At mbyM we constantly work to improve our processes, which is why we years ago established our own label ‘Made with less’ from the vision that we wanted to make it easier for you to make a better choice.
We are now aware that our own labelling might confuse more than it contributes to make your choice easier, which is why we have chosen to phase out our Made with less labelling from our autumn collection 2023.
It is time to create a more nuanced conversation about sustainability in fashion. A conversation dominated by concrete facts and documentation, and not by general terms that can be misinterpreted or misunderstood.
As we keep working on making a better mbyM and better products, we ask you to look at our products' care labels to learn more about their composition.
Our work to increase the use of recycled, organic, resource efficient and certified fibres is not being scaled back. Quite the opposite.
For a while, you might still meet mbyM products from earlier collections that are marked as ‘Made with less’. Likewise, for a period you can still read about Made with less and the fibers that have qualified to this label below.
Too many people, better means 'more'. More on trend, more on luxurious, more options, more more more. But we want to talk about less.
Less negative impact, less energy, less chemicals, less water, less waste, less use of resources, less strain on supply chains, and less contamination of our planet and its nature.
An increasing share of our products are marked as “Made with less”. And it’s quite simple - products carrying that mark are just that - made with less.
What there is less of, you can read in our introduction to all the materials right here on our site.
The materials that qualify for a “Made with less” mark are:
- TENCEL™ Lyocell
- TENCEL™ Modal
- LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose
- Organic Cotton
- Recycled Cotton
- Recycled Polyester
- Recycled Nylon
- Recycled Down
- Recycled Wool
This list is bound to grow, as more materials are added along the way. We remain open to including new and innovative materials to the list as they are developed.
Regenerated cellulose fibers
Materials in this group come from different types of wood. But as they are subjected to a high amount of chemical processing, they cannot be called natural. Instead, they are called a variety of different names such as regenerated cellulose fibers, man-made cellulose fibers or semi-synthetic fibers.
Common to all the materials in this group is that they are made by chopping wood into smaller chips, dissolving them and rebuilding again, so they can be spun into a thread.
TENCEL™ Lyocell
TENCEL™ Lyocell is a branded form of lyocell, only made by the company LENZING AG. Its special closed-loop production method sets it apart from conventional viscose.
How is it “made with less”?
Less deforestation
The wood used for TENCEL™ Lyocell is harvested from certified and controlled sources, following the stringent guidelines of the Lenzing Wood and Pulp Policy.
Less water and solvents
TENCEL™ Lyocell is produced in a closed-loop system, that reuses more than 99% of the water and solvents.
Less hazardous chemicals
The solvents used in the production of TENCEL™ Lyocell are all organic and non-toxic.
Less contamination
The closed-loop system keeps the chemicals from entering and contaminating the water in the production areas.
LENZING™ and TENCEL™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.
TENCEL™ Modal
TENCEL™ Modal fibers are mostly made from naturally grown beech wood.
Less deforestation
Wood and pulp used by the Lenzing Group comes from sustainably managed forests. TENCEL™ Modal fibers have earned United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred® designation.
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose
Less deforestation
Wood and pulp used by the Lenzing Group comes from sustainably managed forests. of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose fibers have earned United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred® designation.
Less carbon emissions and water use
The production of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose generates up to 50% lower emissions and water impact compared to conventional viscose. And, according to Higg MSI™ tools, CO2 emissions and fossil resource use are approximately half the industry average.
Plant originating fibers
Fibers in this category have plants as their raw material, only the plants are not dissolved into a cellulose. Instead, they are softened, and their natural fibers are extracted and spun into a thread. They are often subjected to chemicals in their cultivation, harvesting and production process.
The materials in this category are known to be soft to the touch and versatile in use. They are very good at absorbing moisture and therefore often used in essentials and light-woven styles.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton shares the same fabric properties as conventional cotton, except, the raw material, cotton is grown following organic practices.
How is it “made with less”?
Less hazardous substances
Organic cotton is grown and produced without the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides, GMOs or synthetic fertilisers.
Less soil and water contamination
The elimination of these toxic substances helps safeguard the biodiversity, soil and water in the areas where the cotton is grown.
Less harm to workers
Organic cotton protects workers as they are not exposed to toxic chemicals when working.
Recycled Cotton
Recycled cotton is made from cotton scraps from production or collected cotton products that have already been used and loved by consumers. The material is shredded and blended so that it can be spun into a new thread, ready to be woven into a new pair of jeans or t-shirt.
Less waste
By using scraps and disposed materials, recycled cotton gives new life to material that could otherwise be wasted.
Less use of new resources
The use of existing material limits the need for virgin cotton and saves the chemicals that would have been used to make a brand-new fibre.
Synthetics
Synthetic materials are woven forms of plastic. They are versatile and are used in many different textile products. Synthetic materials are known to be both strong and quick to dry.
Recycled Polyester
Recycled polyester is made from polyester scraps from production or collected polyester products that have already been used and loved by consumers. The recycled material is shredded, blended and melted, so that it can be spun into a new thread, ready to be woven into a new dress or blouse.
Less waste
By using scraps and disposed materials, recycled polyester gives new life to material that could otherwise be wasted.
Less use of new resources
The use of existing material limits the need for crude oil and saves the chemicals that would have been used to process a brand-new fibre.
Recycled Nylon
Recycled nylon is made from polyamide scraps from production or collected nylon products that have already been used and loved by consumers. The excess material is shredded, blended and melted so that it can be spun into a new thread, ready to be woven into a jacket or top.
Less waste
By using scraps and disposed materials, recycled nylon gives new life to material that could otherwise be wasted.
Less use of new resources
The use of existing material limits the need for crude oil and saves the chemicals that would have been used to process a brand-new fibre.
Animal fibres
Animal fibres come from animals. The animals vary, and so does the production method of the fibres. But all animal fibres need special care, so we don’t end up destroying their special properties.
Recycled down
Recycled down is made from collected old down products. The downs are extracted and washed and dried before it is used again to fill new puffer jackets or thermal wear.
Less use of new resources
By using disposed materials, recycled down gives new life to material that could otherwise be wasted.
Recycled wool
Recycled wool is made from production leftovers or collected wool products, used and loved by consumers. The excess material is shredded, so that it can be spun into a new thread, ready to be woven into a new coat or sweater.
Less use of new resources
By using disposed materials, recycled wool gives new life to material that could otherwise be wasted.
