Our materials
Cotton production has a large environmental impact worldwide. Together with the Swedish School of Textiles in Borås we research recycling techniques for cotton, so that more material can return to the cycle and get a second life. We aim to work with circular processes and circular design that create economic sustainability and reduce waste of materials and chemicals. Cotton can be recycled both chemically and mechanically. Mechanical recycling shortens the fibres, which makes them harder to use in high-quality products, so they often end up in insulation and similar uses. Chemical recycling dissolves the cellulose with solvents to make regenerated fibres.
Many factors affect both methods, such as degree of polymerisation, ageing of the cellulose, chemicals and spinning technique. Our research aims to find out which method best preserves the properties of the recycled yarn and comes closest to virgin yarn, which will increase the circularity of cotton.
To compare the methods we carried out a life cycle assessment using the Higg Index, as well as a SWOT analysis. Recycled cotton shows a lower carbon footprint than conventional cotton, and there are many ways to improve both methods, for example with softeners, lubricants and the choice of solvent. In the long run this can reduce the resources we use today, support a more circular economy and send less textile waste to landfill.
Social sustainability
At Chimi Home we are committed to social sustainability by ensuring safe and healthy working conditions. We believe in everyone's equal worth and that everyone should thrive at work. Our main focus is personal development, with diversity and equal opportunities for everyone involved. This creates a positive community, creativity and room for each person to grow in their role.
Sustainability goals
The global textile and fashion industry accounts for 8–10 percent of humanity's environmental impact, and we want to challenge the market with new solutions that lead to a circular textile industry.
Our sustainability goals cover our emissions, use of resources and energy consumption. We want to make sure none of our products contain harmful or unnecessary chemicals, so we only work with suppliers that follow EU rules and sustainability requirements. We aim for a circular economy by reducing waste and extending the life of our products through smarter design, fewer chemicals and recyclable mono-materials.
For us it is important to make products that last, with social responsibility running through the whole company. We strive for environmentally friendly, ethical and traceable production throughout the value chain, with circular design, long life and high quality that our customers will love for years.
