Selecting our materials is a constant challenge because we understand the complexity of sustainability and approach it in a holistic way. When we choose our fabrics we take in consideration the ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMICAL IMPACT OF ITS FIBERS and choose to SOURCED AS LOCALLY AS POSSIBLE. The fabrics of our current collection is 77,4% made in Portugal where we are based in. Our fabrics have a natural and refined touch. For our clothes, we use NATURAL FIBERS, our current collection is 64% organic cotton, 7,5 % linen, 9,4% hemp and other LOW IMPACT MANUFACTURED PLANT- BASED FIBERS like (5,7%) TENCEL™  and (3,8%) cupro. These require FEWER RESOURCES to be produced, create LESS POLLUTION, and DECOMPOSE back into the earth far more quickly than synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Our organic cotton (64% of the current collection) is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified.  We work with high-quality materials that offer a LONG LASTING good fit and beautiful appearance.

In addition, we follow strict rules about NOT MIXING natural and synthetic fibers so that our pieces could be FULLY RECYCLABLE or composted, and; with our Close the Loop project, we encourage other brands and consumers to be more aware of what to do with their clothes at the end of their product cycle of life.

Hemp fiber is very strong, and it will keep a good appearance for a long time. As a fabric, hemp provides all the warmth and softness of a natural textile but with superior durability that is seldomly found in other materials. The process of growing hemp fibres does not need irrigation or pesticides since hemp is a very strong and fast growing fibre. Know more about our Hemp here.

Organic cotton eliminates the use of toxic and other persistent chemicals. It improves soil health and increases water conservation. All of these qualities make it a better crop for the environment, for the farmers, and for their communities, but also a much healthier choice for your skin. Know more about our organic cotton here.

Technically, it’s cotton, but from another part of the cotton plant, giving the resulting fabric a significantly different feel than typical cotton. The fiber itself is derived from cotton linter, which is the very fine, soft material that sticks to the cotton seeds and is left behind after the cotton has been ginned. Usually, these fibers are discarded, however, they are now recycled for the production of this surprisingly beautiful textile.  Know more about our cupro here.

TENCEL™ branded lyocell and modal fibres are produced by environmentally responsible processes from the sustainably sourced natural raw material wood. The unique physical properties of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres lead to their great strength, efficient moisture absorption and gentleness to skin.  Know more about our lyocell here.

 

Linen is known for being the oldest natural fibre still in use today made from the stalks of the flax plant Linum. Linen is highly breathable, soft and a natural insulator. It's fibres are hollow, moving air and moisture naturally. It is valued for its ability to keep cool in the summer months and trap warmth in colder weather. This is all achieved through the natural properties of the fibre itself. The production of linen requires less water and fares better in terms of water toxicity. As a result, overall, the environmental impact of the linen (flax) garment is considered to be much lower than that of the cotton garment.  Know more about our linen here.

 

Our prints represent the coming together of colours, textures and shapes through sustainable methods. We don't use any harmful inks or chemicals, and we are happy that our garments are not harmful to humans or the environment. Know more about our natural inks here.

Being a sustainable brand means to encourage a more mindful fashion sense. Fabrics that are left over from textile factories are called SURPLUS TEXTILES or dead stock. These are eventually recycled or thrown away. Giving SURPLUS fabrics a new purpose is a good way of giving value to what already exists, offering more without damaging the environment.  Elementum uses fabric SURPLUSES from Portuguese factories only, and exclusively from plant-based fibers. Know more about our surplus fabrics here.

 

Our warmest Elementum garments are made from the finest Peruvian Alpaca wool. This fine natural fiber requires care and attention but will reward you with warmth for a long time. Alpaca fiber is a creation of nature, renewable, ethical and biodegradable. Our yarn is spun from 3 strands with an extra twist to provide a durable surface, and we only use natural un-dyed colour shades. We work with Alpaca yarn from Michell, they work harmoniously with nature, the environment and with the upmost respect for the local population.  Know more about our alpaca wool here.

The small details matters… our buttons are recycled and biodegradable. Made from fibres of products used in the food industry and recycled paper.  Know more about our recycled buttons here.

Graphic data based on our current collection designs for 2021.

Environmental Impacts 

Ranking of fibres by Environmental Impacts. Descending from high to low impact. *

* According to DEFRA Report April 2010.  

In this graphic you can observe that the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS of the different main textile fibers are varying depending on the environmental aspect you focus on: Energy use, Water use, Greenhouse gases, Waste water, Direct land use.

Elementum pieces are designed as relationships. It is important to share with you all the connections they have, so that your relationship with your Elementum pieces will be as positive, slow, enjoyable and meaningful as it can be.

If you still have questions about our materials email us at contact@elementum.store we will be happy to share more information with you.