DBWT(UK) fibres are selected from local and global sources. Their production history is investigated prior to purchase and most are certified organic by reputable inspection organisations. Increasingly, DBWT(UK) is investigating suppliers’ fair trade policies and at all times avoids dealing with any supplier who appears to have questionable or no fair trade policies.
Fairly traded, certified organic (by SKAL on their EKO label) Cotton, Pakucho (organic, colour-grown, un-dyed cotton), Qoperfina (organic cotton with 2% therapeutic Angelina copper with or without organic alpaca) are sourced from a fair trade certified supplier in Peru. These are speciality fibres which DBWT(UK) uses solely or combined with other fibres to exhibit their inherent, natural beauty. Pakucho is available in a palette of natural colours including earth, peach and green. Denise occasionally uses natural dye stuffs on Peruvian or Indian sourced organic cotton. For more information about organic cotton, see the Organic Cotton Directory
The copper metal presence in Qoperfina provides anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. It has sterilisation and deodorisation capabilities and garments made with Qoperfina have anti-inflammatory qualities also. Copper, in contact with the skin, forms a copper chelate which is absorbed back through the skin membrane and transported throughout the body. These chelates exert an anti-inflammatory action that helps to relieve arthritic symptoms and helps to neutralise harmful free-radicals present in the body.
Qoperfina copper garments are thermal regulating. Fabrics containing copper hold body heat, emanating from within and redirect this warmth back to the body, while the porosity of the textile allows for the circulation of air so that the body can still breathe.
Copper fibres have conductive and anti-static properties. Qoperfina copper is an anti-stress fibre that may help shield the body against electromagnetic waves that deplete our natural serotonin and melatonin, the hormones that help guide our sleeping pattern and protect against some pathogenic effects. Such electromagnetic interference could include electronic devices such as cell phones and computers. Qoperfina copper garments provide protection from UV radiation.
UK reared Alpaca occasionally blended with UK reared wool is sometimes woven into DBWT(UK) products and is available in a range of naturally coloured, un-dyed hues. Local fibre production and consumption requires minimal transport which is an environmental plus – long distance transport can add to unnecessary environmental pollution. UK reared Alpaca are not slaughtered for the meat industry.
Silk is perhaps the most environmentally unsound fibre on Earth. Conventional methods of silk production require the silk worm to be boiled to death inside its silk cocoon prior to completing its natural life-cycle of hatching out (breaking its cocoon) and emerging as a silk moth. This is so that long filaments of silk can be reeled off of the cocoon in one long strand by human hand for silk production purposes.
Silk Noil is gathered from the remnants of silk cocoons where the worm has ‘got away’ from this unethical cycle and emerged from its cocoon as a moth. Its broken, short fibres are spun from these remnants and offer a more textured and noble alternative to conventional reeled silk.
Vegetarian Peace Silk is truly organic – the worm grows on its favoured trees in its natural, wild habitat. It completes its natural life-cycle, emerging as a silk moth before mating and dying naturally. Cocoons are gathered by indigenous tribesmen and women, who hand-spin the fibres prior to sale and / or hand loom manufacture into cloth. The production process of these fibres is not only animal friendly, but it also often safeguards areas of land otherwise threatened with deforestation. The production of these fibres offers employment to otherwise unemployed communities.
Recycled silk fibres are being sourced and will soon become available through DBWT(UK). Bamboo and Soy bean fibres are specialities indigenous to China and occasionally found in other countries.
Bamboo is fast growing and easily replenished without the need for agro-chemical interference. It is breathable, biodegradable, light and cool. It also offers superior water-absorption qualities which makes it ideal for use in bath sheets and towelling products. DBWT(UK) is currently experimenting with this fibre.
Soy Bean Fibres are spun from a by-product of edible soybean protein production, without the need for agro-chemical interference. This makes it a highly environmentally sound fibre. It has a natural golden colour, is soft with light-reflecting properties, and it is a natural competitor to conventional silk. It is anti-bacterial and rich in protein. It is said to contain 18 kinds of active minerals which, when naturally absorbed through the skin, aid human bio-chemistry. DBWT(UK) is currently experimenting with this fibre.
Hemp is grown without the need for agro-chemical interference, and grows rampantly and in abundance (hence its nickname ‘weed’). Hemp is fully biodegradable and has fast become a natural choice of apparel fibre for the contemporary, eco-conscious consumer.
Recycled plastic bottle fibre is making an appearance on the textile scene. One American company has opened a processing plant and promote the use of their fibre as fleece fabrics for apparel. DBWT(UK) is currently experimenting with this fibre.
DBWT(UK) has experimented with other fibres including Tencel which is produced from sustainable forests, and British certified organic wool. The possibilities of eco-textile design are, perhaps due to consumerist education and demand, becoming seemingly endless. It is a very exciting time for all university students of textile design as it is for eco-conscious consumers and researchers of this subject. DBWT(UK) hopes to put its valuable research into creating sustainable solutions for all mankind, production workers and consumers alike, to offer sustainable eco-textile solutions for both consumerist and manufacturer satisfaction and well being.