Ecological Local Biodegradable Sustainable Zero waste Craftsmanship

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3 Ecological Local Biodegradable Sustainable Zero waste Craftsmanship 3

4 What an amazing opportunity to be able to contribute to the movement for a healthier and more sustainable world. 4

5 This new LIBECO ORGANIC collection is the fruit of a special collaboration. It s a collaboration between people all working in different areas but united by the same passion for linen and for nature. Historically, Libeco has always had this passion for linen and a desire to know more about flax and the farmers who grow it. Linen is the name of the fabric made out of fibers from the flax plant. Flax is a natural recyclable fiber which needs no irrigation and little chemical treatment. Every part of the plant is used and there is no waste. We have always preferred to use production methods that are most respectful of the environment and the health of our workforce. We have always tried to make linen well known and to promote its intrinsic qualities. In terms of both ecology and sustainable development, linen is a real champion. And this organic linen collection sets the bar even higher. From the field to the end product, our manufacturing processes are completed with maximum respect for the environment. 5

6 The organic approach The launch of this LIBECO ORGANIC collection is the result of several months of collaboration between our technicians and the various contributors to the project. 6

7 ORGANIC FLAX FARMING IN FRANCE For growing and scutching the flax (preparing the fiber before spinning), we have worked closely with a group of farmers in Seine-et-Marne, France. Under the attentive and watchful eye of Carlos Devogele (scutcher at Coulommiers), these organic farmers have been cultivating flax for more than 10 years. In this magnificent undulating countryside they have created an organic area of some 400 hectares. Fields where wheat, alfalfa and flax alternate in perfect harmony. The first steps in organic agriculture were not easy, and the period of transition from conventional to organic cultivation demanded extensive research and trials. Some harvests were difficult, and yields were sometimes low. But little by little, techniques were improved: varieties, sowing techniques, mechanical weed treatments... Gradually, the land regained its balance and biodiversity was recreated, with the return of earthworms, ladybirds, and bees. The necessary nutritional and mineral elements are provided naturally. An organic microclimate has been developed where crops are obviously happy and where plants can grow at their natural pace again. 7

8 ORGANIC LINEN Thanks to the experience and the team work between farmers and scutchers, our organic flax is of a very high quality, with very interesting advantages: A special feature of the soil in the region is that it stores water in the clay stratum. Results show that organic flax copes better in dry periods than conventional, because it has very deep roots. For some crops, yields are lower than in conventional agriculture. For flax, they are practically identical. The delicate retting phase, the natural operation by which the fiber is detached from the stalk, is generally easier than in conventionally cultivated flax, because no chemical products have been used during growing. For spinning, we have developed a series of yarns from the finest to the coarsest in order to produce a wide range of fabrics. The raw fibers are spun at Hungarolen in Hungary, a GOTS certified spinning mill. Quality control shows that organic yarn is of excellent quality. 8

9 GOTS CERTIFICATION Our linen is grown by organic farmers, and is spun, woven and finished without the addition of any harmful products whatsoever. All our processes are GOTS certified. After extensive research, we are now able to offer a high-quality organic linen at a reasonable price. Organic manufacturing enables us to offer a good, strong, long-lasting product that is more environmentally friendly. The aim of the GOTS label is to define requirements to ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. 9

10 LIBECO ORGANIC FABRICS All our fabrics are woven in Belgium following GOTS recommendations. Traceability is guaranteed throughout the production process. A large portion of the conventional fabrics in our range can now be produced organically. For the dyeing and finishing, all our partners are GOTS certified, which enables us to offer a wide choice of colors and finishes. All our processes have one thing in common: they avoid harmful chemicals and therefore meet the Global Organic Textile Standard. The ECOCERT organization, which supervises GOTS certification, carries out rigorous controls to guarantee the seriousness of our approach. 10

11 We are particularly proud to be able to present this collection of organic linen fabrics. To be able, thanks to everyone s efforts, to help and encourage these pioneers in organic farming. And to be able, little by little, in our own way, to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world. For all this, we thank our partners! Organic farmers in Seine-et-Marne Dominique Collin Olivier Rousseau Highly recommended - the organic B&B - La ferme de Fontenelle Eric Gobard Must-see - Le Moulin de Chantemerle for its fabulous organic flour! Patrick Chanut Guillaume Deneufbourg Jean-Paul Gondard Devogele scutchers - Mr. Carlos Devogele - Coulommiers Hungarolen spinning mill - Hungary French Organic Flax and Hemp Association - linetchanvrebio@gmail.com 11

12 nv libeco-lagae libeco-lagae inc. Tieltstraat Meulebeke - Belgium 230 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1300 New York, NY USA libeco fabrics libeco fabrics t t f f info@libeco.com E