Low-Impact
WHAT ARE LOW IMPACT DYES
Low impact dyes are synthetic based petrochemical dyes. However, unlike many conventional dyes, low-impact dyes eliminate harmful toxic and carcinogenic chemicals from the dying process. For example, heavy metals that are used in many conventional dyes are not found in low-impact dyes. By removing these heavy metals, it allows the dye to fully biodegrade. Also, certain types of aromatic amines which, are known carcinogens have been removed from the dye. Aromatic amines have a direct link to the development of cancer among textile workers.
LOW IMPACT PROCESS
For us, just having low-impact dyes was not enough, we wanted the entire production process to be low-impact. That is why many of our low-impact textiles are certified by the best sustainable standards in the world - GOTS and OEKO-TEX. For both standards, chlorine bleaching is banned and the use of wastewater treatment facilities is mandatory. Our goal is to make buying eco and ethical products easy!
Below are some examples of prohibited chemicals from the dye and the dyeing process. For more information about easy certification please visit our GOTS and OEKO-TEX pages. Remember we love questions, if you have any please reach out.
PROHIBITED CHEMICALS
- Aromatic and/or halogenated solvents
- Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants
- Chlorinated benzenes
- Chlorophenols (TeCP, PCP including their salts and esters)
- Complexing agents and surfactants (APs, APEOs, EDTA, DTPA, NTA, LAS, MES)
- Endocrine disruptors
- Formaldehyde and other short-chain aldehydes
- Genetically modified organisms (GMO and enzymes)
- Heavy metals
- Azo dyes and pigments that release carcinogenic arylamine compounds
- Inputs containing functional nanoparticles
- Inputs with halogen containing compounds
- Organotin compounds
- Per- and Polyfluorinated compounds (PFC)
- Quaternary ammonium compounds
- Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, C10-13)
- This includes all substances and preparations prohibited by a recognized internationally or a nationally valid legal character.
DYEING PROCESS PROHIBITED CHEMICALS
- Chlorine based bleaches. Oxygen based bleaches only.
- Ammonia treatment.
- Chlorination of wool.
- Disperse dyes classified as allergenic.
- Dyes containing heavy metals. General exception for Iron.
- General use of synthetic inputs for anti-microbial finishing (including biocides), coating, filling and stiffening, lustring and matting as well as weighting.
- Garment finishing methods that are considered to be harmful to the workers (such as sand blasting of denim).
All wool fabric is made using low-impact dyes from Organic Cotton Plus and is GOTS certified. Products include Cuyahoga and Mississippi.