Going Green: International Home Fashions Suppliers Feature Environmentally Friendly Products and Processes

"Green" is becoming much more than just a color in today's world--—it's becoming a way of life.

Consumers all over the globe are becoming more conscious of their personal impact on the natural environment, and are seeking out new, ecological products in virtually every category of merchandise. As a result, manufacturers are responding with a wide variety of environmentally friendly products, and at the same time, upgrading manufacturing processes to be more ecologically sensitive.

The Harvester bedding line from Ogallala Comfort Co. is made from unbleach, un-dyed and chemically-free fabric.

"People are becoming more educated and aware of the fact that this is the only earth we have; we need to take care of it and ourselves," points out Herbert Knudsen, president, Ogallala Comfort Co., a U.S. supplier of bedding and personal care items based in Ogallala, Nebraska. "Providing the healthiest products helps us protect the earth and keeps our customers at the forefront of product development.

"Global warming is on the minds and hearts of the people," Knudsen continues. "Recycling and product sustainability are mainstream and expected. People care about the environment because they have to live with it and their children and grandchildren need to live with it. As Americans, we want a better life for future generations; taking care of the planet is one of the most important ways we can do that."

Paola Restrepo, international business director, Induboton S.A., a supplier of wood buttons and accessories based in Medellin, Colombia, agrees, noting, "This is

Induboton offers natural wood buttons made from coconut shells.

definitely an important trend, not only in fashion but in all industries. Everyone should help the world and our environment, for which we are offering environmentally friendly supplies, such as buttons to enhance our garments and our homes with the very nice touch natural materials offer.

"I do believe demand for green products is increasing," Restrepo adds. "I see it every day with our customers. I believe this reflects awareness of the problems our world is suffering, and how we want to help and prevent this."

Leslie Hudson Needleman, marketing director for U.S. luxury linen supplier Peacock Alley, based in Dallas, Texas, comments, "Because bedding and bath accessories live with us in our intimate environments, we feel it is especially important that the products be pure and natural. And because we feel responsible as manufacturers for setting an example for ourselves, our colleagues and our children, we maintain these very rigorous eco-friendly standards in all of our manufacturing settings.

Luxury linens supplier Peacock Alley offers a wide range of environmentally friendly home fashions, includig these Echo blankets.

"The members of the Peacock Alley corporate team are committed to finding ways to increase sustainability, decrease waste and put higher quality, pure and organic fibers and products into our customers' environments," Needleman continues. "The home is a personal haven. It's the place everyone should start to make a difference in the global arena."

Manufacturers in many different countries are adding environmentally friendly home fashions and accessories. For example, Design 45 Ltd., a supplier of bed linens, table linens and embroideries based in Haryana, India, in developing a line of green products. "We are in the research and development phase," notes Lavanya Shrinagesh, business development manager. "It is our belief that there will be an increasing demand for green and natural products, as it is the way of the future. As human beings we have to understand that our environment is all we have and anything that we can do to preserve it is something that we must do."

Ogallala introduced its Harvester comforter and pillows in 1994. "The Harvester fabric is unbleached, un-dyed, and chemically free." explains Knudsen. "As pioneers of the 'hypoallergenic' down movement, we found some people were actually allergic to the cotton that encased our proprietary Hypodown™, a combination of white goose down and syriaca clusters. So, in a move to provide even healthier products to accommodate more customers, we moved to a more environmentally friendly stance as a company. We have just introduced the Harvester in our crib size comforter. We see this as important because it provides pure sleeping comfort for the smallest members of society. No harsh chemicals, just comfort and cozy warmth.

"When we first started offering the Harvester, it was a miniscule niche in the overall market, now Harvester sales are over 12% of our business," Knudsen adds. "People are willing to pay a premium for their health and the health of the planet."

Peacock Alley is offering 100% organic towels in cotton and bamboo.

Peacock Alley has been committed to natural products throughout its history, and is expanding its assortment. "We are now introducing several environmentally sustainable products as well as 100% organic products," says Needleman. "These include bamboo towels and bath rugs, organic towels, coverlets and sheeting. In addition we also commit to use suppliers who focus on using efficient means to control environmental noise, management of residual gas and liquid discharges as well as implementing a highly sophisticated and systematic control of both the water and energy used—specifically concentrating on sustainable energy efficient manufacturing processes."

"The mills who weave our bedding in Italy and Portugal exhibit the same commitment to environmental responsibility that we do and are certified in what is called 'Total Quality,' a designation that focuses on overall quality, environmentally sound practices and safety," Needleman adds. "We insist that all of our vendors adhere to these strict standards."

Suppliers of component products also are offering environmentally friendly options. Induboton, for instance, offers a wide assortment of "green" wooden buttons for both home fashions and apparel. "Our line is composed of natural wood, corozo, genuine leather and recycled coconut; we are also offering buttons made of a special seed that

Induboton offers natural buttons made from a special totumo seed that grows in Colombia.

grows in Colombia, called totumo," points out Restrepo. "The wood used does not belong to forests that are endangered; the processes we use do not damage the environment."

"The freshness and natural look of these products give a special touch to any garment or home product," Restrepo adds. "Natural products like our wood buttons are very interesting because they can be used with many different types of materials, enhancing each and every one of them with an inspiring natural and fresh look."