PREFERRED FIBRES
We are committed to using 100% Preferred
Fibres by 2025.
Each garments has an impact. The fibres we choose directly affect
the environment and communities across all stages of the garment's
life cycle. Our aim is to only use fibres that are circular,
regenerative and renewable.
Preferred Fibres
We are committed to using 100% Preferred Fibres by 2025.
Each garments has an impact. The fibres we choose directly affect the environment and communities across all stages of the garment's life cycle. Our aim is to only use fibres that are circular, regenerative and renewable.
What are Preferred Fibres & why do we use them?
We have developed a Preferred Fibres Portfolio which helps us prioritise fibres that have a lower impact on people and planet.
We define our ‘Preferred Fibres’ via a wide range of material specific indicators that include raw material
inputs, water and energy consumption, chemical usage, carbon emissions, and end-of-life impact.
We use a variety of accredited certifications to ensure we are meeting the highest international standards
relating to the social and environmental impact of the fibres.
What are Preferred Fibres & why do we use them?
We have developed a Preferred Fibres Portfolio which helps us prioritise fibres that have a lower impact on people and planet.
We define our ‘Preferred Fibres’ via a wide range of material specific indicators that include raw material inputs, water and energy consumption, chemical usage, carbon emissions, and end-of-life impact.
We use a variety of accredited certifications to ensure we are meeting the highest international standards relating to the social and environmental impact of the fibres.
Organic cotton is kinder to the soil, air, and our farmers.
Free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, organic cotton uses up to 88% less water & 62% less energy compared to conventional cotton.
Organically grown cotton promotes soil fertility and biodiversity and sustains the health of ecosystems, workers and surrounding communities.
Organic practices prohibit the use of toxic chemical pesticides and fertilisers, as well as genetically engineered seeds (no GMOs), providing a safer work environment for farmers, minimising their exposure to harmful chemicals. The lack of energy-intensive chemicals reduces pollution runoff into natural waterways and ecosystems, and nurtures soil health by using natural materials for composting and multi-cropping or crop rotation. Not only that but healthy soil provides an opportunity to store large amounts of carbon, which is beneficial for our climate.
We primarily use Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) and Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified cotton.
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose sustainably managed forests sequester carbon from the atmosphere and are a renewable fibre source.
All viscose is made from cellulose. Cellulose is the main substance found in plant cell walls. From tree trunks, bamboo shoots and apple skins, cellulose is what helps the plant to stand strong, stiff, and upright.
The cellulose used in LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose is sourced from FSC® certified sustainably managed forests and plantations. Sustainably managed forests mean wood is not harvested from endangered or ancient forests.
The viscose process requires the use of chemicals to assist in the transformation of wood into the soft, fine fibres we know so well. Without careful management, these chemicals have the potential to cause harm to people and the environment. We use Lenzing because of the strict environmental standards and closed-loop chemical management that are implemented throughout their production, making the process safe for people and planet. The manufacturing of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose generates up to 50% lower emissions and water impact compared to generic viscose.
Like Spell, Lenzing is partnered with the non-profit organisation Canopy to commit to supporting the preservation of ancient and endangered forests.
Hemp is considered to be one of the most sustainable natural fibres as it produces high yields, does not require fertilisers, is naturally resistant to pests, and grows easily with very little water.
Hemp is a fast growing crop (up to 4m in 3 months!) and requires no pesticides, fertilisers or irrigation making it great for crop rotation. The outer stalks and leaves are rich in nitrogen, so when left in the field after harvest, they help to restore nutrients to the soil. Hemp naturally suppresses weeds as it grows and its deep rooting system is excellent for preventing erosion, improving biodiversity and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
As a natural fibre, it is both renewable and biodegradable.
We love hemp because of the durability and structure it adds when blended with organic cotton.
Durable and timeless, linen provides garments with the potential for a long lifespan.
The growing and production of linen is a “waste free” process–meaning every part of the plant has a use and as no byproduct waste from the production of the fibre. The long stem fibres are used for fabric, short fibres for paper or felt; seeds and oils for livestock feed, varnish, linoleum; shives are used for gardening, animal bedding, and composting.
Linen is a natural renewable and biodegradable fibre. Made from the flax plant, linen offers a large potential improve soil health and capture and store CO2 within the soil. European linen is generally grown without the use of irrigation, using only rainwater, linen requires far less water to grow than cotton.
Recycled polyester uses 30-50% less energy than virgin polyester and reduces the demand for crude oil extraction.
Spell has made the commitment to never allow deadstock to end up in landfill, be incinerated, or be sold cheaply via fabric markets (which may eventually end up in landfill).
When our designs go to production, in order to minimise waste, we carefully determine the fabric consumption required and our suppliers will “cut to finish”, which means they will cut patterns till there is no remaining fabric. Despite our best efforts, there are some instances that may result in some unused fabric, which is referred to as deadstock. Our RENEW collections reimagining our deadstock fabric, giving it the second chance it deserves and ensuring it does not go to waste.
Lenzing’s TENCEL™ lyocell is a cellulose fibre made using their unique closed loop production processes, which transforms wood pulp from certified responsibly grown wood using less energy, water and chemicals than conventional lyocell fibres.
Using a closed loop process, TENCEL™ LYOCELL are a type of cellulosic fibres that avoid the use of carbon disulphide to produce, a chemical that can cause harm to people and the planet when not managed properly. The solvents that are used in the process are reused to produce new fibres again and again. The efficient and closed loop processes are better for workers and the environment. TENCEL™ fibres are certified as biodegradable, and thus can fully revert back to nature.
TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology is a type of Lenzing lyocell that uses pre- and post-consumer cotton waste to replace 30% of the wood pulp used to make the lyocell fibres. Using the recycled cotton in the process contributes to the circular economy and provides one solution to combating textile waste.
Free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, organic cotton uses up to 88% less water & 62% less energy compared to conventional cotton.
Organically grown cotton promotes soil fertility and biodiversity and sustains the health of ecosystems, workers and surrounding communities.
Organic practices prohibit the use of toxic chemical pesticides and fertilisers, as well as genetically engineered seeds (no GMOs), providing a safer work environment for farmers, minimising their exposure to harmful chemicals. The lack of energy-intensive chemicals reduces pollution runoff into natural waterways and ecosystems, and nurtures soil health by using natural materials for composting and multi-cropping or crop rotation. Not only that but healthy soil provides an opportunity to store large amounts of carbon, which is beneficial for our climate.
We primarily use Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) and Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified cotton.
LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose sustainably managed forests sequester carbon from the atmosphere and are a renewable fibre source.
All viscose is made from cellulose. Cellulose is the main substance found in plant cell walls. From tree trunks, bamboo shoots and apple skins, cellulose is what helps the plant to stand strong, stiff, and upright.
The cellulose used in LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose is sourced from FSC® certified sustainably managed forests and plantations. Sustainably managed forests mean wood is not harvested from endangered or ancient forests.
The viscose process requires the use of chemicals to assist in the transformation of wood into the soft, fine fibres we know so well. Without careful management, these chemicals have the potential to cause harm to people and the environment. We use Lenzing because of the strict environmental standards and closed-loop chemical management that are implemented throughout their production, making the process safe for people and planet. The manufacturing of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose generates up to 50% lower emissions and water impact compared to generic viscose.
Like Spell, Lenzing is partnered with the non-profit organisation Canopy to commit to supporting the preservation of ancient and endangered forests.
Hemp is considered to be one of the most sustainable natural fibres as it produces high yields, does not require fertilisers, is naturally resistant to pests, and grows easily with very little water.
Hemp is a fast growing crop (up to 4m in 3 months!) and requires no pesticides, fertilisers or irrigation making it great for crop rotation. The outer stalks and leaves are rich in nitrogen, so when left in the field after harvest, they help to restore nutrients to the soil. Hemp naturally suppresses weeds as it grows and its deep rooting system is excellent for preventing erosion, improving biodiversity and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
As a natural fibre, it is both renewable and biodegradable.
We love hemp because of the durability and structure it adds when blended with organic cotton.
Durable and timeless, linen provides garments with the potential for a long lifespan.
The growing and production of linen is a “waste free” process–meaning every part of the plant has a use and as no byproduct waste from the production of the fibre. The long stem fibres are used for fabric, short fibres for paper or felt; seeds and oils for livestock feed, varnish, linoleum; shives are used for gardening, animal bedding, and composting.
Linen is a natural renewable and biodegradable fibre. Made from the flax plant, linen offers a large potential improve soil health and capture and store CO2 within the soil. European linen is generally grown without the use of irrigation, using only rainwater, linen requires far less water to grow than cotton.
Recycled polyester uses 30-50% less energy than virgin polyester and reduces the demand for crude oil extraction.
Spell has made the commitment to never allow deadstock to end up in landfill, be incinerated, or be sold cheaply via fabric markets (which may eventually end up in landfill).
When our designs go to production, in order to minimise waste, we carefully determine the fabric consumption required and our suppliers will “cut to finish”, which means they will cut patterns till there is no remaining fabric. Despite our best efforts, there are some instances that may result in some unused fabric, which is referred to as deadstock. Our RENEW collections reimagining our deadstock fabric, giving it the second chance it deserves and ensuring it does not go to waste.
Lenzing’s TENCEL™ lyocell is a cellulose fibre made using their unique closed loop production processes, which transforms wood pulp from certified responsibly grown wood using less energy, water and chemicals than conventional lyocell fibres.
Using a closed loop process, TENCEL™ LYOCELL are a type of cellulosic fibres that avoid the use of carbon disulphide to produce, a chemical that can cause harm to people and the planet when not managed properly. The solvents that are used in the process are reused to produce new fibres again and again. The efficient and closed loop processes are better for workers and the environment. TENCEL™ fibres are certified as biodegradable, and thus can fully revert back to nature
TENCEL™ Lyocell with REFIBRA™ technology is a type of Lenzing lyocell that uses pre- and post-consumer cotton waste to replace 30% of the wood pulp used to make the lyocell fibres. Using the recycled cotton in the process contributes to the circular economy and provides one solution to combating textile waste.
Did you know that viscose fibres are derived from trees? These are known as man-made cellulosics.
More than 200 million trees are logged each year to produce these cellulosic fibres, many of these being ancient and endangered forests. As a signatory of the Canopy agreement, we are committed to responsible forest management and protecting our ancient and endangered forests with the fibre choices we make.
Our favourite sustainably sourced cellulose fibres are LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose & LENZING™ Modal.
Read the full Canopy Agreement here >
Did you know that viscose fibres are derived from trees? These are known as man-made cellulosics.
More than 200 million trees are logged each year to produce these cellulosic fibres, many of these being ancient and endangered forests. As a signatory of the Canopy agreement, we are committed to sourcing fibres made from responsibly managed forests, protecting our old growth, endangered forests.
Our favourite sustainably sourced cellulose fibres are LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose & LENZING™ Modal.
We champion materials that are circular, regenerative and renewable.
Just like the fibres in these beauties...
Did you know that viscose fibres are derived from trees? These are known as man-made cellulosics.
More than 200 million trees are logged each year to produce these cellulosic fibres, many of these being ancient and endangered forests. As a signatory of the Canopy agreement, we are committed to sourcing fibres made from responsibly managed forests, protecting our old growth, endangered forests.
Our favourite sustainably sourced cellulose fibres are LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Viscose & LENZING™ Modal.
We champion materials that are circular, regenerative and renewable.
Just like the fibres in these beauties...
Safe Use of Chemicals
We are committed to ensuring the health of our customers, makers within our global supply chain and the natural environment by limiting the use of harmful substances throughout the production process of our garments and accessories.
We have developed a Restricted Substance List (RSL) and Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) which are distributed for acknowledgment to each our our global partners in our garment supply chain. We conduct randomised laboratory tests in partnership with SGS Laboratories, of our fabrics every collection in order to ensure compliance with our RSL & MRSL.
Safe Use of Chemicals
We are committed to ensuring the health of our customers, makers within our global supply chain and the natural environment by limiting the use of harmful substances throughout the production process of our garments and accessories. We have developed a Restricted Substance List (RSL) and Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL) which are distributed for acknowledgment to each our our global partners in our garment supply chain. We conduct randomised laboratory tests in partnership with SGS Laboratories, of our fabrics every collection in order to ensure compliance with our RSL & MRSL.
CARBON
We know the climate is in crisis.
As a business we can play a crucial part by
reducing our emissions.
Greenhouse gas emissions are one of the biggest contributors
to the rise in global temperatures so we’re prioritising emissions
reduction and offsetting what can’t be reduced.
CARBON
We know the climate is in crisis.
As a business we can play a crucial part by reducing our emissions.
Greenhouse gas emissions are one of the biggest contributors to the rise in global temperatures so we’re prioritising emissions reduction and offsetting what can’t be reduced.
WE CARBON OFFSET 100% OF OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS
(excluding product)
Carbon Footprint
We take our responsibly to reduce the amount of carbon spewing out into the atmosphere seriously. We began calculating our carbon footprint in 2019, and each year we have learned and improved our methodology to expand the breadth of our inventory and improve the accuracy of our calculations.
In FY22 we calculated 1,119 tonnes of CO2e generated by our domestic and international operations (excluding our product). Our shipping partner DHL offset 51 tonnes of CO2e on our behalf. Spell offset the remaining emissions by purchasing carbon credits through Tasman Environmental Markets.
Who we offset with
We carbon offset
100% of our business operations
(excluding product)
Carbon Footprint
We take our responsibly to reduce the amount of carbon spewing out into the atmosphere seriously. We began calculating our carbon footprint in 2019, and each year we have learned and improved our methodology to expand the breadth of our inventory and improve the accuracy of our calculations.
In FY22 we calculated 1,119 tonnes of CO2e generated by our domestic and international operations (excluding our product). Our shipping partner DHL offset 51 tonnes of CO2e on our behalf. Spell offset the remaining emissions by purchasing carbon credits through Tasman Environmental Markets.
Tasman Environmental Markets (TEM)
For FY22 we offset 1069 tonnes of CO2e generated by our international operations through a portfolio of two different projects facilitated by Tasman Environmental Markets:
Rainforest Rescue: Rainforest protection projects primarily located in Peru
Projects across Peru protect large, in tact areas of rainforest that would otherwise be cleared, preventing the release of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year Protecting the forests secures the carbon stored within the organic matter. Additionally, these projects secures vital habitat for a multitude of endemic and endangered species of plants and animals.
Winds of Change: International renewable energy projects primarily located in India
Wind farms provide clean energy to the grid which would otherwise be generated by coal-fired power stations. The introduction of wind energy to the grid not only avoids emissions and reduces air pollution, but also improves electricity availability in some regions.
Who we offset with
Tasman Environmental Markets (TEM)
For FY22 we offset 1069 tonnes of CO2e generated by our international operations through a portfolio of two different projects facilitated by Tasman Environmental Markets:
Rainforest Rescue: Rainforest protection projects primarily located in Peru
Projects across Peru protect large, in tact areas of rainforest that would otherwise be cleared, preventing the release of millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year Protecting the forests secures the carbon stored within the organic matter. Additionally, these projects secures vital habitat for a multitude of endemic and endangered species of plants and animals.
Winds of Change: International renewable energy projects primarily located in India
Wind farms provide clean energy to the grid which would otherwise be generated by coal-fired power stations. The introduction of wind energy to the grid not only avoids emissions and reduces air pollution, but also improves electricity availability in some regions.
Start where you are.
Locally, we’ve made small changes with big impact.
On Site Composting
In 2019 we installed a Subpod compost garden at Spell HQ to reduce landfill, minimise carbon emissions and to educate and inspire our team. As an added bonus our Subpod provided a beautiful lunch area for our team and a herb garden for our lunches.
Powered by 100% Renewable Energy
We invested in solar panels for our HQ and Byron store, and choose a 100% renewable energy plan with Energy Locals. Together with Zero Emissions Byron we support the Northern Rivers in becoming the first Australian region to be powered by 100% locally generated renewables.
Start where you are.
Locally, we’ve made small changes with big impact.
On Site Composting
In 2019 we installed a Subpod compost garden at Spell HQ to reduce landfill, minimise carbon emissions and to educate and inspire our team. As an added bonus our Subpod provided a beautiful lunch area for our team and a herb garden for our lunches.
Powered by 100% Renewable Energy
We invested in solar panels for our HQ and Byron store, and choose a 100% renewable energy plan with Energy Locals. Together with Zero Emissions Byron we support the Northern Rivers in becoming the first Australian region to be powered by 100% locally generated renewables.
CIRCULARITY
The global fashion community must be determined to break down current business models and rebuild innovatively.
The traditional linear business model has us overusing earth’s limited resources, damaging ecosystems, and producing more waste globally than we can properly manage. Circularity is the only way forward.
Reduce - Reuse - Repair - Recycle
Fashion generates 4% of the
world’s waste each year - a
whopping 92 million tonnes.
For context, a blue whale weighs
200 tonnes.
Less than 1% of materials used to
produce clothing is recycled into
new clothing
* A New Textiles Economy
12.8 million tonnes of clothing
is sent to landfills annually
*Environment Protection Agency
Nearly three-fifths or 60% of all
clothing produced, ends up in
incinerators or landfills within one
year of being made
*McKinsey 2016
Fashion generates 4% of the world’s waste each year - a whopping 92 million tonnes. For context, a blue whale weighs 200 tonnes.
Less than 1% of materials used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing.
* A New Textiles Economy
12.8 million tonnes of clothing is sent to landfills annually.
*Environment Protection Agency
Nearly three-fifths or 60% of all clothing produced, ends up in incinerators or landfills within one year of being made.
*McKinsey 2016
Spell Renew
What is deadstock?
Excess fabric that is leftover from the production of garments.
What usually happens to deadstock?
It is often incinerated or sent to landfill.
Our Commitment to deadstock?
Spell has vowed to never allow deadstock fabric to be incinerated or end up in landfill.
What do we do with our deadstock?
Reimagine and reuse deadstock to create our Spell Renew collections.
Spell Renew
What is deadstock?
Excess fabric that is leftover from
the production of garments.
What usually happens
to deadstock?
It is often incinerated or sent to
landfill.
Our Commitment
Since the beginning, Spell has vowed to never allow deadstock fabric to be incinerated or end up in landfill.
What do we do with our deadstock?
Reimagine and reuse deadstock to create our Spell Renew collections.
Spell Salvage
Did you know…
As little as 20% of clothing donations to charity shops have been found to make it to the racks for resale, with the fate of the remaining donations varying from being cut up for rags, shipped overseas (which has become a major environmental issue!), to being sent to landfill.
We are committed to looking at this from every angle, examining the full life cycle of our garments, implementing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program, and taking responsibility for their end of life.
We've been making clothes for over a decade, have a thriving buy-swap-sell community (so we know you’d pass it on if you could!), but we know some garments can be loved to death, here’s where your piece can go to recycling heaven.
PACKAGING
We have joined a global movement led by prAna to
create an industry wide shift towards
responsible packaging.
Our current packaging contains biodegradable, compostable, and
recycled materials. But guess what? We are committed to continuous
improvement, so you’ll see changes in our packaing as we work to lower our impact.
Spell Salvage
Did you know…
As little as 20% of clothing donations to charity shops have been found to make it to the racks for resale, with the fate of the remaining donations varying from being cut up for rags, shipped overseas (which has become a major environmental issue!), to being sent to landfill.
We are committed to looking at this from every angle, examining the full life cycle of our garments, implementing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program, and taking responsibility for their end of life.
We've been making clothes for over a decade, have a thriving buy-swap-sell community (so we know you’d pass it on if you could!), but we know some garments can be loved to death, here’s where your piece can go to recycling heaven.
PACKAGING
We have joined a global movement led by
prAna to create an industry wide shift towards responsible packaging.
Our current packaging contains biodegradable, compostable, and recycled materials.
But guess what? We are committed to continuous improvement, so you’ll see changes in our packaging
as we work to lower our impact.
Packaging Disposal Guide
Our garments are kept safe throughout transport in compostable and biodegradable bags with swing tags made from recycled paper and are mailed in recycled paper mailing satchels.
Find out more about our packaging and how to responsibly dispose of it.
Packaging Disposal Guide
Our garments are kept safe throughout transport in compostable and biodegradable with swing tags made from recycled paper and are mailed in recycled paper mailing satchels.
Find out more about our packaging and how to responsibly dispose of it.
OUR VISION + COMMITMENT | IMPACT REPORT
PEOPLE | PLANET | PROSPERITY