Our idea of sustainability is reflected in the choice of the fiber used for the production of our yarns: cotton. We are the first player in the supply chain and we want to facilitate and guarantee a further improvement: from now on, not just cotton, but recycled and natural organic cotton. We can certify that any quantity of R&BIO yarn supplied to our customers, always corresponds to the purchase of recycled and/or natural organic fiber in equal measure.
We are spinner since over 30 years and we have always produced cotton yarns. With R&BIO we aim to be a company that pays even more attention to ecology and sustainability. In fact, we have undertaken two initiatives aimed to preserve the world in which we and further our children live: the first focuses on the use of natural organic cotton, the second on the use of recycled cotton. Organic and recycled fibres are blended to produce yarns that utmost the use of our renewable energy sources.
Recycled cotton used in our blends originates exclusively from certified (GRS) pre-consumer raw materials, certified 100% cotton with dye guarantee. Therefore, we contribute to re-cycle textile wastes that otherwise would be disposed or incinerated, or at best down-cycled (i.e. filling, insulating). The use of recycled raw materials improves the carbon footprint of our production thanks to the reduction of maritime transport for the supply of virgin fibers.
Organic cotton used in our blends comes exclusively from certified organic agriculture (GOTS) that cares not only about the sustainability of the production, but also about the social wellness of the workers involved all along the supply chain.
Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, expand biologically diverse agriculture, and prohibit the use of synthetic toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, as well as genetically engineered (GMO) seed.
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a positive impact on the environment. Farming methods (such as composting, mulching and crop rotation) build a “living soil” and eliminate toxic and harmful chemicals from the production system. Organic farmers have also an alternative approach to managing pests such as insects and weeds: this includes natural (or “non-synthetic”) materials that are derived from mineral, plant, or animal matter and do not undergo a synthetic process5 such as garlic, hydrogen peroxide, neem oil, and vinegar.
This focus on soil health means it may take some years for the land to reach a state of optimal productivity but, once it has, yields are comparable with those achieved through synthetic fertilizers that support plant growth but do very little to improve soil fertility over the longer term. Soils rich in organic matter are also proven to hold water more efficiently than those with less organic matter.
RE-BIO yarn can be customized at customer's glance to ensure Certified quality at competitive costs: 100% recycled (from Ne 3/1 up to Ne 12/1), 100% organic (from Ne 3/1 up to Ne 24/1) or blended in different percentages (30/70,50/50,70/30). Yarn can be supplied under the following certifications:
if the organic fiber content is 100%
if the organic fiber content is at least 95%;
OCS Blended if the organic fiber content is at least 20% (the remaining part may be GRS pre-consumer cotton waste or, equally, traditional cotton);
if the content of pre-consumer cotton waste is at least 20%, up to a maximum of 100%, subject to certain limitations of count.
ETHICAL
BIOLOGICAL
SUSTAINABLE
RECYCLED
CERTIFICATE
In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature pointed out that 35% of microplastics which are found in the oceans come from synthetic fabrics.
A Research conducted by North Carolina State University has shown that after 250 days the biodegradation rate of cotton is around the 76%, compared to the 4% of polyester.
70 million of trees are cut down every year to produce clothing.
The intensification of the use of natural resources has led to an imbalance that if it won’t be corrected in the next 30 years, will become not only unstoppable, but worse, irreversible.
The use of organic cotton grown naturally, without the use of synthetic chemicals, means a 46% reduction in global warming and a 90% saving in fresh water compared to traditional cotton.
Only 12.5% of the world's fashion industry is committed to circularity.
Worldwide, less than 1% of all garments are recycled.
2017 Cotton Incorporated's Global Environment Survey has highlighted that the main environmental concern is the availability of good quality water: recycled cotton does not consume water.