In our recent newsletter survey, Fabrics Galore’s customers showed a growing awareness and concern for sustainable practices in sewing. With a particular interest in reducing waste, using eco-friendly materials and practical advice on sustainable makes, we highlight the ten questions every maker should ask about sustainable fabric.
The 10 Questions Makers Should Ask About Sustainable Fabric
1. What fibres make up this fabric?
This first question helps determine if the fabric is made from natural, synthetic, plant, or animal fibres, which impacts its sustainability.
2. Is the fabric sustainable and eco-friendly?
Understanding if the fabric is made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo or wool, and if it follows eco-friendly production processes is an important part of evaluating its sustainability credentials.
3. What certifications does the fabric have?
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- Looking for global certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or Bluesign ensures that the fabric meets certain environmental and social standards. Fabrics Galore has increased its range of OEKO-TEX 100 certified fabrics to represent 30% of its fabric collections, which signifies that no harmful chemicals have been used in their production.
- Looking for global certifications like GOTS, OEKO-TEX, or Bluesign ensures that the fabric meets certain environmental and social standards. Fabrics Galore has increased its range of OEKO-TEX 100 certified fabrics to represent 30% of its fabric collections, which signifies that no harmful chemicals have been used in their production.
4. How is the fabric dyed and finished?
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- Knowing the dyes and chemicals used in the finishing process helps assess the fabric's impact on human health and the environment. For example, viscose which is derived from wood pulp is often manufactured using a resource intensive process, while Ecovero Viscose has a significantly lower environmental footprint.
- Knowing the dyes and chemicals used in the finishing process helps assess the fabric's impact on human health and the environment. For example, viscose which is derived from wood pulp is often manufactured using a resource intensive process, while Ecovero Viscose has a significantly lower environmental footprint.
5. Can the fabric be recycled?
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- Understanding if the fabric can be recycled at the end of its life cycle is crucial for reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool are recyclable by re-spinning the fibres, compressing them for insulation purposes or for use in the flocking industry.
- Understanding if the fabric can be recycled at the end of its life cycle is crucial for reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool are recyclable by re-spinning the fibres, compressing them for insulation purposes or for use in the flocking industry.
6. What is the carbon footprint of the fabric?
Considering the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during production helps evaluate the fabric's environmental impact. So for example, choose Lenzing Ecovero viscose which generates 50% less CO2 emissions and uses 50% less water than conventional viscose according to the Higg Material Sustainability Index.
7. Is the fabric biodegradable?
Knowing if the fabric can decompose naturally reduces concerns about long-term environmental impact. Natural fabrics like cotton, hemp and wool are biodegradable as long as they have not been treated with chemicals. Whereas synthetic fabrics do not biodegrade and remain in landfill for many years.
8. Does the fabric support ethical practices?
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- Ensuring that the fabric is produced with fair labour practices and sustainable farming methods is important for ethical consumers.
- Our wool supplier, Abraham Moon is certified by the Wool Integrity Programme ensuring that all the wool they receive complies with the five freedoms of animal welfare.
- Ensuring that the fabric is produced with fair labour practices and sustainable farming methods is important for ethical consumers.
9. How does the fabric supplier manage waste?
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- Understanding how fabric scraps are handled and if waste reduction strategies are in place is vital for sustainability. At Fabrics Galore we offer fabric scraps to local schools for craft projects and have a permanent remnant bin in the shop in the hope that all offcuts are re-used.
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Our wool suppliers, Abraham Moon collect all their waste selvedge and unusable fabric scraps, pressing them into bales which are collected for recycling.
- Understanding how fabric scraps are handled and if waste reduction strategies are in place is vital for sustainability. At Fabrics Galore we offer fabric scraps to local schools for craft projects and have a permanent remnant bin in the shop in the hope that all offcuts are re-used.
10. What is the story behind the fabric?
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- Having a compelling story about the fabric's origin and production can enhance its appeal and authenticity. At Fabrics Galore we source our high-quality 100% cotton batik fabric from a single village cottage industry in India. Understanding a fabric’s provenance helps us understand workers’ conditions and the environmental impact of shipping the goods.
Questions our Customers Asked about Sustainability
The following common themes relating to sustainability and the environment emerged in our newsletter survey and we have covered many of these topics in our regular blogs:
Reducing Fabric Waste & Scrap Usage
- Respondents showed a clear interest in content that helps reduce waste, such as:
- Ideas for using fabric scraps or leftovers
- Upcycling/altering failed projects
- Economical or zero-waste makes (emphasising frugality and sustainability)
Sustainable Materials
- Several responses referenced a desire to learn more about:
- Organic cottons
- Natural fibres
- Deadstock fabrics (highlighting interest in reusing surplus or unsold inventory)
Educational Content on Sustainability
- There were requests for:
- Information about fabric origins
- Details on designers or manufacturers and their sustainability practices
- Advice on how to avoid waste and choose more sustainable materials
Fabrics Galore’s Efforts in Sustainability
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OEKO-TEX 100 Certification:
Fabrics Galore sources many fabrics from suppliers whose products are OEKO-TEX 100 certified. This independent global standard ensures that fabrics have been tested for 100 harmful substances, promoting safer and more environmentally responsible textile production. While Fabrics Galore itself, as a retailer, cannot be OEKO-TEX certified, it actively seeks out and promotes fabrics from certified suppliers, particularly in its jersey and cotton collections.
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GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Certification:
Fabrics Galore offers a range of organic cotton fabrics that are GOTS certified. This certification guarantees that the cotton is grown and processed according to strict environmental and social criteria, including the prohibition of toxic chemicals and the enforcement of fair labour practices.
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First Mile Recycling Scheme:
Fabrics Galore participates in the First Mile Recycling Scheme and reports a Gold-rated 94% recycling rate. This initiative underlines our commitment to reducing waste and diverting fabric and packaging materials from landfill.
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Promotion of Sustainable Fabrics:
we are expanding our range of sustainable fabrics, including organic cotton, bamboo, linen, and wool. We also aim to educate customers about sustainable alternatives such as ECOVERO™, which uses less water and chemicals in production.
Let us Know Your Questions on Sustainability
At Fabrics Galore, we hope that by highlighting the questions to ask about sustainable fabric, we can all strive to do more to help minimise the impact of the textile industry. Let us know your questions and we will try to answer them in our blogs and on our socials.
Authored by: Annabelle Rigg, Online and Store Manager at Fabrics Galore London
Reviewed by: Paul Johnston, Owner and Founder of Fabrics Galore London since 1992
