In recent years, the fashion world has become increasingly aware of its impact on the environment and the need to adopt a more ethical approach to its production. In France, a growing number of brands have decided to focus on clothing collections made from eco-friendly and sustainable materials, offering customers responsible consumer choices. Dressing stylishly in winter while taking care of the planet at the same time is a new trend nowadays. All you have to do is take a few precautions to make sure you're on the right track when choosing your winter clothes.
Organic materials
To produce environmentally-friendly apparel, ethical brands opt for ecologically interesting raw materials. These include - Organic cotton: grown without pesticides or chemical fertilisers, it considerably reduces soil and water pollution, while protecting the health of farmers. This material is mainly used for knitwear by Pyrenex, which is increasingly moving towards an eco-responsible approach.
• Linen: extremely hard-wearing, this natural fibre is also biodegradable and requires no pesticides to grow. What's more, it is grown mainly in Europe, which limits the carbon footprint caused by transport.
• Wool: entirely natural, wool provides excellent thermal insulation and makes particularly durable garments.
• Hemp: robust and easy to grow without chemicals, hemp has many ecological advantages. It is also very resistant, making it an ideal material for durable clothing.
• Lyocell: produced from wood cellulose from sustainably managed forests, this biodegradable synthetic fibre offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional polyester.
• Jute: from a plant grown in South Asia, jute is often used to replace cotton in ethical fashion accessories. What's more, it has a low carbon footprint compared to other textile fibres.
• Recycled materials: some brands opt to reuse existing textiles (cotton, polyester, etc.) to reduce the amount of waste produced and limit the environmental impact of the manufacturing process.
With Pyrenex down, we're at the heart of upcycling: we recover feathers from the best French goose and duck farms in the South-West, which we ennoble in our Saint-Sever factory to meet the highest standards of quality and tracability.
Responsible production: the key to reduced environmental impact
Apart from the choice of materials, eco-responsible fashion brands also pay attention to their production process throughout the supply chain.
At pyrenex this includes :
• Valuing local craftsmanship and French know-how, in order to limit emissions linked to the transport of raw materials and finished products. The Saint-Sever range from Pyrenex is especially focused on made in France. All the products in this range are made in our feather and down factory in Saint Sever, in the heart of the Landes region. The products are filled with exceptional down, an incomparable down unique to Pyrenex know-how: Duvet Legend.
• Certify and label their products to guarantee compliance with environmental and social standards (OEKO-TEX, GOTS labels, etc.). At Pyrenex, the entire bedding range is certified to OEKO-TEX standard 100, which guarantees the total absence of substances harmful to human health. Step by step, Pyrenex is moving towards an increasingly eco-responsible policy. Over time, we would like to locate the production of our clothing as close as possible to Saint-Sever, encouraging short supply chains.
Reconciling fashion and ecology with timeless pieces
Every day, Pyrenex, like all committed brands, promotes the production of pieces that combine ecology and style. This approach to fashion allows you to reduce the frequency with which you buy new items, which in turn reduces your impact on the environment. To combine these two aspects, a number of trends are being promoted:
• Minimalism: sober colours and pure shapes are often the basis of sustainable collections.
• Versatility: to improve the longevity of clothing, brands are focusing on versatile pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways.
• Timelessness: unlike fast fashion, eco-responsible clothes are designed to be part of a sustainable wardrobe, with classic cuts. One of Pyrenex's timeless pieces is the Vintage Mythic down jacket, a versatile piece that fits all body shapes.
• Durability: Our top-of-the-range products, made from rigorously selected fabrics, are designed to last longer. The quality of Pyrenex products is recognised in France for their meticulous finishing, their quality fabrics and their down with exceptional insulating power. Products to be worn, cherished and passed on.
Second-hand purchases
Buying second-hand clothes is one of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of your winter wardrobe. Second-hand shops, and online platforms offer a wide variety of quality winter clothes at affordable prices. Giving a second life to pre-existing clothes is an environmentally-friendly way of reducing the need to produce new items.
Take care of your clothes
Another important aspect of eco-responsible fashion is taking care of your winter clothes to extend their life. Follow the care instructions recommended by the manufacturers, avoid over-washing, and make repairs when necessary. At Pyrenex, our after-sales service is at your disposal to repair your damaged down jackets.
According to ADEME, the textile industry sector has an impact of 4 billion tonnes of CO2 on the planet. That's more than international flights and sea traffic. Eco-responsible winter fashion is therefore essential to reducing our impact on the environment. By making informed choices, buying responsibly and looking after your clothes, you can stay warm while protecting our planet. This winter, take another step towards a more sustainable wardrobe and choose eco-friendly brands like Pyrenex, which is committed to taking another step towards this goal every day.
