Innovative Fabric from Coffee Grinds

Did you know that coffee fabric is made in Taiwan?

Admittedly, my innovative fabric research is not up to date. Yet I am confident that unknowing textile professionals and entrepreneurs will be fascinated.

In fact, J&O Fabrics Store has a newsletter blog with a REUTERS video titled Waste Coffee Grounds Add Flavor to Fabric.

Located in Taiwan, SINGTEX® is an admirable company fixated on R+D. They came up with S.Café®  ― a patented process that converts the coffee grounds into yarn. From yarn, they manufacture knitted and woven fabrics, as well as soft-shell fabrics.

They're focused on active wear. Benefits are fast drying, anti-odor properties, and UV-protection.

A couple of years ago Eunice Tsai of DNA Design Labs launched ladies' wedding attire with the fabric. She's into eco-friendly production and happens to love coffee! Other SINGTEX customers are Hugo Boss, Patagonia, Nike, and North Face brands.

Why eco-friendly status? Because used coffee grounds are diverted from landfills, the discovery expands the life circle of coffee industry, and waste is valued. Top that with energy saved because of dual results, ―roasted beans and odor absorption qualities incorporated into fiber.

Hawaii Local Eco Artists: Miracles Through Botanicals

Hawaii Local Eco Artists: Miracles Through Botanicals

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Excerpt:
For those who are not familiar with the amazing benefits of aromatherapy it is easy to overlook Hope and Achaia's market display. Take a closer look to find not only a list of ingredients in each bottle, but the purpose of each as well. Hope is obviously a blend expert, which is a skill far beyond basic knowledge of EOs. Shop by emotions, — online or in person!

Zia & Tia Launches Dolls, Toys and Dog Sweaters

Zia & Tia launched a new collection of organic cotton hand knit heirloom Dolls & Toys as well as Dog Sweaters.

Don't forget organic hand knits for babies and children; that collection continues.

Admired Julie Jonas is a sustainable luxury designer who resides in Montreal.

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Banana Fiber Production

History on Wikipedia tells us that Japan’s cultivation for banana textiles dates back to the 13th century. The traditional process requires many handmade steps without machinery. In Nepal the process differs and is more silk-like. Typically fibers are sent to Kathmandu Valley for making rugs.

As a natural fiber enthusiast, I am noticing an increase in banana fiber production. Love the recent hessnatur advertisements and education of New SADLE, a nonprofit organization in Nepal that is responsible for weaving the banana silk scarves they offer. You can find hessnatur offerings from the Chíc Eco Retail Shop in the BODIES sector.

Good news from Textile Exchange is that a banana fiber separator machine developed in India is utilized today. Because of this innovative extraction process, agricultural waste is more easily converted to a raw material for good quality silk grade fiber yarn.

Another site, Qieys’s Weblog in Malaysia, illustrates an extractor machine for banana fiber that may be operated by two ladies. One person is to cut the trees into pieces and another person is to operate the machinery. Doesn’t sound bad.

Below is a process summary from hessnatur. 

hessnatur is a shop that consist of pure and natural fashion, organic clothes, green textiles and eco fibers for the whole family that is always fair-wear sustainable.

Naya Footwear 2011 Fall-Winter Look Books

Fall and winter collections in stores as of August. Check out the Naya lookbooks:

2011 Fall
2011 Winter

Live Green Hawaii: New Site Welcome

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This month features bamboo building products.

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