycling and recycling, preserving the exceptional qualities of cashmere while avoiding overproduction and significantly reducing its overall environmental impact. A recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by our supplier indicates impressive savings achieved through this revalorized fiber, including* :
- 76% less energy consumption
- 89% less water usage
- 96% reduction in CO2 emissions
*compared to conventional production methods using standard materials.
Thanks to advancements in technology and the expertise of European weavers, the market now welcomes a soft, warm, and thermoregulating fiber that upholds animal welfare and offers a significantly reduced environmental footprint. Embracing recycled cashmere represents a progressive step towards a more sustainable and responsible approach to the luxury and fashion industry. Ask us everything about it !
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