California: As environmental concerns rise, Reformation introduces a new line of cashmere knits made from 95% recycled fibres. The move highlights the challenges of traditional cashmere production and showcases the brand’s commitment to balancing luxury with ecological responsibility amidst growing industry scrutiny.
In a landscape where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly pressing, the fashion industry is grappling with the implications of cashmere production, a material that historically has been associated with luxury but is now finding its way into mainstream markets. The phenomenon has been driven by high street brands, making cashmere more accessible than ever. However, this shift raises serious questions about the sustainability of such practices as emphasis grows on the environmental footprint of textile production.
Reformation, a clothing brand based in California, has been at the forefront of addressing these issues. In December, the company announced it will introduce a new line of cashmere knits made from 95% recycled fibres. Kathleen Talbot, the Chief Sustainability Officer and Vice President of Operations at Reformation, highlighted the complexities involved in cashmere production, stating, “Cashmere is one of the softest fibers, but it is also one of the most challenging. Its production and processing consume a lot of resources, and typically, multiple cashmere goats are needed to create one sweater.”
The geographical limitations on cashmere production pose additional sustainability issues; the majority of the world’s cashmere is derived from Mongolia, where overgrazing and climate change are reportedly degrading around 70% of the grasslands. This degradation not only threatens local ecosystems but also raises concerns regarding the future viability of cashmere as a sustainable resource. Talbot pointed out that, despite Reformation using less than 1% of its fabric from virgin cashmere in 2023, this small percentage accounted for nearly 40% of the carbon footprint associated with their materials.
In an effort to address these concerns, Reformation has gradually shifted towards a more sustainable model, having launched a collection in 2019 that employed 70% recycled cashmere. Moving forward, the company aims to present a new collection by the end of 2024, featuring knits made with 95% recycled cashmere. Talbot noted the significant advancements in processing technologies that have emerged in recent years, which will allow the brand to maintain quality while reducing environmental impact. “We engaged in numerous prototypes and tested various washes and finishes, which led to this advancement,” she explained.
Interestingly, Talbot mentioned that many consumers who handle the products are often surprised to find “there is hardly any difference in feel or durability between traditional cashmere and premium recycled cashmere,” indicating that a sustainable alternative may be viable without compromising on luxury or comfort.
As the fashion industry continues to confront its environmental challenges, brands like Reformation are paving the way for sustainable practices while also making luxury materials more accessible. The ongoing development in cashmere alternatives reflects a broader trend of brands seeking to balance consumer demand with ecological responsibility.
Source: Noah Wire Services
