Discover how we can help your team select better materials
Material sourcing and treatments often carry hidden social, environmental, and animal welfare risks. We help brands understand what they're using, and what it means.
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Linen is made from the flax plant, a resilient crop well-suited to cooler climates with naturally more rainfall. Flax typically requires fewer synthetic inputs, such as pesticides and fertilisers, compared to other plant fibres like cotton. It has a long history in textiles and is valued for being breathable, strong, and having good biodegradability.
The environmental footprint of linen is quite dependent on the retting process used to separate the fibres. Dew retting is the better option as it leverages natural moisture and microbial action in the field. This avoids the large volumes of water and harsh chemicals associated with water or chemical retting, which is often used in larger-scale production of linen.

Opt for organic linen where possible and prefer if it’s dew-retted. Partner with suppliers who support fair working conditions during harvest. Certifications can provide additional assurance on social and environmental standards.
If your team needs support sourcing, talk to us to find out how we can help.

Material sourcing and treatments often carry hidden social, environmental, and animal welfare risks. We help brands understand what they're using, and what it means.

Materials and treatments are at the heart of every product. Bergstrand helps brands navigate these choices through clear guidance, structured tools, and practical workshops that embed sustainability into design and development.
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