bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing, high-yield, low input crop. It is the most sustainable of the natural fibres. The type of bamboo used for making fabric, commonly known as Moso, can reach a mature height of 75 feet in just 45 to 60 days. It needs no pesticides and, if there is sufficient rainfall, no additional irrigation is required. It regenerates naturally through an extensive root system that sends out an average of four to six new shoots per year. Thus, it can be harvested numerous times without any detriment to the soil. The bamboo is grown per the international organic standard of the OCIA (The Organic Crop Improvement Association) to verify the bamboo stalks are grown naturally and without any chemical pesticide.
organic cotton
Organic clothing products are safer as manufacturers adhere to very rigid and stricter manufacturing standards. This is not only to minimize negative impact to the environment but to ensure customer value as well by subscribing to very high ethical standards such as Fairtrade Cotton, Better Cotton Initiative, FLO International and other global movements that promote organic cotton. Producing organic cotton uses lower carbon due to lesser fuel and energy consumption. Because it goes through a chemical-free production process, it also prevents water contamination. The health of workers are also not compromised. Lastly, the use of excessive fertilizers and pesticides also cause irreparable damage to the environment.
From day one, this company has been mission-driven. The articulation of those goals may have changed and evolved as we've grown, but the main idea has remained the same. Essentially, we want to be a part of the solution and not the problem. We fulfilled this goal by sourcing our products as environmentally friendly and local as possible.
We entirely use natural textiles in all our products. Our proprietary blend is 70% rayon fibre (bamboo) and 30% organic cotton. Not only does this create a luxuriously soft and long-lasting garment, but it also ensures no pesticides or harmful chemicals are used anywhere throughout the supply chain that may negatively impact those working with or wearing the garment.
How It's Made
raw materials
Yarn is the one input that cannot be sourced from within Canada. The reason is simply due to climate. Canada is a cold country and is inhospitable to the crops required to sustain the spinning industry. Organic cotton is sourced from North Carolina, USA, while our bamboo is sourced from the Sichuan province, China. Take a look into the life of a bamboo harvester in the Sichuan Province here.
yarn
Our bamboo yarn supplier in China holds the patent on the process of turning bamboo into yarn. This yarn is certified organic by OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association). The facility in which the yarn is produced is Oeko-Tex 100 Certified. This certification ensures the finished fibre has been tested for any chemicals that may be of detriment to the environment or the individual involved in its production.
dye
The greige fabric is then shipped to Ajax, Ontario, for dyeing and finishing at a family-owned commission dyehouse. The dyeing and finishing processes use the highest quality, cruelty-free non-toxic dye materials. In addition to the use of innocuous dyes, Ajax Textiles has one of the most advanced wastewater treatment systems; The discharged water is treated for particulates, acidity and temperature before it is sent to the municipal sanitary authority.
This is where we take over. Once the garment is complete we hand screen print in-house at our headquarters in Lake Louise AB. We utilize eco-sensitive inks as well as follow the strictest waste guidelines because we operate within Canada's oldest National Park.
cut and sew
The dyed fabric is then shipped to Scarborough, Ontario, for cutting and sewing at Jerico Apparel. It is here that skilled markers and cutters work collaboratively to minimize fabric wastage. And small cutoff pieces, that are invariably created in the cutting process - are repurposed as handkerchiefs and towels for internal use. Sewing is then completed at one of three facilities within Scarborough, Ontario. All the sewing facilities are hospitable and conducive to a positive working environment. Many sewers have been with the company for 20+ years.
accesories
Our zippers are made in YKK in Montreal, Quebec. Our buttons are made by the Button Group in Scarborough, Ontario. Our labels are made by Laven Industries in Markham, Ontario. As an added effort to keep things green - we use recycled boxes sourced from the Bee and Jay Carton Company in Pickering, Ontario.
We entirely use natural textiles in all our products. Our proprietary blend is 70% rayon fibre (bamboo) and 30% organic cotton. Not only does this create a luxuriously soft and long-lasting garment, but it also ensures no pesticides or harmful chemicals are used anywhere throughout the supply chain that may negatively impact those working with or wearing the garment.