We only use cashmere in its recycled form. We promote sustainable, locally produced and circular fibres.
What is Cashmere?
Cashmere wool is a fibre obtained from the fur of the Cashmere and Pashmina goats. The name “Kashmir” comes from a region in northern India which gave its name to the goat and by extension to the animal’s wool.
To produce cashmere, the undercoat of goats, usually combed but sometimes shorn, is used. This fibre is recognised as one of the softest in the world.
Environmental impact of cashmere
The production of cashmere wool has been criticised for the negative environmental effects resulting directly from the breeding of the herds.
When the goats graze, their hooves pierce the surface of the soil, and to feed themselves, they pull up the plants instead of just grazing on their extremities. These effects, coupled with a massive increase in the number of grazing animals, result in the destruction and desertification of grasslands.
This overgrazing has led to a degradation of about 70% of the land used for pasture – mostly located in Mogolia and China.
The current high demand for cashmere is therefore leading to the disappearance of grasslands, with the associated increase in air pollution and herd starvation. In comparison, the breeding of Yaks or Camels present in the region has a less harmful impact on the environment.[1]
Recycled Cashmere
Recycled cashmere is a much more eco-friendly fibre than its virgin equivalent [2].
Be careful with the term “recycled” as often virgin fibres are added to the recycled fibre (the GRS – Global Recycled Standard – label guarantees that at least 50% of the material is recycled).
We only use recycled cashmere mixed with other recycled fibres – so no virgin cashmere is used in our collections.