Animal Welfare & the Environment
Chemicals
Careful control, from fibre to finished product
Our vertically integrated manufacturing gives us close control over the processes used to create our products. We run our own dyehouse, allowing us to work in small batches, create beautiful melange shades and bespoke colours, and control the quality of the dyeing process.
Managing chemicals responsibly
We ensure that the chemicals we use do not harm our environment by signing up to the Zero Discharge of Harmful Chemicals (ZDHC) and the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL).
We also undertake wastewater testing at our sites to validate this. The standard goes well above what is required from a legal perspective and encourages continuous improvement in the management of chemicals.
Learn more about ZDHCWe believe in the preservation of our planet, that production and nature can co-exist, that there is a new way forward.
ZDHC ManifestoWhere we focus our efforts
Our approach to chemical management is closely connected to the way we manufacture. By keeping key processes within our own sites, we can monitor how materials are treated and continue to refine the way we work.
ZDHC
We have signed up to the Zero Discharge of Harmful Chemicals (ZDHC), supporting responsible chemical management throughout our manufacturing processes.
MRSL
The Manufacturing Restricted Substances List helps us manage the chemicals used in manufacturing and supports standards that go beyond basic legal requirements.
Wastewater testing
We undertake wastewater testing at our sites to validate our chemical management approach and monitor naturally occurring chemical levels.
Our own dyehouse
Our own dyehouse allows us to work with small batches, create melange shades and bespoke colours, and maintain close control over the dyeing process.
Fibre selection
Selecting fibres close to the desired end colour can reduce the need for bleaching before dyeing. This helps protect the fibres as well as reducing the associated environmental impact.
Soft Scottish water
Scotland's soft water allows us to use minimal chemicals in the treatment of wool and cashmere. We measure wastewater to ensure naturally occurring chemical levels remain minimal.
Gentle, by tradition
We select our fibres to our own extremely rigorous standards. In addition to sourcing the finest, highest quality cashmere and wool from around the world, we use traditional manufacturing processes, which are as gentle with the environment as they are with our delicate fibres.
We know exactly how each process is carried out because it is done here at our own sites.
Starting with the right fibre
Many manufacturers buy cheaper dark fibres and heavily bleach them to produce a lighter base for dyeing their desired colours.
Our complete control of the manufacturing process allows us to select fibres close to the desired end colour, minimising bleaching and dyeing.
In addition to the immediate environmental impact of bleaching, it can be extremely damaging to fibres. Avoiding this is one of the many ways we can produce softer finished products with a longer life expectancy.
Soft water, gentle processes
Scotland's soft water allows us to use minimal chemicals in the treatment of our wool and cashmere.
As some chemicals are naturally occurring, we measure our wastewater to ensure these levels remain minimal.
Discover our approach to water
Lifelong softness
Using fewer chemicals is not just a response to environmental concerns. It is the long-standing secret of Scottish cashmere.
Soft Scottish water, generations of skills and the very best technology combine to make cashmere and woollen products that are intrinsically soft.
The beautiful softness which tempts you to invest in our products will not only endure but will improve through your garment's lifetime.
Responsible manufacturing is an ongoing process. We continue to review the way we work, monitor our processes and look for opportunities to improve.
