Linen, a determined option for quality and sustainability

The first vestiges of the use of Linen date from the Upper Palaeolithic.

It was probably used to make ropes. Later, spinning would develop to make threads and fabrics a complete manual way.

The first yarns using the spindle are found in:

  • Ancient Egypt
  • Mesopotamia
  • The Middle East
  • Western Europe

(There is evidence dated between 4000 and 5000 years BC.)

The linen, together with hemp and of course wool (and other animal hair) they are the first fibers used to dress our ancestors First, to protect itself from the cold and later to become a fundamental product in the development of trade and the economy of the Mediterranean region.

In Western Europe, the cultivation and use of flax as a textile fiber was well established in the Gaul region before the Roman occupation.

In the 8th century, Charlemagne protected linen craftsmanship. Later, in the 13th century a weaver from the Cambrai area produced the fabric known by its name (Baptiste), the “batiste”, which represents a leap in quality that elevates flax to the level of a noble and qualitative fabric that leads to today.

Linen Propieties

The linen fiber has a high moisture absorption , thanks to its large amount of pectins. This property makes linen one of the most comfortable fibers during the summer season. This makes linen one of the most comfortable fibers during the summer season . In addition, it is allergenic and has anti-bacterial properties which makes it especially suitable for delicate skin.

We can manufacture coarse fabrics for outer garments with linen, as well as fine, soft fabrics of high quality for clothing in contact with the skin or bedding. Being a fiber very resistant to breakage, it can also be used in outdoor garments.

Recently, and out of the textile industry, flax fibers have been used, among other applications, in the composite materials industry, replacing aramids and carbon fiber, thanks to their lightness and resistance. These materials have high-tech applications in the sports, automotive or aviation industries.

One step further in the world of sustainability

Linen is a fiber that, processed mechanically, is more environmentally friendly than cotton itself:

  • The flax plant can be grown without the need for artificial irrigation
  • It regenerates the soil
  • It has higher yields than cotton
  • Contributing to the absorption and fixation of CO2.
  • It needs minimal amounts of fertilizers and phytosanitary products that are reduced to zero in the certified organic, GOTS or OCS options.

It is therefore, a fiber of renewable origin and, like all natural fibers, with a biodegradable end of life.

80% of the world production of flax for textile use has European origin, mainly in the north of France, Belgium and the Netherlands, which contributes to the development of the local agrarian community and allows a production process of proximity.

Development of the local community, cultivation that respects the environment, local production, fabrics and garments of quality and durability. Natural, renewable, regenerative and biodegradable. A perfect option for a more sustainable and responsible textile.

Although it is a fiber used since ancient times, the use of flax does not account for more than 1% of world fiber production. The new values of sustainability in the textile and fashion industry open a future for the development of all the potential offered by linen At Holistex and especially at Dobert Textile, we believe in this, and so linen is one of our main fibers. We are confident on that our customers will also appreciate the properties of it and that all together we can give new push to the European Flax industry.

EUROPEAN FLAX® Certification

The European flax sector is represented by the CELC (European Flax and Hemp Confederation) who carry out promotional actions, helps farmers, fiber and industrial processors and promotes research into new applications for these fibers. It is also the owner and the one who grants the EUROPEAN FLAX® certification, which guarantees the European origin of flax fiber as well as traceability and best industrial practices throughout the supply chain.

Dobert Textile, our Meroltex weaving mill and our Apreslan dyeing and finishing plant are partners of the CELC and have the European Flax certification.

Source: CELC( http://news.europeanflax.com/celc/)