Prana makes the beautiful and functional products we love. And they produce them in a way we can all feel good about. By using sustainable and socially responsible materials and partnering with companies and factories that adhere to strict guidelines for safety and efficacy, they are able to minimize the impact their fabric production has on the world. Sustainable clothing production is an important part of the brand.
Prana is part of the sustainable clothing movement
They seek out materials from sustainable sources. Treat their people fairly and improve the industry with the processes they use. Here’s a little more information about the materials they use for their sustainable clothing:
Organic Cotton – prAna uses organic cotton. Conventionally grown cotton is loaded with insecticides and pesticides. Approximately 25% of the insecticides and more than 10% of the pesticides used in the world are used in conventional cotton farming. Organic production systems replenish and maintain soil fertility, reduce the rate of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers and build biologically diverse agriculture. Third party organizations verify that organic producers use on methods and materials allowed in organic production. Meaning no toxic and persistent pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and no genetically engineered seeds are used.
Recycled Wool – The wool used by prAna comes from old garments and the cuttings from new garments. The process to recycle wool has a much lower impact on the environment than creating new wool. It also removes waste from the world that might otherwise go to a landfill. After being sorted, cleaned, and reduced down to fiber in a facility, prAna’s recycled wool is spun into yarn and knitted into new, warm and snuggly pieces.
Hemp – Because growing hemp is illegal in the US, the hemp prAna uses comes from industrial hemp plants grown in China. While not certified organic, it is grown as organically as possible. Because of the hardiness of the hemp plant, no chemical pesticides or fertilizers are required to grow it. This makes it safer for the farmers to grow and safe for the land it is grown on. In fact, this drought resistant plant does wonders for the soil it’s grown in. In addition, farmers who grow hemp are able to plant food crops in the same fields immediately after hemp harvest. This is not possible with a lot of other crops.
Recycled Polyester – Recycled polyester is a better alternative than manufacturing virgin polyester material because it relies on recycled materials, which mean you don’t have to factor in all the toxins and energy used in manufacturing plastic in the first place. Recycled polyester primarily comes from post consumer plastic, aka PET. Meaning water bottles and soda bottles. But it can also comes from pre-consumer waste as well. Recycling means less energy used. So less Greenhouse Gas emission. Less water used. All around better for the environment.
Repurposed Down – PrAna values ethical, sustainable manufacturing processes. They are committed to supporting these values throughout the entire supply chain. As of Fall 2016 they are working with Responsible Down Standard to certify that all down used in prAna products is 100% Responsible Down. Ini order for down to be certified as Responsible Down it must be certified that there was no live plucking, no force feeding, and lifelong humane treatment of the waterfowl. This is traced through the entire production process right up to final shipment. The entire supply chain is audited by a 3rd party certification body. Only products with 100% Responsible Down carry the RDS Certified logo.
All of these materials meet the highest quality standards and produce a fabulous end product. Try out some of the sustainable clothing from prAna for yourself and see!
