Sustainability and responsible sourcing have become paramount in the apparel industry. The key is – consumers want environmentally friendly options that are as stylish and useful as they are responsible.
Fashion, including apparel and fast fashion, is notorious for its wasteful practices that are hurting the environment. Fashion production releases 10% of the world’s carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of all water pollution worldwide. The good news is, it’s shown that even small improvements to the materials and processes can create a major and much-needed change in the fashion industry.
Research shows that 88% of consumers want brands to help them be more environmentally friendly. That demand is certainly echoed by corporations and consumers. The challenge to the industry is knowing how everyone can get what they want, when they want it, at the price they want.
Storm Creek is paving the way for this to happen. We’re weaving recycled materials into more styles every season. In fact, by 2021, every single garment in our line will include sustainably sourced components.
SUSTAINABLE sourcing
Sustainability all starts with sourcing better fabrics. But what does that actually mean?
Let's break it down.
The official definition of sustainable fabrics, according to Textile Exchange, states that sustainable textiles (fabrics) that are derived from eco-friendly resources, such as sustainably grown fiber or recycled materials, using minimal chemicals. Top Eco-Fabrics Ranked>>
The sourcing process begins at the fabric mills. We seek only high-quality mills whenever possible as we source raw materials. Many of our mills are Bluesign® or Oeko-Tex certified, which means they focus on sustainable practices, such as water conservation and use environmentally safe chemicals.
What is Blluesign®?
Bluesign® is a system that provides safe and more sustainable environments to work in and live in. It takes into account the use of energy, water, chemicals, emissions, and worker safety during fabric production. The dyeing and finishing process alone uses 85% water, 80% energy, and 65% chemicals to produce a single garment. Bluesign® monitors each textiles’ path along this process, making improvements at every stage, from the factory floor to the finished product.
What is OEKO-TEX?
Oeko-Tex® is a union of 18 independent research and test institutes in Europe and Japan. They have joint-responsibility for the development of testing and certification methods that assure no harmful chemicals or toxins are used in garments. Fabrics are tested for hundreds of harmful substances, such as heavy metals, carcinogenic colorants, or pesticides).Eco-Fabrics
Storm Creek’s Eco-Collection, launched in 2019, includes a full suite of apparel made from post-consumer waste, such as plastic bottles. Since launching the collection, more than 1 million plastic bottles have been saved from ending up in landfills or oceans – and repurposed into fashion-forward styles. Our materials are also free of any chemicals that could be deemed harmful or a health concern. They are Prop 65 certified, meaning they are non-toxic and safe.
Recycled Insulation
There is a multitude of insulation options in the marketplace, including everything from synthetic materials to real down. The recycled insulation in our products is a new generation of technology from The LYCRA Company. Thermolite® EcoMade Insulation, made from a minimum of 35% recycled materials like plastic bottles, provides a sustainable, environmentally friendly option. The synthetic material delivers warmth without as much weight. It also contains waterproof microfibers which help it keep the same volume and trap air compared to others.
Recycled Polyester Yarns
Polyester has had a long history of ups and downs, from leisure suits to high-performance activewear. Now, recycled polyester fibers with an environmental quotient are in the spotlight. The polyester in our eco-woven shirts is made with at least 37% recycled materials, which delivers the same technical performance with a smaller environmental footprint compared to virgin polyester. The recycled material doesn’t require new petroleum to create and consumes less energy to produce, creating 75% less CO2 emissions.
Storm Creek President, Doug Jackson, talks more about our eco-fabrics:
