The colouring of fabrics dates back to pre-historic times (skin dyeing). During the middle ages, numerous plants were used for colouring rich religious ornaments.

Over the centuries, stories about dyeing plants and their cultivation have been an intense passion as well as a source of knowledge. Growing flowers are capable of producing natural and reliable colours. In contrast to synthetic colours, natural colours are made of organic molecules, and are harmonious and aesthetic to the eye. Hemp and natural plants reflect these subtle elements in a perfect affinity. Our central mission is to recreate nature and preserve it at the same time. More than a search for beauty it is also a necessity to preserve what guided us. The road has not been easy, requiring education and raising awareness in the face of strong opposition.

However we feel passionately that making the effort to rediscover an old, often forgotten artisan tradition, judged unnecessary to the modern world, is worthwhile. Focussed on our mission to preserve the environment, we have founded partnerships based on those values. We acknowledge that it is only the beginning and we have yet to explore the full potential of these traditional dyeing techniques. For now, we can offer a selection or “garden” of fourteen natural shades.

3/5

Natural colour

dye extracted from a plant typically has little impact on the environment. It is a renewable raw material and its cultivation contributes to biological diversity.

Our partner, ‘Couleurs de Plantes’ , based in Charente (south west France), cultivates plants with long, proven heritage. Very little pesticides are used and irrigation is tightly controlled.

Due to plant selection and the method of harvesting, it is possible to obtain impressive returns of up to 500kg of dye product per hectare.

The manufacturing and colouring processes are very eco-friendly, with water being extracted from recycled alcohol of agricultural origin. The recycled 75% solid residue is eco-friendly and disposed of in the field. The extracting factory is certified ISO 9000 and ISO 14001.

A process for the organic treatment of the effluents is being planned. Some of the tropical plants used are carefully selected from authorized, regulated harvesting or from dedicated plantations. Dyes are mixed in caustic, chosen for the resulting low level of toxicity produced.

Natural dyeing yes, but /

The traditional dyeing from plants, practiced for millennia were time consuming and energy intensive, with washings and repetitive rinses using large quantities of water. Although the result was often a beautiful dyed product, these were generally fragile and unable to cope with light and washing. In other words, it is expensive and inferior in several ways. Did you know that with a different dye and mordant, we may obtain ten different shades? Once treated, there are high levels of dyeing residues as well as caustic.

And if we are not watchful, we risk to reject it a lot. It is thus a question of taking into account each of these problems. We tested several processes and mix, we experimented new methods of dyeing, we persisted...

4/5

Natural colour

The objective is to develop a process allowing the fixing of the maximum amount of dye, while limiting the loss, and making use of modern technology, whilst still preserving the natural constraints.

We can today be proud to have elaborated such a process, while respecting economic and environmental concerns. This process allows the “secret” of natural dye to be solved and to rediscover the unique charm borne from natural shades and nuances

Such dyes are resistant to washing (particularly if our specialized washing powder is used) and exposure to rubbing, as well as to the effects of light.

This innovative process optimizes dyeing, allowing darker shades and requires less concentrated bathing solutions.

Improvements made to the dyeing process allow /

Less treatment time

Less water consumption

Less reject with low waste management need

Efficient usage of the mordants, reduction of the dyeing and wetting

5/5

Natural colour

Bleaching not based on hydrogen peroxide / Bleaching procedure efficient and optimizes water and energy consumption / Innovative Organic primer / No mercerized, limited use of caustic soda / Fully natural soaping based on linen /

Decrease in sulfuric caustic due to the choice of dye and innovation in the dyeing process / Improved utilization rates of substance dyeing with shortening treatment time / Recycling of used dyeing water /

Softener 100% Aloe Vera, all 100% natural / Organic waste management / Water consumption control / Organic fixing

Auxiliary products selected according to their biodegradable rate.

Over the course of several washes a light faded “washed out” look is noticeable. This is normal and can be compared to a patina on a piece of furniture that has aged or a comfortable pair of favorite jeans.

Elaborate a new organic and ecological dyeing method for the future. Marriage of traditional with latest technology and introduce the “Haute couture” of the third millennium like the alliance between innovation and dreams.

The colouring of fabrics dates back to pre-historic times (skin dyeing). During the middle ages, numerous plants were used for colouring rich religious ornaments.

dye extracted from a plant typically has little impact on the environment. It is a renewable raw material and its cultivation contributes to biological diversity.

Natural dyeing yes, but /

The objective is to develop a process allowing the fixing of the maximum amount of dye, while limiting the loss, and making use of modern technology, whilst still preserving the natural constraints.

Such dyes are resistant to washing (particularly if our specialized washing powder is used) and exposure to rubbing, as well as to the effects of light.

Improvements made to the dyeing process allow /

Auxiliary products selected according to their biodegradable rate.

Elaborate a new organic and ecological dyeing method for the future. Marriage of traditional with latest technology and introduce the “Haute couture” of the third millennium like the alliance between innovation and dreams.

Olivier Lapidus