The Thread
Find stories to inspire you, ideas from people we admire and our expertise for a home well curated, a wardrobe well put together, a life well lived.
The story of linen
One of the most sustainable, durable natural textiles – that also looks and feels fantastic – we explore how this material benefits both us and the planet.
What is linen and what is it made from?
Linen is a lightweight and absorbent textile made from the fibres of the flax plant; a beautiful, blue-flowered crop most commonly found across Western Europe. One of the world’s oldest textiles, it can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. A greater amount of care and time goes into harvesting flax as it must go through retting – a critical operation, influencing the quality and quantity of each farmer’s harvest. It is the process of leaving flax in the field after it’s pulled so that it is exposed to micro-organisms and moisture; this facilitates a natural deconstruction of pectins and loosening of the fibres which are bound to the woody stems. Flax fibres are not elastic, so weaving them without breaking the threads requires skill and attention.
Why we prefer EUROPEAN FLAX™
As a natural fibre with cultivation practices that have minimal inputs and no waste linen is inherently lower impact. However, without standards in place, the cultivation of plant-based fibres, including linen, can still be harmful to the environment.
As we transition our materials to more responsible and lower impact alternatives, certified EUROPEAN FLAX™ is our preferred choice for linen. Here’s why…
It’s grown on rotation
Flax is planted on rotation, normally every six to seven years on the same plot of land, alternating with other crops. This helps preserve soil quality, prevent disease, and promote flax quality.
It requires little to no irrigation
Grown in Western Europe, it does not require irrigation barring exceptional circumstances at a critical stage of the plant’s growth.
It's GMO free
All Western European fibre producers have committed to a GMO-free crop by joining the EUROPEAN FLAX ™ Charter in 2012. As a result, the industry is conducting research to create varieties that would be more resistant to climatic shock and disease.
It’s a low-input crop
Flax growing is low in fertilisers and pesticides thanks to the very nature of the plant and due to the responsible farming practices used by producers of certified fibres.
There’s nothing to waste
The entire plant can be used, once harvested. Fibres are used for fabrics and textiles, stems are used for mulch, animal bedding and building panels, seeds can be used for oil, and even the dust is used for compost.
It’s traceable
Flax is grown in Western Europe on a wide coastal strip of land stretching from Caen in France through Belgium to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, which accounts for three-quarters of global flax fibre production. All Certified EUROPEAN FLAX™ fibres are fully traceable back to this region.
What are the other key benefits?
Beyond its sustainable properties, linen is exceptionally durable and becomes more supple with every use. It’s breathable and cool in warmer temperatures, thanks to its natural long fibers that allow the air to circulate through and around the fabric. This is why it feels so comfortable to wear and sleep in when it’s hot. It can also be up to three times stronger than cotton so, when well cared for, it can last for a long, long time.
The Thread
Find stories to inspire you, ideas from people we admire and our expertise for a home well curated, a wardrobe well put together, a life well lived.
