Lava Ink -Custom T shirts & Clothing – Cape Town, South Africa
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Here’s to an eco-friendly 2008!
Author: Rushdeen Rose7 Jan
So, it’s a new year with new aspirations for Lava Ink and we are planning great things. The most important thing for me right now (and it is something that I have been thinking about for the whole of 2007) is becoming more environment conscious by supplying a line of organic clothing, starting with t shirts. These new t’s won’t be stock products (yet) because the demand for them are not that great. The idea is to target companies who already have an environment friendly strategy in place. The problem (or rather challenge) is to find knitting mills within South Africa who can produce organic fabrics and dye-houses who use organic pigments for dyeing. Hopefully we can make some good contacts so that our organic range can become a reality. Know of any companies? Please contact us!
We wish all of you a successful new year!
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11 Responses for "Here’s to an eco-friendly 2008!"
Try India…
…however, at present the retailer has to source most of the supplies for its organic clothing range from India because there are no organic cotton farmers in South Africa. So to drive its 100%-cotton clothing range, Woolworths says it plans to help establish a local organic cotton farming sector by 2010, reports Business Report.
http://www.treevolution.co.za/2007/06/27/36/
Thanks for your comment. So the option for us is to import organic cotton fabric or import organic cotton t shirts? I will research these options.
Hemp and bamboo fibers are other options, there are companies like hemporium (http://www.hemporium.co.za) that have been promoting organic products (and clothing) as its core business. They have already started cultivating hemp in South Africa and have used it to produce clothing products.
Tablebay spinners are producing bamboo fabrics, which have a soft handle (touch), which will probably be suitable for t shirt manufacturing.
Thought: Won’t it be cool to say that you are wearing a 100% organic bamboo t shirt?
Thank you Martin!
give me a shout on monday guys .
Organic bamboo nappies sell exceptionally well in the UK – they are enviro friendly, they are re-usable and they fit just like disposables. Many young mothers would be interested. Disposable nappies take YEARS to decompose – and have you any idea how many are being used daily – a scary amount. If there is anyone out there making organic bamboo fabric – I would be most interested to talk to you
Another organisation promoting the establishment of organic cotton farming in South AFrica and its neighbours is http://WWW.COMMARK.ORG – CHECK IT OUT
From what I understand – the Eastern Cape organic cotton farmers are only producing the cotton for the woolworths range of clothing – I have not yet been able to ascertain who is making the fabric from the raw cotton – run out of time – Surely this fabric manufacturer can be approached to sell to other retailers/manufacturers other than woolies?? If we start creating a demand – I WANT SOME ORGANIC COTTON T-SHIRTS. It horrifies me to thnink that anyone would import organic fabrics from elsewhere in the world – this TOTALLY NEGATES the good that was done in the growing of the product if you have to fly it 1000′s of kilometres to another country and create thousand of kilograms of carbon emissions – Does NOT make any sense and any logical thinking person should see this.
Hi
We are producing bamboo blend and 100% bamboo babywear local in SA
from fibre – commission knitting and process to manufacture and end product.
The handle is soft and superior to cotton which we started with.It has taken months of R & D to get the fabric done and suitable.
Cost is obviously a factor to most retailers and consumers specifically in times like this so many will import from India to acheive price points.
Bamboo is called the 21st century Green fabric and we are loving it.
A
To Carla and other readers
I have done extensive research on organic textiles. And although it is hard to believe- the damage done by conventional cotton far outweighs the emissions from importing organic textiles. Why on earth would we want to encourage the depletion and pollution of OUR country through conventional cotton just in the name of local is lekker, are polluted waterways lekker? . Our locals farmers should be encouraged to ALL grow organic. I agree, I always check where items are made and only buy local where ever possible, but that’s not everything. If you dont beleive me go and do your own research. The damage done by one conventional cotton tshirt is enough to make me go naked.
Bamboo is a wonderful alternative. And although not as luxurious as bamboo, hemp is without a doubt the most sustainable fibre around. If only they would legalize industrial hemp!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for fabric for one time use (disposable), it has to be completely biodegradable and available or make able in as many colors and styles as possible.
Does anyone know who I can turn to for options? Maybe importers, manufacturers etc. I’m completely unfamiliar with the world of fabrics so please help me..
I’m looking for any information, fibre options, thicknesses, contact info, anything!
Thank you so much,
Barbara
events2@madworld.co.za
Hi Barbara,
Why not paper?
A substantial recycled and unbleached paper/cardboard can be soaked and softened in lukewarm water and fitted (stretched over or moulded) into any shape thinkable. Organic kitchen scraps can produce priceless never-to-be-reproduced colour effects, and several “dyes” can be added to the solution to attain richer tones. Once dry, the shapes will retain their form if treated with egg yellow (as in the ancient fresco technique). Applied evenly in thin layers it acts as a sealant and preservative.
Dewald
Hi Barbara,
Why not use paper?
A substantial recycled and unbleached paper/cardboard can be soaked and softened in lukewarm water and fitted (stretched over or moulded) into any shape thinkable. Organic kitchen scraps can produce priceless never-to-be-reproduced colour effects, and several “dyes” can be added to the solution to attain richer tones. Once dry, the shapes will retain their form if treated with egg yellow (as in the ancient fresco technique). Applied evenly in thin layers it acts as a sealant and preservative.
Dewald
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