Materials & Fabrics
Authentic’s licensing partner network works with responsible and transparent suppliers and utilize some of the world’s most sustainable materials. Authentic encourages partners to reduce their collective impact on the planet by using natural fibers for high-quality and low-impact products, while recycled synthetics are used when they present a distinct advantage in performance or durability.
The below list of materials and fabrics have been compiled based on work done through the Sustainability Alliance and the results from Authentic’s annual Materiality Assessment, which surveys our global partner network on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics that matter most to their brands and stakeholders. The data and insights gleaned are updated regularly.
If your manufacturing process uses sustainable materials or fabrics, we want to hear from you.
Conventional Recycled Nylon
Recycled nylon is made by breaking down nylon waste, including fishing nets and plastic scraps, into their individual chemical components that can be recombined into nylon sheets. It is considered a preferred alternative to virgin and bio-based nylons, which are often made from pre-consumer fabric waste.
EcoVero Viscose
Derived from certified renewable wood sources using an eco-responsible production process, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibers contribute to a cleaner environment. Their production has a substantially smaller environmental footprint, as compared with generic viscose, and they are biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine environments, as well as compostable in home applications and industrial facilities.
NAIA™
Naia™, a trademark of Eastman, is a bio-based fiber made of wood pulp, responsibly sourced from sustainably managed pine and eucalyptus forests. It has an optimized, low-impact manufacturing process with a low tree-to-fiber carbon and water footprint. Naia™ cellulosic fiber is produced in a safe, closed-loop process where solvents are recycled back into the system for reuse.
LWG Certified Leather
Leather Working Group (LWG) is a global multi-stakeholder community committed to building a sustainable future with responsible leather. Each of its brands, retailers, suppliers and manufacturers work together to promote improvement in the leather manufacturing industry by creating alignment on environmental priorities and best practices.
Recycled Polyester
Often called rPET, recycled polyester is made from recycled plastic bottles and brings the same strength and elasticity without harmful petroleum-based production. In addition to diverting plastic from our landfills, recycled polyester requires far fewer resources in production than that of new fibers and generates fewer CO2 emissions.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, as well as build biologically diverse agriculture.
REPREVE®
Obtained from sustainably sourced plastic water bottles, Repreve® is a specialized performance polyester used to make a wide range of garments, including activewear, swimwear and more. Since Repreve® uses recycled products only, its fiber doesn't require additional fossil fuels, making it the world’s leading brand of recycled performance materials.
Supima® Cotton
Supima® is the trademark used to promote American-grown, extra-long staple cotton. Representing less than 1% of cotton grown in the world, Supima® cotton is twice as strong as regular cotton, which makes for extraordinarily resilient products. It measures 1.5 inches, versus 1 inch for regular cotton, and absorbs dye better with a deeper, long-lasting penetration. To bear the Supima® trademark, products must be sourced through a licensed supply chain.
TENCEL™ Lyocell
TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are extracted from sustainably grown wood using a unique closed loop system which recovers and reuses the solvents used, minimizing the environmental impact of production. Lyocell is a semi-synthetic fiber whose physical properties lead to its high-tenacity profile, efficient moisture management and gentleness to skin.
TENCEL™ Modal
TENCEL™ Modal fibers are extracted from naturally grown beech wood by an environmentally responsible integrated pulp-to-fiber process, which is self-sufficient in energy and recovers co-products from component parts of the wood. Biodegradable and compostable, this flexible fiber is renowned for its exceptional softness.
For more information, please reach out to sustainability@authentic.com.