Recycling is the fastest way to increase sustainability in fashion production creating social positive outcomes for present day and future generations as it reduces the waste that currently exists and originates products that are more conscious from their inception.
benefits
- Reduction of resource consumption
- Less amount of land occupied for the production of natural fibres
- Less stock from overproduction
- Unsold garments
- Less use of chemicals in textile processes
- Less excessive consumption of water and energy
- Less greenhouse gas emissions
Besides the more immediate results of recycling clothes, it also forces changes in the market’s psychological side, contributing to a cultural change in the industry and its consumers, since it promotes slow fashion values of quality over quantity and resulting necessities of long-lasting products, which, in the long run, should result in even less consumerism and less waste.
conscious fibers
Re-purposed, post-industrial or post-consumer cotton that would otherwise be considered waste and destined for the landfill. In order to expand strength and durability, recycled cotton must be blended with other fibres.
Usually, the quality of recycled cotton will never have quality values equal to the original cotton fibre, howeverthis is the section where the Valérius 360 process stands out because it obtains 20mm recycled cotton fibres (when the usual length is 16mm) which results in a higher quality end product.
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment, allowing maintenance of soil fertility, reducing the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and building biologically diverse agriculture – third-party certification organizations verify that organic producers use only methods and materials allowed in organic production.
TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are extracted from sustainability grown wood using a unique closed loop system which recovers and reuses the solvents used, minimizing the environmental impact of production.
Known for their natural comfort, TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are versatile and can be combined with a wide range of textile fibres to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of fabrics. Its unique physical properties result in great strength, efficient moisture absorption and gentleness to skin.
Seacell™ is a fibre with unique properties of seaweed that protect the skin against harmful environmental influences: the seaweed is rich in substances (such as vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and minerals) that help activate cell regeneration, which in turn can help relieve skin diseases, reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness.
Its high level of antioxidants protects the skin against harmful free radicals which damage our skin cells.
As part of the driving change in fashion industry, valérius 360’s circular system presents itself as an alternative to less sustainable linear systems of production, consumption and disposal.
Basing all of its activity and respective impact on conscious values of circularity, energy efficiency and correct management of natural resources.
- Our flexible structure allows us to work under a “made to order” guideline reducing stock levels and increase order efficiency.
- Currently, our industrial unit is using factory-wide-LED lights with the best energy efficiency on the market, and is being equipped with 360 units of photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 998250W - a set-up that will result in an estimated saving of 30% less the total energy consumption.
- This building was projected to reduce air circulation (lower ceiling) and to optimize power and water consumption, which will be controlled by a smart electric panel that gives real time energy use, allowing an efficient control/optimization.
- Regarding water, Valérius 360 goal is to reduce its consumption to zero, eliminating it from the manufacturing process.
- The company’s automotive fleet will be powered mostly by efficient energy vehicles, with plans to invest in an innovative electric truck, as well as shared transport providing the workers a sustainable way to move to and from the factory.
- To help us reduce our footprint, our industrial plant will have a surrounding green area with plants, like bamboo, recognized for their capability to absorb dioxide carbon from the atmosphere.
- In terms of machinery, our cards machines and new spinning machines will consume 12% less energy than the conventional ones, representing less 201 tonnes of CO2 per year. Our Open-end system uses the Schlafhorst E-Drive Technology that allows us to have intelligent savings and real time readings of energy consumption, giving us data to make it even more energy-efficient over time. This allows us to spend up to 25% less energy, having greater efficiency at a smaller cost.
sustainability:
planned & verified
To guarantee our commitment to a more viable future, we sign off on various certifications and memberships, meaning that we oblige to various requirements and results.
An international, voluntary, full product standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices and chemical restrictions
The GRS applies to any product that contains at least 20% Recycled Material, and every stage of its production is required to be certified (from recycling stage and to the last seller in the final B2B transaction). Material Collection and Material Concentration sites are subject to self-declaration, document collection, and on-site visits.
Key Points:
- Materials are verified to meet the ISO definition of recycled. Both pre-consumer and post-consumer material is accepted;
- GRS sites are required to meet strict social and environmental requirements. Chemicals with potential for harm are not permitted to be used on GRS products;
- Certification ensures that the identity of the recycled material is maintained: from the recycler to the final product;
- A professional, third party certification body audits each stage in the supply chain;
- Products that meet all requirements may be labelled with the GRS logo;
- The GRS is managed with the input of recyclers, suppliers, and brands and retailers from all parts of the globe.
An international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of Recycled input and chain of custody, aiming to increase the use of Recycled materials.
RCS applies to any product that contains at least 5% Recycled Material, and every stage of it’s production is required to be certified (from recycling stage and to the last seller in the final B2B transaction). Material Collection and Material Concentration sites are subject to self-declaration, document collection, and on-site visits.
Key Points:
- Materials are verified to meet the ISO definition of recycled. Both pre-consumer and post-consumer material is accepted;
- Certification ensures that the identity of the recycled material is maintained: from the recycler to the final product;
- A professional, third party certification body audits each stage in the supply chain;
- Products that meet all requirements may be labelled with the RCS logo;
- The RCS is managed with the input of recyclers, suppliers, and brands and retailers from all parts of the globe;
A certification of textiles made with organic grown materials, which aims to increase it’s agriculture production. OCS applies to products that contain at least 5% organically grown material (excluding accessories and trims) and to all supply chain sites of thar organically grown content: first processor, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, storage, handling, and shipping through the seller in the last B2B transaction.
– OCS 100 for products with 95% or more organic material
– OCS Blended for those that contain 5% minimum of organic material blended with conventional or synthetic raw materials.
Key Points:
- Only material from certified organic farms (under one of IFOAM’s Family of Standards) is accepted to the OCS.
- Certification ensures that the identity of the organic content is maintained: from the farm to the final product.
- A professional, third party certification body audits each stage in the supply chain.
- Products that meet all requirements may be labelled with the OCS logo.
- The OCS is managed with the input of producers, suppliers, and brands and retailers from all parts of the globe.