Hemp and Soy Skirt

 Raw material –The soybeans are from which the waste product is derived is grown in China. Depending on the farming process, soybeans can have benefits and impacts on the environment. When not grown organically soy beans are either grown from genetically modified seed or are often heavily treated with pesticides. Concerns have been raised about genetically modified soybeans being grown in monoculture, particularly where native vegetation has been cleared for farming.  However, it can also fix nitrogen into the soil and is a valuable rotation crop. The material used to create the soy thread is a waste product from manufacture of soymilk, tofu and soybean oil production and is otherwise disposed of.

Hemp is the other raw material and is an ancient, versatile, eco-friendly and efficient carbon sequestering crop. Hemp can be grown in two months and is naturally resistant to most pests and does not require the use of herbicides. It grows densely and requires much less water than cotton, it also replenishes soil with nutrients and nitrogen and controls soil erosion. The hemp is sourced from China.  

 Manufacturing – Soy fibre is produced from the leftovers from soymilk, tofu and soy oil manufacturing and is made by liquefying soy protein and shaping it into long, continuous fibres which are then spun into thread. This is a chemically intensive process, however, it is a closed loop process so the chemicals are reused and recycled.

Hemp fabric is made from the stems of the plant which are processed to dissolve the gum or pectin and separate the fibres.

The fabric is woven in China. No information is currently available on the conditions within the factory including Fairtrade or Fairwear certification. The skirts are made in Australia.

Low impact dying is used which uses dyes and dye mixtures which avoid heavy metals. Chemicals used in the dying process include salt and soda ash.

 Distribution – Currently the raw material for the fabric is produced where the soybeans are processed in China where it is woven. The fabric is obtained via a supplier in the US. The garments are currently made in Australia. To reduce air miles, from 2009 Purepod will be using an Australian supplier who obtains the raw materials from China. Garments will continue to be made in Australia.

Garments are sent to retail outlets via Australia Post.

 Product use – The items within the collection are designed to be unique and stylish and so will not go out of fashion and can be worn year round, thus increasing their life. Garments can be washed at low temperatures and require no fabric softener. Soy fabrics are also moth resistant unlike cotton, wool and silk.

 Waste management – Soy and hemp are biodegradable. The garments are not excessively packaged and packaging used can be reused and recycled. When purchasing from a store to reduce waste don’t accept a carrier bag.