With sustainability being the need of the hour, many luxury brands are continuously trying to show new and innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint. With the coming up of thrift stores, new fabrics (such as organic cotton and vegan leather), producing zero waste, cruelty-free manufacturing processes and reduced water technology, renewable energy sources, as well as adopting a transparent supply chain; brands are working hard to adopt more eco-friendly modes of production. According to Saachi Bahl’s, Founder Saahra and #ConsciousEffort Design Show and Conclave, one must acknowledge that there is no unilateral, linear, or perfect formula to be ‘sustainable’. She says..... “It is a complex process, and many times strategies are dependent upon the context of the business, its production and utility. Therefore, we must be receptive to more people in the industry approaching the subject and give them the scope to continually improve their efforts as there is no one size fits all.” It is worth bearing in mind that practices like repairing old weaves, recycling or upscaling can go a long way in giving back to the planet. And sustainable fabrics have come a long way, one must acknowledge that sustainable products do not lack lustre and finesse anymore. Rather, there is a rise in the innovation of new fabrics increasingly used by luxury brands such as Gucci, Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger and Bottega Veneta. Décor brands like Kar Conscious Living focusses on the importance of Indian textiles through raw fabrics and subtle designs, showcasing the essence of their weaves. More and more home décor brands are using materials like organic bio-washed cotton and handwoven wool. Selecting the right fabric It’s always good to check what goes into the making of our home décor pieces. We’re still a long way from reducing our consumption to optimum levels, so the least we can do is make eco-friendly shopping decisions. That includes digging into the environmental practices of the brands you love and finding out how ethical they truly are in their production and manufacturing processes. “Decor and fashion have always been sectors that other industries look to for ‘what’s next’. Fashion designers have an incredible opportunity to not only reach, but consciously influence consumers and other industries by choosing to create with the end in mind, choosing a material like ECONYL® nylon that can help brands close the loop,” said Giulio Bonazzi Chairman and CEO at Aquafil Group. Trend-related shopping cycles take a toll on the environment. Home furnishing related individual buying decisions can also play a crucial role in our carbon footprint. Globally, the furniture market is worth approximately $ 575 billion. Manufacturers deploy vast amounts of resources to meet high demands, including trees, plastic, cotton, fiber and toxic chemicals, and hence the rise of fast furniture further complicates the sustainability dilemma. Contrary to what is believed, creating a home with the planet in mind does not require sacrificing comfort, style or budget. We can curate spaces by choosing earth-friendly materials and optimize sunlight, airflow and ventilation to reduce our daily impact. How are materials sustainable? One most likely encounters terms like Econyl, Cupro and Lyocell while reducing their carbon footprint nowadays. The sustainable move Sustainable fabrics are taking over home décor and fashion BY ARUSHI SAKHUJA Saachi Bahl’s, Founder Saahra and #ConsciousEffort Design Show and Conclave CARBON FOOTPRINT 16|LUXEBOOK|APRIL 2022 APRIL 2022 |LUXEBOOK|17
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