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Materials guide

Is Linen Plastic-Free?

Yes. In our glossary, linen is a Tier 1 material (all natural): sourced directly from nature, free from plastics and synthetic processes.

About linen

A strong and naturally crisp fabric woven from the fibers of flax plants, renowned for its breathability, antibacterial properties, versatility, and beautiful drape.

Uses: Popularly used in clothing (shirts, dresses, pants, suits), bedding (sheets, duvet covers), home textiles (curtains), and upholstery.

Good to know: Linen’s natural fibers allow air to circulate freely, reducing the growth of bacteria and fungi. This hypoallergenic property makes linen suitable for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

While linen is inherently a sustainable material, organic linen, certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), offers additional assurances of environmental responsibility:

  • Pesticides: Organic linen is guaranteed to be grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Although linen can be cultivated without these inputs, not all producers adhere to these practices. The organic certification ensures that the linen is produced in a truly pesticide-free environment.
  • Retting Process: The process of separating linen fibers from the woody stalk (retting) can involve chemicals like alkali and oxalic acid to speed up the process. Organic linen ensures that either no chemicals are used during retting or that any chemicals used are environmentally benign, preserving the integrity of the fabric and the environment.

Bamboo Linen

​​A natural fabric produced from the mechanical processing of bamboo stalks. It's a more traditional method similar to how linen is made from flax. Bamboo linen retains the inherent qualities of bamboo, such as breathability and moisture-wicking properties, without the need for chemical intervention.

Uses: Ideal for clothing that requires a lightweight and airy feel, bamboo linen is also used in bed linens, towels, and eco-friendly home textiles.

Good to know: Unlike bamboo viscose, which is chemically processed, bamboo linen is created through a mechanical method that is more environmentally friendly and maintains the natural attributes of bamboo fibers. It is considered a more sustainable option due to its minimal processing, but it is less common, less soft (more coarse), and often more expensive than bamboo viscose.

Tiers come from the Unwrap materials glossary, a guide to what's natural, nature-inspired, or best avoided.

Brands using linen (13)

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