Sustainability is a hot topic in the making community right now. When trying to improve our impact on the planet, it is only natural for many makers to reflect on how their creative practices play a part.
We know how difficult it can be to find out exactly where your yarn comes from. That’s why we want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the information you need about our yarn.
Sustainability at The Fibre Co.
A couple of days ago, friend of The Fibre Co. and sustainability activist, Verena Cohrs asked us what sustainability means to us – a question we could respond to at great length! As a business, it has always been about the triple bottom line for us: profits, people and planet.
Sustainability is an essential ingredient for our long-term success, so it is a high priority. We see ourselves as a greening business, constantly looking for new ways to improve our impact on the environment.
Working with Sustainable Production Partners
One of our main production partners in Peru is OEKO-TEX® certified for their spinning process. They are responsible for spinning the following yarns:
- Acadia
- Canopy Fingering
- Cumbria
- Cumbria Fingering
- Knightsbridge
- Luma
- Meadow
- Road To China Lace
- Road to China Light
- Terra
- Tundra
The mill is located in the highlands of Peru, where the majority of the world’s alpaca and llama is grown principally by smallholders.
They have several sustainability programs to support the growers’ needs. For example, they supported a project to increase educational opportunities for the children of alpaca growers. They also organised a national art contest to promote the talent of textile artists from the poorer regions in the Peruvian Highlands.
Ethically Sourced, Natural Fibres
We source the fibres for our yarns from farms as close as possible to the spinning mill. Our production partners certify that the merino in our yarn is only sourced from farms that do not practice mulesing. Many of the yarns that we make in Peru are kettle dyed by a team of local artisan dyers. When we began working with them, our founder, Daphne, travelled to Peru to work alongside the dyers. She, personally, ensured that their techniques and processes were responsible and provided the highest quality end product.
All our suppliers use dyestuffs and procedures that follow either EU / REACH, bluesign, and/or ETAD limits. To learn more about the specifics on those, click on the links.
Closer to Home
This Autumn, we are excited to add another sustainable yarn to our line. It is an honest, woollen spun DK yarn, made from 100% Romney lambswool that is sourced and spun in the UK.
Currently, we have a selection of Beta Knitters working with it and sharing their experiences on Instagram. They are absolutely delighted with the gorgeous, heathered fabric it creates.
We can’t wait to share more with you about this strong, sustainable and local yarn. Watch this space!