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We would like to take you through the key sustainability aspects to the Debbie Millington brand. Firstly, all silks in the collection are made with 100% mulberry silk and the silk printing company we use, is highly reputable and based in the UK. We have chosen to print here, as we know that all aspects of production operate under humane working conditions, with the upmost respect to all workers and their human rights.
This print company also supplies the silk fabric which is sourced from a weaving mill in China they have been visiting for the last 25 years. Here they are able to observe first hand, the highest standard and strict ethical working conditions that the employees enjoy. These positive work environments clearly demonstrate sound working conditions, which is reflected in their desire to produce the best quality silk fabrics.
Our silk scarves are printed and machine/ hand rolled at the UK location. All other end products such as our silk pyjamas , kimonos, pillowcases and kaftan tops are handmade in small batch quantities here in Ireland. The silk Kimono Jackets are handmade at a studio in Naas County Kildare and our pillowcase sets and pyjamas are handmade at a studio in Rathmines County Dublin. At no stage of the process is any silk wasted. Any off-cuts from making pyjamas are remodelled into hair scrunchies and any unused printed silk scarves are remodelled into other garments.
The silk Kimono Jackets are handmade at a studio in Naas County Kildare and our pillowcase sets and pyjamas are handmade at a studio in Rathmines County Dublin. At no stage of the process is any silk wasted. Any off-cuts from making pyjamas are remodelled into hair scrunchies and any unused printed silk scarves are remodelled into other garments.
All silks are digitally printed, a process of manufacturing that is the most environmental, cost-effective and higher quality option for textile printing. Digital printing on silk has certainly a greener reputation than the more dated manual screen printing processes. It is the most eco-friendly of all the printing processes due to less use of bleaches, chemicals and the massive amounts of water normally required to process the fabric.
In this process effluent is kept to a minimum at the UK factory. They monitor water and coating consumption and ensure that they are fully compliant with the UK’s waste framework directive by paying for specialists to dispose of our waste by-products.
The process uses 25% less energy than the alternative screen printing methods, less water and non toxic inks. The factory only uses non toxic “Azo Free” dyes and biodegradable inks, and has now changed to a non-hazardous energy saving scheme by using recycled water in part of its cleaning and washing process.
The print company proactively works to ensure their products are free of restricted substances and I have received relevant certifications assuring that the printing will not involve hazardous substances, and are safe and sellable. They continue to update me with changes to their inks and manufacturing processes, committed to following new research focused on the environmental impact of textile dyeing and printing in their factory.
It has always been key that the print company will minimise their impact on the environment and adhere to Ethical Trading Requirements (ETRs). Waste fabrics at the factory are collected by a recycling specialist who shred them and use the resulting fibre as bioenergy, incinerating it to create heat sources and electricity. Plain fabric offcuts may also be donated to education and charity facilities.