Material guide

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Material guide

Natural materials

Alpaca

Alpaca is native to South America and resembles a small llama. Alpaca wool is a material that is soft and silky to the touch, but is actually firm and strong. Due to its lower energy intake, alpacas are less demanding on water consumption and feed compared to sheep and goat farming.

Care
only hand wash in cold water
drying in a shaded area
with proper maintenance, the material is less prone to pucking and shrinking
Benefits
light but strong material
high insulation
a wide range of colours from brown, through gray, to cream
Disadvantages
can be scratchy
more demanding to care for
Sustainability
Alpacas do not need so-called chemical baths to remove lanolin or grease from their wool, as is the case with sheep and goats
Alpacas are bred in only a few places in the world, making them a rare commodity that often has to travel a long way to get to the place of production.
Bamboo fiber

Bamboo is a natural material obtained from a bamboo pulp. It is often communicated as a sustainable material, but this is not always the case. The majority exporter is China.

Care
recommended wash up to 30 °C (tip: wash inside out)
the use of emollients is not recommended
Benefits
breathable and quick-drying material
hypoallergenic
does not crease
natural protection against UV radiation
finer but at the same time stronger than viscose
suitable for the production of functional clothing
Disadvantages
upon contact with moisture it loses its strength by up to 60%
higher price due to small-scale production
Sustainability
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that does not need any pesticides, fertilizers or special irrigation for its cultivation
Bamboo itself is a renewable and sustainable plant, however bamboo fiber needs a considerable amount of chemicals for its production
during the production of bamboo ray, there is a risk of hazardous substances escaping into the air
a sustainable alternative is a certified organic bamboo linen, for sustainable production look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification
Bananatex

Bananatex is a unique natural material made from the leaves of a textile banana tree. It is also called Manila hemp and is grown mainly in the Philippines, and a small part of the total harvest also comes from Ecuador. The fiber from which the fabric is woven is called abaka. The material is impregnated with a layer of beeswax, which gives it a waterproof quality and a more flexible structure. This material was developed by the Swiss brand QWSTION , which can found in our offer.

Care
hand wash in lukewarm water
Benefits
extremely strong and durable fiber, which is at the same time very flexible and light
water resistance
circular life cycle
Disadvantages
the final product can have a high price; production and processing costs are typically much higher than with conventional materials
Sustainability
no pesticides and minimal water consumption when growing abaca
Abaca cultivation rebuilds forests in the Philippines
gentle way of dyeing certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certificate
cultivation supports Philippine local agriculture
fair conditions for all involved in the production process
100% degradable
Cotton
One of the most versatile and widely used materials, accounting for almost half of global textile production.

Cotton is a universal material obtained from the cotton plant. The fiber is obtained by the so-called ginning. It is carded, combed and then braided to make yarn. Cotton growing is conditioned by a warm climate. The most common locations for cultivation are India, China, USA and Pakistan.

Care:
- 100% cotton is washable up to 60 ° C
- Recommended washing of cotton with an admixture of up to 40 ° C
- ironing up to 200 ° C
Benefits
- soft to the touch
- breathable
- non-electrifying
- Diverse treatments
Disadvantages
- Low elasticity, may lose shape
- prone to pilling (we recommend washing clothes inside out for prevention)
- may turn yellow after prolonged exposure to the sun
Sustainability
- 100% cotton decomposes in 5-6 months
- The average water consumption per kg of cotton is 20,000 l
- 16% of world pesticide production and 24% of insecticides are used to grow cotton ""
Cupro

Otherwise known as copper fiber, is a cotton pulp product regenerated by dissolving in a solution of copper and ammonia. It is therefore a natural material created chemically. The chemicals and water needed to make cupra can be reused, thus closing a sustainable production process.

Although cupro was first produced in Germany, current production has been allocated mainly to Japan.

Care
recommended washing in a washing machine at a maximum of 40 °C
recommended ironing on lower to medium level
Benefits
very strong thread
does not stretch
smooth and soft surface
absorbs fluids well
it does not tend to crease
Disadvantages
it gets dirty relatively quickly
Sustainability
decomposable
easily recyclable
cupro is a by-product of cotton processing, the use of any other part of cotton thus reduces the already uneconomical process of cotton production
one t-shirt made of cupra can save up to 2,581 liters of water
Silk

Silk is one of the oldest materials obtained from silkworm secretion. There are several types of insects that can produce silk, but silkworm is the most common type. After about one month of development, the larva forms a protective cocoon made of protein fiber that can be up to 1000m long, and from which silk is made.

Care
the recommended care is dry cleaning
can be washed with mild soap or washing gel for manual program
recommended ironing to a maximum of 150 °C
Benefits
lightweight material that keeps you cools in the summer and warm in the winter
one of the strongest natural fibers
medium abrasion resistance
Disadvantages
low elasticity
may lose shape
higher price
Sustainability
low environmental impact
for every tonne of silk, there are 5.426 kg of CO2 emissions
decomposition time up to 4 years
ethical aspect of production - to ensure better quality of the material, silkworm larvae are killed by either hot steam or boiling water; an alternative is the so-called "peaceful" silk, which is made from empty cocoons and thus preserves the natural life cycle of the moths
Cowhide

Cowhide is a by-product of the meat and dairy industries. Its quality depends on the age and living conditions of the animal. A young calf that is weaned in milk has softer and firmer skin than an adult cow, which feeds on grass or hay most of its life, and thus its skin is thicker and coarser.

An important indicator of good leather quality is also what part of the animal it comes from. For example, the leather from the abdominal part of an animal's body is usually the thickest and best nourished. To increase the durability, the leather is layered on top of each other during processing, but this can reduce its natural quality.

Care
do not expose to direct sunlight and store in a dry, shaded place
use only dedicated products for leather treatment
Benefits
one of the cheapest variants of animal skin
with proper maintenance it has a long service life
Disadvantages
the thickness and strength of the skin may vary across the entire leather and may disintegrate in weaker places at increased pressure
with age, the leather may dry out and crack
Sustainability
the crucial factor is the origin of the leather and whether the animal did not suffer
during its acquisition and processing the environmental impact of leather dyeing is also important
in animal leather processing, emissions are up to 4 times higher than in artificial leather processing
Jute

Jute is a natural material made from the outside or stem of a plant of the same name. 95% of production takes place in India and Bangladesh, where it grows during the monsoon season. After cotton, it is the second most important commodity in terms of availability. demand and utilization.

Care
gentle cleaning by hand wash is recommended
Benefits
good proportion of obtained material on fertile soil
diverse uses including the production of paper, geotextiles and textiles in the fashion industry
Disadvantages
jute is susceptible to moisture and may lose shape when in contact with it
Sustainability
Jute is a fast-growing plant that does not need excessive irrigation, fertilizers and pesticides to grow
during its life cycle it can be recycled several times and after its end it decomposes in nature, supplying the soil with important nutrients
Cashmere

Cashmere is a luxurious and fine wool material that is obtained by cutting of the Kashmiri goats. Also known as "pasham", or goat wool. The traditional method of hand-combing hair is preserved in Mongolia and China. An important aspect of production is manual quality control. and selective selection of fibers.

Care
the recommended care is dry cleaning
cashmere is not recommended to hang on a hanger due to possible sagging, the recommended method of storage is folding
Benefits
thermoregulatory properties
very soft and pleasant to the touch
Disadvantages
lower adhesion
higher price
Sustainability
the sustainable aspect depends on the behaviour of the goats, but due to the nature of their rare occurrence, it is easier to maintain ethical and sustainable production
Hemp

Technical hemp is a fast-growing THC-free plant. Hemp fibers are used to make ropes and textiles. Due to their appearance and texture, they are often mistaken for linen.

Care
recommended hand wash in cold water
fine hemp is recommended to wash in a bag
tip: before washing, add a tablespoon of vinegar to remove any detergent residue on the fabric
Benefits
strong and breathable material
antibacterial properties
natural resistance to heat, UV radiation and salt water
Disadvantages
stiffer and rougher than linen
Sustainability
Hemp as such is a very important material from the point of view of ecology and sustainability, as its cultivation requires a minimum (if any) amount of pesticides and fertilizers, it grows quickly and improves the condition of the soil thanks to the supply of nitrogen
provides important by-products such as hemp oil or mulch
thanks to the long fiber, more material is made from it than from linen
it decomposes safely in nature and supplies the soil with important nutrients
if not in organic quality, hazardous chemicals are used to separate the fiber
in many areas it is harvested by hand
Linen

Linen is one of the longest used materials, dating back to 6,000 BC. It is made from a flax plant with a distinctive purple bloom. It is the only cellulose plant native to Western Europe. The highest quality flax comes from Belgium and Ireland.

Care
recommended wash up to 40 °C
recommended ironing up to 230 °C
it is not recommended to fold repeatedly in the same places to avoid cracking
Benefits
durable material that is not prone to abrasion or pilling
easier stain removal even at low temperatures
greater protection against UV radiation compared to cotton
quality linen lasts for several generations
Disadvantages
coarser than cotton
can crease
Sustainability
linen requires less water and energy for its production and at the same time is fully degradable
thanks to the rapid rotation, the soil does not need excessive fertilization or pesticides, in this area it is in one-fifth consumption compared to conventional cotton
The production of linen produces several by-products such as flaxseed oil or animal feed, so production leaves no waste
the original method for fiber separation was soaking in water, now chemical separation is used for greater speed, which can have a negative impact on the environment and the material itself
Merino wool

Merino wool is an extremely fine wool produced by a special breed of domestic sheep known as Merino. The breed most likely originated from North Africa, from where it got to Spain in the Middle Ages. Today, it is most widespread in Australia and New Zealand.

Wool is valued for its specific properties such as odor absorption and thermoregulatory properties. Thanks to its fiber structure, it retains air well, insulates and retains the heat produced. In summer, on the other hand, it can be slightly cooling. In addition, it removes moisture perfectly, so it does not have a cooling effect while sweating, such as some synthetic materials.

Care
wash at the lowest speed
ideally washed in washing powder containing lanolin (natural oil found in merino wool)
dry in a naturally ventilated place, avoid strong heat sources
Benefits
natural material
high ability to absorb odors
has an antibacterial effect
excellent thermoregulatory properties
Disadvantages
in case of extreme sweating, the fabric may smell of lanolin, which may not be pleasant scent for everyone
less durability and longevity than synthetics
Sustainability
natural degradable and renewable material
it must be obtained from sheep in an ethical manner
deforestation may occur due to the acquisition of an area for sheep
Nappa

Nappa leather is characterized by its distinct softness. The name is derived from the California city of Napa, where the leather began to be produced by a unique technology, which until then was used only for the processing of glove materials. Leather processed in this way is mainly used for the production of wallets, handbags and gloves, but also for furniture and shoes.

Care
do not expose to direct sunlight and store in a dry, shaded place
for Nappa leather treatment use only designated products
due to the higher porosity of the skin, it is recommended to treat it extensively with an impregnating agent against water and impurities
Benefits
significantly softer and more pleasant to the touch compared to classically tanned leather
with proper maintenance it has a long service life
Disadvantages
it is significantly more porous than other leather types, so it is more susceptible to water or other liquids
It is far more fragile than classic leather, so it is used more for personal accessories such as handbags or smaller leather products
Sustainability
the crucial factor is the origin of the leather is whether the animal did not suffer
during its acquisition and processing the environmental impact of leather dyeing is also important
Nubuck

This is a type of animal leather that has a naturally roughened finish. At first glance, there seems to be no difference between nubuck and suede, as both leather types are very similar. The most fundamental difference is that nubuck is leather that is roughened on the outside.

Care
do not expose to direct sunlight and store in a dry, shaded place
use only designated products for the treatment of nubuck
Benefits
compared to classic smooth leather, it has a longer lifespan and is less prone to cracking
with proper maintenance it has a very long service life
Disadvantages
at higher friction the material tends to fade quickly
bright nubuck variants are more difficult to clean
Sustainability
The main factor is the origin of the skin, whether the animal did not suffer during its acquisition and processing
the environmental impact of dyeing nubuck is also important
Organic cotton
Organic cotton is cotton grown without modification of genetic information and without the use of synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides. Organic cotton growing is subject to international standards.

Organic cotton production maintains soil fertility, reduces the use of toxic substances and helps to create biologically diverse agriculture.

Care
- 100% cotton is washable up to 60 °C
- Recommended washing of cotton with an admixture up to 40 °C
- ironing up to 200 °C
Benefits
- Hypoallergenic
- soft to the touch
- breathable
- non-electrifying
- Diverse treatments
Disadvantages
- Low elasticity, may lose shape
- prone to pilling (we recommend washing clothes inside out for prevention)
- may turn yellow after prolonged exposure to the sun
Sustainability
- CO2 consumption is 978 kg per tonne of organic cotton, which is 46% less than conventional cotton
- Zero chemical consumption
- Worse yields for growers - less cotton grows over a larger area of land compared to conventional cotton
- Seek GOTS, Better Cotton Initiative, or Regenerative Organic certification to maintain sustainable and ethical production ""
Organic hemp

Organic hemp is one of the most sustainable materials. Apart from the advantages of conventional hemp, it is grown completely without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.In addition, it needs only one-fifth the water for its growth, compared to the growth of conventional cotton.

Care
recommended hand wash in cold water
fine hemp is recommended to wash in a bag
tip: before washing, add a tablespoon of vinegar to remove any detergent residue on the fabric
Benefits
strong and breathable material
antibacterial properties
natural resistance to heat, UV radiation and salt water
Disadvantages
stiffer and rougher than linen
Sustainability
Hemp as such is a very important material from the point of view of ecology and sustainability, as its cultivation requires a minimum (if any) amount of pesticides and fertilizers, grows rapidly and improves the condition of the soil due to abundant nitrogen supply
provides important by-products such as hemp oil or mulch
thanks to the long fiber, more material is made from it than from flax
it decomposes safely in nature and supplies the soil with important nutrients
seek GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification to maintain sustainable production
Organic linen

Organic linen is linen in organic quality, produced without the use of chemical solvents.

Care
recommended wash up to 40 °C
recommended ironing up to 230 °C
it is not recommended to fold repeatedly in the same places to avoid cracking
Benefits
durable material that is not prone to abrasion or pilling
easier stain removal even at low temperatures
greater protection against UV radiation compared to cotton
quality linen lasts for several generations
Disadvantages
coarser than cotton
can crease
Sustainability
linen requires less water and energy for its production, at the same time it is fully degradable
thanks to the rapid rotation, the soil does not need excessive fertilization or pesticides, in this area it is in one-fifth consumption compared to conventional cotton
Linen production produces several by-products such as flaxseed oil or animal feed, so production leaves no waste
linen can be left in its natural colour and its colour can be corrected to the maximum by the sun
seek GOTS certification to maintain sustainable production.
Recycled and upcycled cotton
Recycled cotton is considered to be one of the most sustainable materials provided it is properly recycled. It can be defined as cotton fiber used in the textile industry. Textile recycling takes place primarily from two sources:
1. Production waste: recycling of cuttings from production
2. Consumer waste: recycling of already worn clothing or used home textiles
Production waste is the most common source, as ready-made fabrics are difficult to recycle due to a different colour or material content.

Care
- 100% cotton is washable up to 60 ° C
- Recommended washing of cotton with an admixture up to 40 ° C
- ironing up to 200 ° C
Benefits
- Hypoallergenic
- soft to the touch
- breathable
- non-electrifying
- Diverse treatments
Disadvantages
- Low elasticity, may lose shape
- prone to pilling (we recommend washing clothes inside out for prevention)
- may turn yellow after prolonged exposure to the sun
- To maintain the durability of a material, it is often combined with another material
Sustainability
- Recycled cotton is inherently sustainable by using already available resources
- gives space to circular economy
- Save water, fossil fuels and CO2, which would otherwise fall on the production of new resources
- the creation of a material additive or the improvement of the properties of a substance can negatively offset these savings
- To maintain sustainable production, seek Global Recycling Standard (GRS) certification "
Wool
Wool is obtained from sheep's wool. Sheep are usually sheared in the spring, when they would naturally drop the wool to protect them from overheating and the onslaught of insects. Sheep are bred all over the world and there are many breeds that vary in characteristics and the quality of its wool.

Care
- Instead of washing, it's usually enough to ventilate the clothes
- Recommended hand wash or special wool program
- It is not recommended to use chlorinated washing products or bleaches
- Ironing up to a maximum of 150 ° C
Benefits
- breathable
- absorbs moisture
- Not creased
- Keeps its shape
- Isolation features
Disadvantages
- can be scratchy (if you are sensitive to wool, we recommend wearing it with a bottom layer)
- Possibility of shrinking due to improper care
Sustainability
- Wool as such is high quality, degradable and renewable material
- Properly obtained, it is in itself a sustainable material
- Mass production can lead to land degradation and unethical animal treatment
- Seek Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification to maintain sustainable and ethical production ""

Artificial materials

Acetate fiber

Acetate fiber is a product made of chemically processed cellulose. Acetate is lighter than natural silk, and very similar in touch and feel.

It often appears as an admixture of cotton and wool to keep the fabric in a stable shape. It is often additionally treated, for example with antibacterial agents or anti-damage ingredients for direct sunlight.

Care
it is recommended to have it dry cleaned
recommended cold hand wash
recommended ironing to a maximum of 160 °C
Benefits
flowy material that holds the shape
naturally shiny surface
Low price
Disadvantages
when ironing at a higher temperature, it may easily burn through
generates static electricity with friction
it absorbs fluids worse
Sustainability
the raw material is treated chemically, as is, for example, viscose
dry spinning requires fewer production processes, reduces the amount of chemicals and production waste used
Acrylic

The history of acrylic dates back to the middle of the last century, when it began to be used due to its properties as a cheap synthetic alternative to wool, or often mixed with it. It has similar properties to wool, such as its warmth and strength. However, the material lacks the wave's natural thermoregulatory ability and odor repellent property.

Care
careful care required
recommended wash up to 30 °C
ironing is not recommended
Benefits
is soft and durable at the same time warmth
resistance to direct sunlight
stain resistant
Disadvantages
prone to pilling
low elasticity, pulls out
low durability and durability
Sustainability
it is not degradable, but it is at least (difficult) recyclable
extremely energy-intensive process, greater environmental impact than polyester production
EcoVero

EcoVero viscose is an EU Ecolabel certified material. It is a sustainable alternative to viscose.

Care
recommended wash up to 30 °C
Benefits
light material soft to the touch
airy
Disadvantages
creasing
may lose shape
Sustainability
up to 50% lower water consumption and carbon footprint compared to conventional viscose
ECOVERO ™ fibers come from cellulose from certified and controlled sources
LENZING ™ ECOVERO ™ is EU Ecolabel certified as it meets the strictest environmental requirements in the entire production chain from extraction, through production to distribution and end of life cycle
Elastane

Elastane, or spandex, is a type of polyurethane that has been used in the fashion industry since the late 1950s due to its high resilience, durability and flexibility.

Care
machine washable - a gentle program for synthetics at temperatures up to 30-40 °C
is recommended it is not recommended to tumble dry
recommended ironing upside down
Benefits
can be stretched up to 500% of the original dimension while maintaining the original shape
resistance to external influences
adaptability and grip
does not crease
Disadvantages
colour instability
low resistance to high temperatures
Sustainability
complex and energy-intensive production process
microplastics are released during washing
not degradable
can be recycled or end the life cycle with safe and safe combustion
EVA

The main use of EVA foam is the reinforcement of various sports accessories, bicycle saddles, hockey equipment, helmets and even ski boots and much more. It is appreciated mainly for its absorption and cushioning properties, so it is widely used in the production of sneakers.

Benefits
soft, comfortable and light material
highly durable and strong even at extremely low temperatures
has the ability to withstand high pressure without change
high resistance to long-term and frequent use
UV resistance
Disadvantages
there are none
Sustainability
one of the least harmful synthetic materials
less degradable
can be recycled and processed into new EVA foam
Lyocell (tencel)

Lyocell is a relatively innovative material that is a more gentle version of viscose made from cellulose, in the case of Tencel specifically from eucalyptus cellulose. It is best known under the Tencel brand, which has been registered by the Austrian company Lenzing - a leading lyocell manufacturer.

Care
recommended hand wash at moderate temperature with mild detergent
we recommend washing at lower speeds
recommended drying on a hanger, it is not recommended to put it in the dryer
Benefits
more resistant than viscose
soft to the touch
Disadvantages
creases easily
higher price
Sustainability
raw materials used for the production of loycell are obtained from sustainably managed forests and the entire production process takes place in a closed cycle
Eucalyptus used to make Tencel is a plant that does not need artificial irrigation, pesticides or fertilizers on its own
the conversion of cellulose into fiber consumes a large amount of energy
lyocell is recyclable and compostable
the dyeing process may contain chemicals
Modal

Modal is a synthetically made material based on beech wood cellulose. It resembles cotton to the touch, but is more pleasant, more absorbent and lighter. The material was first made in Japan around 1950.

Care
recommended washing in cold water
it is recommended to use active oxygen-based products
recommended drying at lower or medium temperature (tip: do not use a dryer for less impact on the environment)
Benefits
light, elastic and breathable material
well absorbent
flowy material
does not pill
does not shrink
does not crease
Disadvantages
not suitable for bleaching or dyeing
higher price
Sustainability
a greener alternative to conventional cotton
100% degradable material
Nylon

One of the first synthetic materials in fashion, nylon fiber was originally developed in the 1930s. It is one of the first synthetic polymers made directly from coal, water and air to have commercial success. Its Czech parallel is called silon.

Care
recommended separate washing and for a low temperature program
ironing is not recommended
Benefits
extremely strong and at the same time very light material
flexible
good resistance to friction or other possible mechanical damage
Disadvantages
greater tendency to wrinkle and crease than, for example, polyester
low resistance to direct long-term sunlight
Sustainability
extremely energy-intensive production process
destructive impact of production on the environment (high rate of greenhouse gas leakage)
not degradable
however, there is a possibility to recycle it efficiently
PLA plastic

Otherwise known as bioplastic, is a plastic that is made from biomass (corn or sugar cane). It is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester, which in its raw form is used mainly as a material used for 3D printers.

Benefits
high melting point (about 178 °C)
can be used to make food crates
Disadvantages
low resistance to lower temperatures
relatively low resistance
Sustainability
recyclable
already processed material may be reprocessed to its original raw form
Polyester

Synthetic polyester was first used in practice during World War I as an impregnating material, but as we know it today, it has only been used since the second half of the last century. Polyester fiber has countless uses across all branches of the fashion industry.

Care
recommended washing at a maximum of 40 °C, gentle program for synthetics at temperatures up to 30-40 °C
recommended low temperature ironing
Benefits
inexpensive production
durable, light and strong material
it does not tend to crease too much
holds its shape well
does not fade and is more resistant to stains than cotton
quick-drying
Disadvantages
can easily start pilling
not breathable, "sticks" to the skin
Sustainability
it does not decompose, but can be recycled very efficiently (several times)
very demanding production process
dyeing takes place at even higher temperatures than is usual for - most other synthetic fibers
Polyethylene

Polyethylene is the most common form of plastic today and its wide-ranging use affects almost every branch of today's industry. Polyethylene fibers are used to make fishing nets, ropes, geotextiles and also protective suits.

Benefits
strong and durable material
non-toxic plastic
flexible - therefore it does not tend to tear or crack
Disadvantages
lower resistance to high temperatures
lower resistance to direct sharp sunlight leading to degradation
Sustainability
34% of total world plastic production
energy one of the least demanding plastics for production
still very burdensome for the environment, as a large amount of greenhouse gases is produced during its production
can be recycled relatively efficiently
not degradable
Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a synthetic material that was introduced to the market in the 1950s. Its name is often abbreviated as" polyprop." It is one of the most widely used plastics in the modern industry. In fashion it is used to make nonwoven fabric, a substance suitable for the manufacture of sports and functional clothing.

Care
machine washable - a gentle program for synthetics at temperatures up to 30-40°C
it is not recommended to tumble dry and use conventional fabric softener
recommended ironing upside down
Benefits
durable and very light material
quick-drying
adaptable to the body, elastic
retains heat at low temperatures
Disadvantages
does not retain moisture, it is recommended to layer over natural absorbent materials
synthetic, slippery surface
Sustainability
can be recycled efficiently
not degradable
1.7 kg of CO2 is produced in the production of 1 kg of polypropylene
Polyurethane

It can be used in various forms, such as a fiber used in the textile industry. A permanent crosslink is formed between the polymer chains of the polyurethane, which prevents melting and reprocessing of the material.

Polyurethane is available as a fiber, film or coating and can be shaped as desired. In the textile industry, it is most often used for the production of artificial leather or waterproof fabrics.

Care
the surface of the polyurethane can be easily wiped off with soapy water or a damp sponge
Benefits
Highly durable and lightweight material that is generally stronger than natural rubber
flexibility
highly resistant to abrasion or tearing
wide range of uses
Disadvantages
Thermoplastic polyurethane, which is used, for example, to make the soles of sneakers, is more expensive than conventional polyurethane
Sustainability
Diisocyanate, which is used in the production of PU, is highly toxic cannot be recycled
PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) is one of the most widely used plastics, dating back to the 1930s. It is used in the fashion industry primarily as a synthetic alternative to leather or rubber, usually combined with a woven lining. Often It has a shiny surface and can be processed into a soft and pliable, but also solid form.

Care
do not wash in the washing machine
do not iron
clean by hand with a soft sponge or cloth that does not damage the surface of the material (soap and water are enough)
Benefits
durable and strong material
cheap production
waterproof and easy to clean and maintain
Disadvantages
does not tolerate high temperatures (over 60 °C)
lower quality and durability than similar PU
Sustainability
contains less carbon than most thermoplastics
energy-intensive production often involving the use of hazardous chemicals
can be recycled
Recycled polyester

Recycled polyester is created from recycled materials such as PET bottles, worn clothing and other polyester waste. Unique aspect of this process is the high saving of water (up to 90%) and energy (up to 70%) compared to the production of new polyester and also the properties of the material produced, which do not degrade through the recycling process and is thus of the same quality as the newly produced fiber.

Care
recommended washing at a maximum of 40 °C, gentle program for synthetics at temperatures up to 30-40 °C
recommended low temperature ironing
Benefits
inexpensive production
durable, light and strong material
it does not tend to crease too much
holds its shape well
does not fade and is more resistant to stains than cotton
quick-drying
Disadvantages
can easily start pilling
not breathable, "sticks" to the skin
Sustainability
reuse of plastic waste from landfills or PET bottles caught in the seas
very significantly reduces the impact of production compared to conventional polyester, but also organic cotton (it is much more demanding to produce than recycled polyester)
can be recycled repeatedly without loss of quality
Silicone

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) is one of the most widely used plastics, dating back to the 1930s. It is used in the fashion industry primarily as a synthetic alternative to leather or rubber, usually combined with woven lining. Often It has a shiny surface and can be processed into a soft and pliable, but also solid form.

Benefits
high flexibility
does not absorb water
highly resistant to external influences and direct sunlight
Disadvantages
costly production
impact of production on the environment
Sustainability
it is often not possible to recycle it, a complex technological process is needed
Synthetic rubber

Natural rubber substitute began to be used in industry at the beginning of the 20th century. Its use is wide across all industries, in fashion it is used primarily for the manufacture of footwear, but also for functional and sportswear clothing or swimwear (neoprene).

Care
Store synthetic rubber shoes ideally in a dry and cool place
Benefits
durability, strength and durability (even compared with natural rubber)
Disadvantages
impact of production
Sustainability
high energy intensity of production
cannot be recycled by remelting
remains in landfills polluting the environment
Tritan Copolyester

Tritan Copolyester is manufactured by the US company Eastman and is FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved and listed by EFSA (European Food and Safety Association).

Tritan does not contain plasticizers, does not contain BPA and, through a number of other advantages, is increasingly used as a glass substitute.

Care
can be washed in the dishwasher
Benefits
clear, solid material with high resistance
chemical resistant
BPA free: does not contain harmful Bisphenol A
Disadvantages
low resistance to UV radiation
Sustainability
the life cycle of tritan has a lower impact on the environment than, for example, metal products, while its production also consumes less energy
the use of tritanous drinking bottles reduces the use of disposable plastics
tritan is BPA free and is produced without the use of halogens, sulphurium, nitrogen, lead, mercury, cadmium or chromium
Viscose

Also known as rayon. Viscose fiber is obtained from chemically treated cellulose. Since its first processing, which dates back to 1880, viscose has been used in various forms and in various industries.

Care
it is recommended to have it dry cleaned
maximum ironing temperature is 180 °C (wet ironing is recommended)
Benefits
low price
pleasant to the touch
highly absorbent
at higher temperatures it does not melt like synthetic materials
stronger than wool
more flexible than natural fibers
Disadvantages
prone to scoring and loss of original shape
it loses most of its strength when wet
weaker than cellulose fibers
Sustainability
It is obtained mostly from renewable sources (soft wood, bamboo, cotton)
the process of converting the raw material into the corresponding fiber uses chemicals that can pollute the environment
permanently degradable at the end of its life cycle
about 640 l of water are used to produce 1 kg of viscose