Sustainability

SUSTAINABLE SOURCING

The journey of sustainability takes us from the farms of the growers and the natural benefits of the wool itself, right through to the manufacturing methods at the unique British mill. In these pages you will find actions that are currently being taken, as well as the commitments that are being made for the future.

 

Within the factory in the heart of Yorkshire, extra efforts are made to be a more sustainable business each and every day. Wool is of course a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable fibre, which when combined with their commitments to zero waste, recycling and solar energy create a product of the highest ethical quality.

 

All of the mill's wool growers respect the five animal freedoms.

Healthy sheep equals quality wool.

FARM VISIT Masterton  |  New Zealand

The international network of Wool growers are annually audited under a number of criteria, covering areas such as animal welfare, land management and social impact.

Whilst the majority of this is completed by an external accredited body, the mill is always keen to visit the source and see the quality work with their own eyes!  Pictured on these pages are some of the sheep in Masterton whose wool will be ending up in an Abraham Moon cloth.

The mill sources the vast majority of their wool from mulesing-free countries such as New Zealand, South Africa & GB.

Natural Eleasticity

Wool has a unique crimp providing it with natural elasticity, allowing fabrics to return to their natural shape and be able to better resist wrinkles and creasing.

Flame Retardant

The high nitrogen and water content make wool a naturally fire retardant fibre which is hard to ignite. Wool does not melt or drip which is why the fibre is a natural choice for protective clothing.

UV Protection

Wool has a natural UV protection factor of 30+ in more than 70% of cases, much higher than most synthetics or cotton.

Flexability

A wool fibre can be bent back on itself more than 20,000 times without breaking, compared to about 3,000 times for cotton and just 2,000 for silk. This makes woollen fabrics naturally resistant to tearing. Additionally, the outer 'skin' of wool fibre acts as a protective film giving wool cloth improved resistance to abrasions.

Breathable

Wool can easily absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling damp or clammy. The ability of wool to absorb moisture makes it comfortable in both warm and cold conditions. By absorbing perspiration, wool enhances the body's owl cooling system and helps keep the skin dry. This characteristic make wool a versatile all-season fabric.

Energy Efficient

Wool has good insulation properties and by helping reduce heat transfer through floors, walls and windows. Home woollen furnishings and upholstery can contribute to energy, financial and carbon savings arising in buildings.

Hypoallegenic

Wool is resistant to bacteria, mould and mildew that can trigger allergic reactions in people. Wool also has microscopic pores that respond effectively to changes in humidity making it unfavourable for the growth and breeding of the house dust mite whose allergens are one of the triggers for asthma attacks.

Cleaner Internal Air

Enjoying a unique natural cell structure, wool can work in harmony with its environment. Not only does wool absorb harmful pollutants from the air, it does not re-emit them as it holds them permanently within its core. Its estimated that wool interiors can help purify the air for 30 years.

Colour

Wool absorbs many different dyes deeply and uniformly meaning that wool fabric is available in every shade. these rich colours provide infinite choice and possibilities for the fashion industry.

Easy Care

The outside surface of the wool fibre consists of overlapping scales which means dirt sits on the surface making it extremely easy to remove with a simple vacuuming. The structure also means it does not absorb spills quickly allowing time for them to be easily blotted up.

SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN THE YORKSHIRE MILL

Zero Waste

They have initiated practices on the production line to move towards a zero waste model of manufacturing. This includes the capture and re-use of loose fibre during both the carding and spinning processes, and bailing-up the selvedge  after weaving to be recycled into isolation and/or carpeting underlay.

Investment

They have invested in better machinery with better energy efficiency, new electric motors for older machinery and LED lighting throughout the factory have been installed as part of the re-investment over the past 5-10 years. Modernised scouring machinery has also seen them reduce their water usage in the past decade.

Green Energy

10% of their total energy is generated by over 300 solar panels installed on the roof of their warehouse & finishing departments. This section of the mill is in fact fully self-sufficient, with any power they don't use being sold back to the national grid.

Single-Use Plastics & Recycling

The mill is committed to reducing single use plastics throughout the mill. In 2019 they have introduced a plastic free packaging option for the full range of woven accessories. Plastic yarn cones and polythene wrapping are both recycled internally. They also recycle cardboard internally, and metal bands from bales are sold to be re-used else where.

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

The mill has been working hard in recent years to dramatically reduce their use of plastics, whether that means the sourcing of other more sustainable materials for the purpose or using recycled alternatives.

One of the key areas they have made significant progress is in their warehouse & dispatch departments, where Moon & Bronte by Moon products are stocked and labelled up ready for the end customer.

They have developed a wholly plastic free packaging alternative for their interior & fashion accessories; wrapped in recyclable cardboard and appropriately branded for display in-store. This packaging is now the brand standard, cutting out the previous use of poly bags.

They are committed to being single-use plastic free by 2022.