The mbyM preferred fibers
As a fashion brand, we love to gain knowledge about new fibers and their extraction processes, and to test the available options. The listed fibers are those of our preferred fibers that we use for our collections so far.
TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are derived from controlled or certified wood sources and are produced in a closed loop process which recovers 99.8% of the solvent, resulting in close-to-zero wastage. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are certified with the EU Ecolabel for high environmental standards throughout their life cycle. EU Ecolabel for textile products (license number: AT/016/001)
TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.
TENCEL™ Modal fibers are derived from controlled or certified wood sources and are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption compared to generic modal. The results are based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are available via Higg MSI (Version 3.7). TENCEL™ Modal fibers are certified with the EU Ecolabel for high environmental standards throughout their life cycle. EU Ecolabel for textile products (license number: AT/016/001)
TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose fibres are derived from controlled or certified wood sources and are made with at least 50% less carbon emissions and water consumption compared to generic viscose. The results are based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and are available via Higg MSI (Version 3.7). LENZING™ ECOVERO™ branded Viscose are certified with the EU Ecolabel for high environmental standards throughout their life cycle. EU Ecolabel for textile products (license number: AT/016/001)
LENZING™ and ECOVERO™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.
Organic cotton is grown following the standards of organic farming. Cotton of organic origin are excluded from pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and over 1000 toxic substances harmful to the environment and to human health, substances that are commonly used both in the cultivation of cotton and in subsequent steps (spinning, weaving, dyeing, etc.). Since pesticides are not used for cultivation of organic cotton, the soil has more natural nutrition meaning less water is needed over time.
We use recycled polyester (mainly post-consumer recycled polyester) derived from either recycled polyester garments and rPET bottles. For garments, the fibers are obtained by melting down the shredded polyester garments and re-spinning the mass into new polyester fibers. For bottles, the filament fibers are obtained by shredding the bottles into flakes, melting the flakes down and reforming them into pellets. The pellets afterwards go though a compounding process to become filaments. The extraction of recycled polyester fibers reduces both water and energy consumption, but it does not eliminate the issues regarding microplastics released into the water, when washed.
Recycled nylon is made of existing nylon materials that have been broken into plastic chips, melted down and re-spun into new fibers. Though recycled nylon is produced the same way as virgin nylon, it is a better alternative, as it reduces the demand for new nylon to be produced and diverts existing nylon from ending up in the ocean or on landfills.
Recycled down derives from used goods such as clothing, bedding etc. After use, these consumer waste products are collected, and the outer surface is cut to collect the down. The down is sorted, then washed and cleaned to remove contaminants and afterwards sterilized and dried while possible oil components are controlled.
Recycled wool is obtained by shredding wool textiles and turning them into raw fibers. The raw fiber pulp is processed in a carding machine turning the pulp into a continuous and homogeneous web, which is then separated and spun into new yarn. Besides reducing waste, recycled wool often limits chemical use for dyeing, as the wool fibers are already dyed. However, according to the process of shredding the material, the quality can vary.