Benefits of Organic Linen Bedding for Both Individual Health and Environmental Preservation
European flax linen, a popular choice among eco-conscious consumers, offers a high-quality and sustainable alternative to traditional bed linens. Here's why:
Minimal Water Use
Flax grown in Europe requires no irrigation, relying solely on natural rainfall. This water-saving practice results in significant savings compared to cotton farming, with an estimated 650 billion cubic meters of water saved annually, equivalent to the consumption of a city the size of Atlanta [1].
Chemical-Free Production
European flax is naturally resistant to pests, meaning it requires no pesticides or defoliants and only about one-fifth the fertilizer of cotton [1][3]. The mechanical processing of flax into linen involves no chemicals, eliminating pollution from production [1].
Non-GMO and Certified Organic
The European flax used in linen is guaranteed GMO-free and often certified organic and sustainable by recognized standards such as GOTS and OEKO-TEX [1][2].
CO2 Capture
Flax cultivation in Europe captures significant CO2 from the atmosphere, contributing to carbon reduction efforts [1]. In fact, the growing of flax in Europe captures 330,000 tons of CO2 each year, the equivalent of driving a Renault Clio around the earth 62,000 times [1].
Durability and Natural Properties
Linen made from flax is strong, breathable, biodegradable, and comfortable for sensitive skin, further enhancing its appeal to conscious consumers [2][4].
Traditional Craftsmanship and Heritage
European linen benefits from centuries-old textile expertise, especially in countries like Portugal, Belgium, and France, adding perceived quality and authenticity [2].
These factors together make European flax linen a highly sustainable textile choice that aligns with consumer demand for eco-friendly, natural, and durable materials [1][3][5].
Caring for Your European Flax Linen
Linen fabric is easy to care for. It doesn't need ironing and can be machine washed and dried [6].
Maximising the Use of Flax
Every part of the flax plant is put to use. Long flax fibers are used for fabric, while short fibers are used for paper or felt; seeds and oils are used to feed livestock as well as for varnish and linoleum; shives are used for gardening, animal bedding, and compost [7].
Hypoallergenic and Antibacterial Properties
European flax linen is naturally hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, making it a good choice for sensitive skin [8].
The Transformation of Flax into Linen
The transformation of flax into linen is an entirely mechanical process, performed by highly skilled craftsmen and requiring zero use of chemicals [9].
Certified European Flax
Certified European flax is guaranteed to be GMO-free, a commitment signed by all our growers as part of the European Flax Charter [10].
Garment Washed European Quality Linen
Garment washed European quality linen feels supple and soft initially, and becomes even softer with each wash without losing its strength [11].
References:
[1] Textile Exchange. (2020). Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) - European Flax. Retrieved from https://www.textileexchange.org/standards/gots/european-flax/
[2] European Flax. (n.d.). The Benefits of Linen. Retrieved from https://www.europeanflax.com/linen/benefits-of-linen
[3] European Flax. (n.d.). Environmental Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.europeanflax.com/environment/environmental-benefits
[4] Linen Council. (n.d.). The Benefits of Linen. Retrieved from https://www.linencouncil.org/benefits-of-linen
[5] Sustain Your Style. (2020). The Sustainability of Linen. Retrieved from https://sustainyourstyle.com/the-sustainability-of-linen/
[6] Linen Council. (n.d.). Caring for Linen. Retrieved from https://www.linencouncil.org/caring-for-linen
[7] Linen Council. (n.d.). The Uses of Linen. Retrieved from https://www.linencouncil.org/uses-of-linen
[8] European Flax. (n.d.). Hypoallergenic Linen. Retrieved from https://www.europeanflax.com/linen/hypoallergenic-linen
[9] Linen Council. (n.d.). The Process of Linen. Retrieved from https://www.linencouncil.org/the-process-of-linen
[10] European Flax. (n.d.). European Flax Charter. Retrieved from https://www.europeanflax.com/flax/european-flax-charter
[11] Linen Council. (n.d.). Garment Washed Linen. Retrieved from https://www.linencouncil.org/garment-washed-linen
- Incorporating sustainable living principles, switching to home-and-garden decors made from European flax linen provides a multifaceted eco-friendly lifestyle choice, considering its minimal water usage, chemical-free production, and non-GMO and certified organic origins.
- Seamlessly blending into the home-and-garden aesthetic, while offering durability, natural breathability, and anti-bacterial properties, a lifestyle centered around sustainable living might find European flax linen, with its heritage craftsmanship and versatility in end products like bed linens and garments, an appealing and responsible choice.
