Better materials

We balance quality, comfort and materials to create garments designed to last. Carefully choosing our materials at the design and sourcing stage is central to our mission to making a positive contribution and reducing our environmental impact. Every season, we integrate more organic, recycled and regenerated fibres into our collections. These fibres have a lower impact on the environment in comparison to the conventional alternative, making them a better choice. For example, organic cotton is grown from non-GMO seeds and requires less water to grow. And in the case of recycled fibres, the demand for new virgin fibres decreases and textile waste is kept in use, and out of landfill. All organic, recycled and/or regenerated fibres that we use at Scotch & Soda are certified by third-party organisations or are branded fibres.

OUR RESPONSIBLE MATERIALS STANDARD

To support you in making informed choices when shopping with us, and to help us to measure our progress, we have developed the Scotch & Soda responsible standard for materials. This is a minimum percentage of organic, recycled, renewable and/or regenerated fibres that make up the main material of an item – which are proven to be better for the environment in comparison to conventional fabrics. We started by setting a minimum standard of 20% and have raised this percentage to 50% responsible fibre content from Summer 2022 onwards. Looking ahead, our goal is that 70% of styles (garments, all lines) will be made according to our criteria of a minimum of 50% organic, recycled, renewable and/or regenerated fibre content by 2024. In the case of recycled cotton, this may exist as a blend as the fibres are shorter and need to be mixed with another for durability. For our jackets, there's an additional criterium that the main filling and/or main padding (if any) is made from a 100% responsible fibre as well.

The following outlines our roadmap to achieving our goal of 70% of styles containing a minimum of 50% organic, recycled, renewable and/or regenerated fibre content by 2024. For our suppliers to be able to offer each and every design or technique in a responsible quality takes time, research and innovation. Therefore, we have set a timeline with targets to assess and monitor our progress while we move forwards to 2024 and beyond.

Fall/Winter 21: 40%
Spring/Summer 22: 50%
Fall/Winter 22: 60%
Spring/Summer 23: 65%
Fall/Winter 23: 70%
Spring/Summer 24: 70% +

You can find the fibre composition of the main material on the care label of each garment; it lists the type and the percentage. If more than one sort is listed, then the fibre exists in a blend. Read more about the benefits of the fibres that we use here:

ECONYL®

A branded regenerated nylon yarn made from waste, such as industrial plastic, waste fabric and fishing nets recovered from the ocean. The same quality as virgin nylon, ECONYL® makes use of discarded waste materials to create a new fibre reducing the need to create new virgin fibres from new resources. We use ECONYL® in our swimwear styles, usually in a blend. The composition can be found on the care label.

LENZING™ ECOVERO™

LENZING™ ECOVERO™ – These are branded fibres from LENZING™ and they are produced using pulp from renewable wood from responsible managed forests. An alternative to conventional viscose, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres generate up to 50% lower emissions and water impact compared to conventional viscose. We use LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres in a variety of styles, such as dresses and shirts. Check the care label for the composition.

ORGANIC COTTON

Organic cotton – An alternative to conventional cotton, grown from non-GMO seeds and produced on land that is free from pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. Organic cotton takes significantly less water to grow than conventional cotton and is farmed using crop rotation, which eases pressure on local water resources and promotes soil health. We use this fibre in a blend or alone, to make products like T-shirts, sweatshirts and denim styles. Check the care label for the percentage of organic cotton.

RECYCLED COTTON

Recycled cotton – An alternative to conventional cotton, new fibres are made by recycling cotton fabric waste from the textile industry or unwanted garments. As the fibres of recycled cotton are shorter, these often need to be blended with other fibres to maintain durability and quality. By using a recycled source, the lifespan of the starting fibre is extended and the demand for new virgin fibres decreases. Using existing resources keeps textile waste in use and out of landfill. You can find recycled cotton in garments like jeans and sweaters and the percentage is listed on the care label.

RECYCLED NYLON

Recycled nylon – An alternative to virgin nylon made from textile industry waste. Recycled nylon is used in some of our jackets and swim shorts. By using existing resources, pre-consumer waste that would be destined for landfill or incineration is used to make a new fibre. This industry approach reduces dependence on limited natural resources, such as virgin petroleum, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing. Check the care label for the fabric composition.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

An alternative to conventional polyester. It's made by recycling existing resources, such as recycled plastic bottles, polyester waste and garments. Recycled polyester makes use of materials that would otherwise be thrown away, reducing the need to create new virgin fibres. We use recycled polyester in all sorts of garments, such as jackets, T-shirts, blazers and dresses and the care label shows the content.

RECYCLED LEATHER

Used leather and scraps are repurposed to make new leather. Like other recycled sources, it makes use of materials that would otherwise be considered waste. Recycled leather is used for some denim back patches and leather accessories like wallets.

REFIBRA™

A technology from LENZING™, which involves upcycling cotton scraps from garment production to create a cotton pulp that is used, in combination with sustainably sourced wood pulp, to create new TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres. The benefits are in line with a recycled fibre, i.e., using existing resources to make a new fibre and the closed-loop production process of TENCEL™ Lyocell.

REPREVE®

A branded recycled polyester fibre made from post-consumer recycled content, including plastic bottles. REPREVE® transforms these plastic bottles which are destined for landfill into a fibre which we use to fill our jackets. From Winter 2021 onwards, all padded jackets will be filled with REPREVE® filling. Alongside the benefits of turning waste into a new product, it offers an animal-friendly and down-free alternative to conventional real down filling. Look out for the special branded hangtag.

TENCEL™ LYOCELL

Branded lyocell fibres from LENZING™, which are extracted from sustainably sourced wood pulp. A renewable raw material that comes from sustainably managed forests. The manufacturing of the fibre generates a lower impact on air emissions and water compared to generic lyocell; the material is produced in a closed-loop production process in which 99% of the natural solvent is recovered and reused and all water is recycled. We use TENCEL™ Lyocell to make a range of styles, including T-shirts, shirts and denim styles. The composition is listed on the care label.

TENCEL™ MODAL

A branded alternative to conventional modal. Wood-based textile fibres from LENZING™, are extracted from naturally grown beech wood from sustainable sources using an environmentally responsible pulp-to-fibre process. This soft-touch fibre is used in T-shirts, sweatshirts and shirts and the fibre percentage is listed on the care label.

OUR STORE DESIGN MATERIALS

Our mission extends to our store environments. Wherever possible we work with local companies to build our stores and recycle the existing materials. All wooden elements in our store concepts are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved and certified. Since 2016 we've been implementing LED lighting in our stores and showrooms.

All new stores are fitted with hangers made from RCS certified Fasal®, a wooden compound made from renewable resources and designed to be circular. At the end of their life these hangers are collected and made into new ones.

OUR PACKAGING MATERIALS

In 2019, we introduced FSC certified paper and cardboard for all our hang tags and shipping boxes, and this is our new normal for any new packaging solutions we create. Using FSC certified products ensures that the materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.

Another area of improvement that we're working towards is an alternative solution for all our plastic product packaging. It's important to find the right solution that protects our product, to ensure that it reaches you in the best condition. We're testing two options and expect to start implementing our chosen solution in 2022.

You can help us in our mission by reusing and recycling our packaging materials.

RESTRICTED SUBSTANCE LIST

We have a list of over 100 chemicals (including chemical finishes and procedures) that we do not use in the creation of our collections, documented in the Scotch & Soda Restricted Substance List (RSL). All our suppliers commit to and comply with the RSL list, which ensures that the legislation surrounding the proper use of chemicals and substances is upheld. To ensure compliance, our products are regularly checked by third-party certified testing laboratories.

MYCEL

Free from chemicals and harmful substances, MYCEL is a bio-based, biodegradable material made from mushrooms roots – which are not suitable for human consumption – as well as from additional natural plant-based filler materials. We use MYCEL for the back patches of selected denim styles.

PYRATEX® ELEMENT FABRICS

Made with natural fibres, PYRATEX® element fabrics are innovative fabrics.

PYRATEX® element 1 consists of 85% organic cotton and 15% Himalayan nettle, which grows wild in the mountain forests of the Himalayas. Harvesting nettle promotes plant health and soil stabilisation as it allows annual regrowth and strengthening of roots.

PYRATEX® element 2 consists of 65% organic cotton and 35% banana agri-waste. This agricultural waste comes from banana trees grown for the food industry, making use of existing resources instead of using trees grown specifically for the textile industry.

POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED CASHMERE

Unlike virgin cashmere, post-consumer recycled cashmere is made from used and discarded wool garments that is repurposed. Virgin cashmere is obtained from the wool of various type of cashmere goats. The material is known for its signature soft and luxurious feel. By using cashmere materials that would otherwise be considered waste, we're extending the life of this valuable material. In addition, the process of recycling cashmere requires less water and energy than is needed for producing virgin cashmere.

FLOCUS™ KAPOK

Kapok is a natural fibre collected from the fruit of the kapok tree which grows without human intervention. There is no need for fertilisers, pesticides or additional water – and the trees are beneficial for biodiversity and CO2 absorption. Kapok is naturally good at regulating heat and is soft, lightweight, hydrophobic and antibacterial. FLOCUS™ is working on creating a responsible supply chain for Kapok, as it's a relatively new fibre for the fashion industry. We use Kapok as a blend with organic cotton for different garments, like T-shirts and shorts, as well as for the filling of some of our padded jackets.

MICRO-PAK

From Spring 2023 onwards, we will be packing our items with small Micro-Pak Dri Clay® Kraft bags. Micro-Pak Dri Clay® Kraft is a plastic-free desiccant made from natural clay that is packaged in biodegradable, FSC-certified Kraft paper. This bag will serve as an environmentally friendly solution for the Silica gel bag, which is widely used in the fashion industry.

TIPA®

From Spring/Summer 2022 onwards, at least 20% of our collections will be packed in TIPA® bioplastic bags. These bags are an alternative to conventional plastic, are fully compostable and made to biodegrade. Designed to protect your garments, they are made from 20% bio-based plastic – derived from corn starch and sugar cane – and 80% fossil-based plastic, made to fully disintegrate in three to six months.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Throughout our collections, we make use of materials from animal-origin that are either applied on products, such as wool jumpers, or in trim details, such as leather labels and patches. It's only a small percentage of our total material consumption that is made up of a material that originates from animals, of which the majority comes from sheep wool. As part of our ethical trade approach, we aim to source materials from animal origin with the highest respect to their welfare. We work closely with our suppliers to uphold each of our values, and require them to commit to and comply with each of these standards stipulated in our animal welfare policy.

Our animal welfare policy is based on the guiding principles from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that outline 'the Five Freedoms' animals should experience when under human control, that encompasses both the mental and physical wellbeing of animals:

Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury and disease
Freedom to express normal patterns of behaviour
Freedom from fear and distress

LEATHER
All leather or skin that we source must be a by-product of the meat industry and from farmers that practice good animal husbandry in line with the Five Freedoms for animals as outlined by the OIE. In addition, or as a replacement of our leather use, we are actively exploring bio-based alternative innovations with a similar look and feel.

WOOL
All wool, or any other animal hair product that we use, must be sourced from farmers that practice good animal husbandry, in line with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare as outlined by the OIE. Scotch & Soda has recently obtained a Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification in order to lead by example. Our supply chain is monitored so that we can verify both the farming methods as well as the welfare standards at farm level.

NO FUR
We have banned the use of animal-fur in any of our products.

NO FEATHERS OR DOWN
We have banned the use of virgin down or feathers in any of our products. As an alternative, we are solely making use of fake-down made from recycled PET bottles or other bio-based loft solutions.

NO ANGORA
We have banned the use of angora rabbit fibres in any of our products.

NO WILD CAUGHT, ENDANGERED OR EXOTIC ANIMALS
We have banned the use of wild, endangered or exotic animals in any of our products.

NO MULESING
We do not accept wool from farms that practice mulesing.

NO ANIMAL-TESTING
We do not accept animal testing on any of our (cosmetics) products.