Sustainable Textiles: Cotton Els & Ecovero

COTTON ELS – THE FINEST OF COTTON FIBERS

  1. What is cotton ELS?
  • ELS stands for Extra Long Staple cotton — a rare variety with fibers reaching up to 1.5 inches (approx. 3.81 cm), significantly longer and stronger than standard cotton.
  • Representing less than 2% of global cotton production, ELS cotton is costly and limited in supply, making it a premium choice reserved for high-end garments.

  1. Why cotton ELS stands out

Exceptional shape retention

  • Thanks to its tensile strength and resistance to abrasion, ELS cotton garments maintain their shape and color significantly longer than conventional cotton, even after repeated washes.

Naturally wrinkle-resistant

  • The long fiber length minimizes creasing, producing a smooth fabric surface that needs little ironing, which is a major advantage over easily crumpled standard cotton.

Breathable & skin-friendly

  • ELS cotton feels remarkably smooth and gentle against the skin, with superior airflow that keeps the wearer cool and comfortable, ideal for warm-weather wear.

Refined surface and natural luster

  • Its extended fiber length ensures a smoother spinning process, resulting in uniform weave, a sleek finish, and elegant sheen, especially visible under natural light.

ECOVERO – THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUSTAINABLE VISCOSE

  1. Traditional viscose: A hidden cost
  • Viscose has long been favored for its silk-like texture and wrinkle resistance. Yet behind its softness lies a resource-intensive production process.
  • Conventional viscose manufacturing involves large volumes of harmful chemicals such as carbon disulfide and sulfuric acid, which pose environmental and occupational health risks.
  1. EcoVero: Breakthrough from responsible origins

Made from sustainably sourced wood

  • EcoVero fibers are derived from wood certified by FSC and PEFC- two leading forest stewardship standards. This ensures responsible forestry and safeguards biodiversity.

Lower emissions, less energy

  • EcoVero production reduces CO₂ emissions and energy usage by up to 50% compared to conventional viscose. Water and chemicals are recycled to minimize resource consumption.

Soft, breathable, and biodegradable

  • Like traditional viscose, EcoVero is silky-smooth and breathable, but now enhanced with sustainability. It is ideal for direct-to-skin garments like shirts and dresses.
  • At the end of its lifecycle, EcoVero is fully biodegradable, helping reduce textile waste and environmental impact.

Source: The Business of Fashion