Flax fabric

An eco analysis

Description
♦ Linen (flax fabric) is made from 100% natural flax fibres.
This fibre is one of the oldest used in textiles for the home & clothing.
♦ The construction of the flax fibre is a hollow cylinder, called the lumen.
♦ The colour of natural flax linen ranges from cream to brown.
♦ This fabric is crisp and starchy, becoming softer over time.
♦ The appearance can range from matt to lustre.

Cost
♦ Good quality linen can be more expensive than comparable fabrics.

Advantages
♦ Natural antibacterial & antifungal properties.
♦ Protection from UV rays.
♦ Excellent anti allergenic characteristics.
♦ Excellent anti static characteristics.
♦ Will not attract or trap dust particles.
♦ Good sound insulating & acoustic properties.
♦ Able to absorb a large amount of water & moisture (own dry body weight).
♦ Absorption ability allows for a wide range of permanent dyes to colour the textile.
♦ Quick drying material.
♦ Easily refreshed by washing.
♦ Ability to retain shape after washing as it does not hold elastic properties.
♦ Known as one of the fibres that holds the most heat resistance.
♦ A thermal/cooling regulating fibre which allows skin to breathe – keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Disadvantages
♦ Acid is known to disintegrate flax fibres.
♦ Flax fibres are easily ignitable and burn quickly due to the cellulose content.
♦ Heat resistant properties will deteriorate the natural oils which hold the cells together when exposed to steam and hot water over time - Consider this point when washing & cleaning linen.

Embodied Energy
♦ Overseas sources of flax crops would lead to higher levels of embodied energy due to increased transportation and distribution.
♦ Source locally farmed flax sources to make the most of the eco credentials.

Source/Origin
♦ Widespread farming: USA, Canada, Europe, Far East.

Renewable
♦ A 100% renewable and abundant natural resource.
♦ The flax crop has a quick growing cycle.

Environment & Health
♦ Crops of flax require up to 5 times less use of fertilisers and pesticides when compared with cotton crops.
♦ The entire flax crop is used - no waste is created during harvesting.
♦ Flax farming does not damage the earth beneath and is not hazardous to eco systems.
♦ Processing does not use as much energy or chemicals compared with artificial textile fibre processing.
♦ Look for natural, chemical free, untreated and uncoloured linen for the truest eco credentials – check with the manufacturer for details.
♦ In untreated state, holds no associated health risks.

Performance
♦ The strongest & most solid textile fibre known.
♦ Similar tensile strength qualities as some types of steel.
♦ Strength increases when damp or wet.
♦ Excellent resistance to pill.

Recyclable
♦ n/a

Disposal / Biodegradable
♦ 100% biodegradable without treatments.

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