Do you wear rainforest-free clothing?
Rainforest-free clothing may not seem that big of an issue, however, sacred old-growth rainforest trees could be hidden in your favourite sweater. Remember, rainforest-trees are crucially important to our eco-system because not only do these trees provide a home for millions of species, they provide 20% of the worlds’ oxygen.
Good news! Rainforest-free clothing is in vogue and the trend is here to stay. Finally, after decades of protesting against the use of rainforest trees, hundreds of fashion brands are supporting this sustainable initiative. This transition will be gradual, but let us celebrate the fact that brands have woken up to the truth! The twenty-five-year reign of fast-fashion is unsustainable! As a result, the fashion industry is now opting for greener alternatives!
What exactly is rainforest-free clothing?
Glimpse over your clothing tags. Do it now.
You’ll find that 95% of your wardrobe contains materials such as rayon and viscose. The use of these specific materials has doubled in the past decade and it’s no surprise! These man-made cellulosic fibres are versatile with an alluring drape and a lustrous, glossy feel. Unfortunately, rayon and viscose are often marketed as “eco-friendly” because they are sourced from plant materials instead of plastics like polyester or nylon.
However, rayon, viscose, and modal have a dark secret: a majority of these fabrics are made from old-growth trees.
It is estimated that 150 acres of trees are eradicated from the Amazon rainforest every day!
Shockingly, “120 million trees will be transformed into the shirts on our backs. As many as 40% of them will be harvested from sensitive, old-growth ecosystems” — Racked
Opt for rainforest-free clothing for a more sustainable way of living.
How is rayon, viscose, and modal based clothing manufactured?
Manufacturers mix the precious logged wood, bark, leaves, and plants with chemicals. Afterwards, the wood is taken to a facility (a dissolving pulp mill) which grinds up the trees. The chemicals soften the wood so it can be forced through an extruder called a spinneret. Lastly, the spinneret shoots out fibres that can be spun into fabric.
So what are we doing about it?
Thankfully, initiatives like Rainforest Action Network (RAN) and Canopy are pushing for change. They are asking companies to reassess their manufacturing techniques, as a consequence, trees growing in sensitive ecosystems will become protected.
Which brands have gone rainforest-free?
We have! Mabi Swimwear has worked with Amni Soul Eco for the past two years. Amni Soul Eco uses an enhanced polyamide 6.6 formula, developed by the research efforts of the Rhodia-Solvay Group. The formula enables garments to quickly decompose when they are discarded in landfills. Mabi Swimwear’s material is eliminated from the planet in under 5 years, while other fibres take decades to decompose.
We want to see more rainforest-free clothing catwalks!
”For a changing fashion approach, sustainable, ethical and innovative, choose a truly distinctive ingredient” — Amni Soul Eco
Okay, but who else is going rainforest-free?
In February 2018, apparel conglomerate VF created its rainforest-free plan. Over thirty brands signed up and ninety-six brands have promised to sign the CanopyStyle campaign. The pledge aims to remove all rainforest-harvested cellulose from brands by 2019.
Ultimately, here at Mabi Swimwear, we have already accomplished our aim: to create 100% biodegradable, high-quality, lush swimwear. We hope our ecological and mindful approach will encourage other brands to do the same.
Mabi swimwear is leading the way with rainforest-free clothing.
Do you know any brands that use eco-friendly materials in their manufacturing process?
If so, please let us know in the comment section below!
For more tips on how to make your beauty routine plastic-free, click here.
To discover how we are cutting our carbon emissions, click here.
