The soft feel of cashmere has been a favourite of fashion lovers for many centuries. Originating in the Kashmir region of Central Asia, this superior wool is starting to flip as increasing awareness as sustainability gains momentum—while still speaking of luxury and comfort.
The Origins and Production Process
Cashmere wool comes from a few types of cashmere goats found in the Gobi Desert area of Mongolia and parts of China. A few of these special breeds have an exceptionally soft undercoat that can be combed once a year when goats naturally shed their winter coat. It takes the wool of about four goats to make just one cashmere jumper, which makes this fibre one of the most valuable natural fibres in the world.
Traditional Production and the Environment
The conventional cashmere industry poses several sustainability issues:
- Desertification: Enlarged herd sizes due to cashmere wool demand have been causing overgrazing not only in Mongolia but also in China. Lands like these are going into desertification, degrading the local ecosystem, and further adding to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Resource-Intensive Production: Traditional cashmere production requires significant resources, including high land and water use. The processing of virgin cashmere involves several steps that are not very environmentally friendly and may be poorly managed.
Sustainable Cashmere: The Sudden Appeal
Sustainable cashmere is the future of production in the luxury fibre industry. This new cashmere movement has targeted three key areas for change:
- Environmental Care: Rotation of pastures, maintaining smaller herd sizes, and protecting natural grasslands.
- Animal Welfare: The modern cashmere brand ensures humane treatment of goats, natural fibre collection during shedding, and proper veterinary care and nutrition.
- Social Responsibility: Sustainable cashmere production includes fair compensation for local herders, community development activities, and preservation of traditional herding practices.
Innovation in Sustainable Cashmere
- Recycled Cashmere: The revolution of recycled cashmere is going strong. It is a sustainable process whereby existing cashmere is reprocessed into new yarns, with minimal environmental impact while retaining the fibre's legendary softness.
- Certification Standards: The most important certification standards for sustainable cashmere amongst major cashmere brands include the Good Cashmere Standard, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Global Recycling Standard (GRS).
Alternatives and Comparisons
|
Fibre Type |
Sustainability Rating |
Softness |
Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sustainable Cashmere |
High |
Excellent |
Very good |
|
Alpaca Wool |
Very High |
Fine |
Excellent |
|
Merino Wool |
High |
Great |
Great |
Choosing Sustainable Cashmere Pieces
When buying sustainable cashmere jumpers or a cashmere scarf, look for:
- Transparency: Clear supply chain information, certification labels, and detailed sourcing.
- Quality Indicators: Pure cashmere labelling, fine hair quality, and professional construction.
The Future of Ethical Cashmere
The cashmere industry is changing, with many brands committing to more sustainable practices and innovative solutions. Biodegradable packaging and carbon-neutral shipping are setting new standards in the sustainable luxury fashion industry.
Recycled cashmere is the Holy Grail of sustainable fashion. This ingenious technique of reprocessing already existing cashmere products into new yarn drastically reduces the environmental impact of conventional cashmere production. With recycled cashmere, you still get all the softness and warmth of luxury, while supporting a more viable option.
Recycled cashmere not only reduces waste but also conserves resources. It consumes less energy and water compared to virgin cashmere, making it an eco-friendly choice for conscious shoppers. As more sustainable cashmere brands incorporate recycled cashmere into their collections, it becomes easier for consumers to make conscious choices without compromising on quality or style.
Making the Right Decision
Investing in responsible cashmere isn’t just about wanting luxurious garments; it’s part of a movement towards ethical fashion that respects both the environment and the communities involved in production. While these pieces may come at a premium price, they represent an investment in quality and consciousness.
Every time you buy sustainable cashmere, you’re supporting the survival of traditional craftsmanship and preserving the resources of our planet for future generations. The choice between traditional and sustainable cashmere isn’t a matter of taste—it’s about becoming part of the solution to create a more sustainable fashion industry.