{"id":5171,"date":"2025-11-26T09:54:41","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T07:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blackmoda.fi\/?p=5171"},"modified":"2025-11-26T11:50:18","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T09:50:18","slug":"responsible-textile-materials-tips-for-more-sustainable-choices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blackmoda.fi\/en\/responsible-textile-materials-tips-for-more-sustainable-choices\/","title":{"rendered":"Responsible textile materials \u2013 tips for more sustainable choices"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Responsible<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Responsible textile materials are knits and fabrics whose entire life cycle \u2014 production, use, and disposal \u2014 causes as little harm as possible to the environment and to people. When designing clothes, material choices matter hugely: they affect a garment\u2019s carbon footprint, wearing comfort, how often it needs to be washed, and where the product ultimately ends up.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog post, we introduce different natural, recycled, and innovative fibers that we use in Black Moda\u2019s production. You\u2019ll find both familiar classics and interesting new options. You can read more about Black Moda\u2019s production here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Natural fibers \u2014 tradition and purity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Organic Cotton<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Organic cotton is grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Cultivation often uses less water than conventional cotton, and the result is a skin-friendly, soft, and breathable fiber. Organic cotton is one of the most commonly used fibers in our production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linen<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Linen is an exceptionally strong and breathable fiber. The world\u2019s oldest cultivated plant thrives in cool climates without artificial irrigation. The material is known for its beautiful luster, and it softens nicely with wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wool<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wool is a renewable and biodegradable natural fiber, and its responsibility depends on animal welfare and rearing conditions. Wool products don\u2019t need to be washed often, and with proper care they last a long time, which increases their sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemp<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hemp is one of the most eco-friendly fibers: it grows quickly without pesticides and can even improve soil quality. The fiber is similar to linen, but is often more durable and stiffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nettle<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nettle fiber resembles linen both in appearance and feel. It is a breathable, durable, and eco-friendly fiber whose cultivation does not require pesticides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kapok<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kapok is a silky, feather-light fiber harvested from the seed pods of the kapok tree. It grows wild, requires no fertilizers, and is fully biodegradable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Responsible
? Our sewing facility Black Moda Portugal specializes in jersey products, and organic cotton is one of the most commonly used materials in our production.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Recycled fibers \u2014 when waste becomes a raw material<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Recycled polyester and polyamide<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recycled polyester and polyamide are made, for example, from plastic bottles, ocean plastic, or textile waste. In terms of their properties, they match their virgin-material counterparts, but with a lower environmental impact. Whenever possible, we prioritize recycled materials in our production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recycled elastane<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recycled elastane is rare, but increasingly common material in which some or all of the raw material is recycled. It is used like regular elastane to add stretch to the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q-Nova\u00ae<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Q-Nova\u00ae is an Italian Fulgar-developed polyamide made from the company\u2019s own pre-consumer industrial waste without chemical recycling. A lightweight, breathable, and durable material for sportswear and tights. A large share of our tights are made with Q-Nova\u00ae: all styles of Aarrelabel\u2019s The 3D Pantyhose<\/a> contain Q-Nova\u00ae polyamide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fabric
? In 2022, we tested making fabric from cutting waste from our Black Moda Portugal sewing facility.
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

New and innovative materials \u2014 solutions for the future.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ecovero\u2122 viscose<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ecovero\u2122 is an eco-labeled viscose made from FSC or PEFC certified wood raw material. The fabric has a beautiful sheen and excellent color vibrancy. One of the most commonly used fibers in our production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tencel\u2122 (Lyocell)<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tencel\u2122 is made from FSC-certified wood pulp using a closed-loop process. The result is a smooth, drapey, and breathable material that is widely used in knits and woven fabrics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naia\u2122<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Naia\u2122 is a soft and breathable cellulose-based fiber produced using a closed-loop process. It\u2019s well suited for everyday and leisurewear. A rising fiber in our jersey production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supima\u00ae<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Supima\u00ae is an extra-long-staple premium cotton cultivated in North America. The fiber is strong, silky, reproduces colors beautifully, and pills less than regular cotton. It\u2019s an emerging fiber in our jersey production, and for example our own brand Aarrelabel\u2019s Leo Copper products<\/a> are made from Supima\u00ae cotton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refibra\u2122<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Refibra\u2122 <\/strong>is a Lenzing innovation that combines lyocell with recycled cotton waste. The fiber is soft, strong, and environmentally friendly \u2014 an excellent example of circular economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sorona\u2122<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sorona\u2122 is a bio-based polyester fiber in which about one third of the raw material is plant-based (corn). The fiber is stretchy, soft, and durable \u2014 often used in sports and leisurewear knits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
?Aarrelabel\u2019s popular Leo Copper products are made from Supima\u00ae cotton.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How can you influence sustainability through material choices? Learn to recognize responsible textile materials!<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Responsible textile materials can also be identified through various certifications and by examining the different stages of material production. When assessing a material\u2019s sustainability, it\u2019s worth considering at least the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2714 Certifications<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certain textile material certifications, such as OEKO-TEX, GOTS, OCS, FSC, PEFC, RWS, and GRS, indicate transparent, responsibly managed production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2714 Production impacts<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How much water, energy, and chemicals are used in production \u2014 and how they are recycled or recovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2714 Working conditions<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An ethical and safe production chain is just as important as the material itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2714 Durability and recyclability<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How long does the material last in use, and what happens to it at the end of its life cycle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Summary<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Responsible textile materials are a key part of designing sustainable textile production. The world is changing, and consumers\u2019 expectations for responsibility are growing. Fortunately, there are plenty of fibers available that combine quality, eco-friendliness, and comfort. Even small choices can have a big impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

? Interested in the materials or production at Black Moda Portugal Lda? Get in touch with our experts here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Written by Johanna Lepp\u00e4-aho and Marja-Kaisa Kuusimaa<\/em><\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n