A centuries-old Italian textile manufacturer is making it possible for eco-friendly enthusiasts to wear their hearts on their sleeves organic linen sleeves, that is.
Crespi 1797, a northern-Italian business founded in the late eighteenth century, is pioneering an all-natural way of producing linen.
The company's fabric is organic from start to finish. Their flax - the plant from which linen is derived, is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
The material is then dyed without relying on commonly used substances like chlorine, nickel, chromium, iron and cobalt.
"Making linen in a natural way is definitely an ethical choice," said the CEO and great-great-grandniece of the founder, Francesca Crespi.
"But I'm also certain it will sell well, since more and more people are keen on organic goods."
Crespi 1797 recently obtained official certification from the Italian Organic Farming Association for its new line, after having undergone an extensive screening process, in which every chemical employed was reviewed by a board of specialists.
Hemp and organic cotton industries have been present on the global marketplace since the 1980s, but failed to make inroads until the late 1990s, when the organic clothing boom began, mainly in the United States.
In the past three to four years, a number of Italian businesses have jumped on the bandwagon, producing high-quality eco-friendly textiles and garments.
The trend is picking up, according to Paolo Foglia, chief coordinator of the organic textiles and fair trade.
"We are optimistic that Italy's organic textile businesses will keep expanding, and become more competitive. Things can only get better from here, with more producers and consumers taking the leap by going organic," Foglia said.
