Towards excellence and sustainability: innovation, eco-responsibility and green practices at Comptoir des Tissus
The Comptoir des Tissus team is delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to buy eco-responsible fabrics, made from ecological fibres in an environmentally-friendly way. For reasons of excellence and eco-responsibility, the CDT team only works with fabric manufacturers who meet all our quality certification criteria as well as the European Union’s ecological criteria, with the aim of achieving eco-responsible excellence.
The problem with traditional synthetic fibres
Synthetic fibres pose serious environmental problems. The manufacture of one kilogram of polyester, for example, consumes up to 1.5 kilograms of crude oil. It also emits around 9.5 kg of CO2. Water pollution is also a problem, as demonstrated by the Yixing factory in China, which a few years ago discharged harmful chemicals into local waterways, endangering local life and livelihoods.
Technological innovation to manufacture next-generation synthetic fibres
Our manufacturers have adopted a new-generation synthetic fibre that meets the environmental challenges posed by traditional synthetic yarns. This innovative fibre is designed, among other things, to minimise the consumption of non-renewable resources and reduce CO2 emissions. REPREVE, a synthetic yarn made from recycled plastic bottles, saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared with traditional polyester production.
Recycling synthetic fibres is an effective way of reducing waste. Since 2019, the factory of one of our manufacturers has been producing thousands of metres of fabric using recycled plastics recovered from the oceans or used fabrics. This process requires 59% less energy than the manufacture of traditional synthetic fibres and saves water resources.
The harmfulness of the chemicals used to dye fabrics
Fabric dyeing is an industrial process that has harmful consequences for the environment and human health. The use of toxic chemicals in dyeing often contaminates local waterways. In 2018, rivers in the Tiruppūr region of India were severely polluted due to untreated discharges from dyeing factories, affecting aquatic life and the health of nearby communities.
Natural solution and European manufacturing for eco-responsible dyeing
To address the problem of excessive use of toxic chemicals in dyeing, our manufacturers use plant-based dyes in the dyeing process, which are much more respectful of the local environment. In addition, as all our manufacturers are based in Europe, and therefore all our fabrics are made in Europe, stricter regulations encourage our manufacturers to adopt responsible practices. These measures help to reduce environmental impact, showing a transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly dyeing industry.
Reducing your carbon footprint with solar energy
In an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, our manufacturers' plants have adopted solar energy. For example, the factory of one of our manufacturers has installed a large solar farm that covers 50% of its daily energy needs. This conversion of sunlight into electricity significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to more environmentally-friendly production.