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Sustainable DNA

It is our mission to work with flax farmers, spinners and finishers to create the highest possible added value with the smallest possible ecological footprint. We always choose the most sustainable methods out of respect for our raw material.

Linen for good

Good for the planet - today, tomorrow, forever.

Flax

Sustainable by nature

Flax is one of the most sustainable raw materials in the world. During growth, the flax plant receives no additional irrigation; rainwater is sufficient.

In comparison to other crops, far fewer pesticides and fertilizers are used with flax. The fibers are separated from the stem during a natural process called dew retting.

Belgian linen

A local story

The best flax in the world grows in northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands. This is the pre-eminent European ‘flax territory’, responsible for 80% of global flax production.

Our soil and our climate, which regularly alternates between sun and rain, are ideal for cultivating a strong fiber that is renowned for its quality around the globe.

No waste

Every part of the plant is used

All parts of the flax plant are used. Linseed is used for the next flax season, and because of its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, it is also used in human and animals’ nutrition. Linseed oil is very nutritious and is also found in soap, paint and cosmetics.

The shives are processed into animal bedding or chipboards. The long fibers, and the highest-quality short fibers, are used for textiles. The other short fibers find their use in the insulation or paper industry.

At Libeco, we aim for a ‘no waste policy’. Our waste products – waste selvedge and shearing dust – are both recycled into insulation materials or paper.

Natural

Biodegradable

Flax has its origins in nature and, accordingly, linen fabric is fully biodegradable after use.

An independent study has shown that a linen fabric will fully degrade after 6.5 months.

Sustainable actions Our way to a better future

2011

Awareness and implementation of first measures for a sustainable development

Based on figures from 2011, CO2logic calculated our carbon emissions: 715 tons per year. Not high for a company of our scale, but with our sustainable ambitions, this had to be a lot better.

2012 - 2013

Measures to reduce CO₂ emissions

We worked intensively to reduce our emissions for two years. Renewable energy, solar panels, LED instead of fluorescent lighting, reviewing our waste management, the vehicle fleet, heating and air conditioning... these are just a handful of the measures that ultimately delivered a 33% reduction in our annual CO₂ emissions.

2013

Founding member 'Association lin et chanvre bio'

2014

Certification carbon-neutral weaving mill

We have been a carbon-neutral company since 2014. Every ton of CO₂ that we cannot reduce per year, we compensate with financial support for an accredited climate project in Uganda. They make and sell energy-efficient stoves, each of which reduces annual CO₂ by 1.4 tons. This improves the population's health and combats deforestation. We continue to work to reduce our emissions today. These were 386 tons in 2021, 46% less than in 2011.

2014

Launch of GOTS-certified organic linen collection

Growing organic flax without crop protectors or fertilizers – this was the dream of a handful of farmers in the Seine-et-Marne region in France. Following their first test in 2005, it took 7 years before they were satisfied with their working method and the quality of the flax. Libeco entered into a collaboration with them in 2013. We were the first to develop a unique organic linen collection with GOTS certification.

2015

Gold member of the SFC (Sustainable Furnishings Council)

The Sustainable Furnishings Council is an American non-profit organization with more than 200 members. These companies, retailers and designers from the decoration and furniture industry actively seek environmentally friendly working methods, materials and finished products. Libeco achieved Gold-level membership in 2015, and since that time we have also been involved in the Board of Directors.

2015

1252 solar panels (1st phase)

2016

Zero waste production

2017

OEKO-TEX certification for all products

Most of our fabrics have been Oeko-Tex certified for years now. In 2017, we expanded this certification to our full standard collection. All our fabrics achieved the Standard 100 Oeko-Tex certificate in class IV, furniture and decorative fabrics.

2018

1026 extra solar panels (2nd phase)

In purchasing an adjoining building, we almost doubled the number of solar panels: from 1252 to 2278. Since then, we have been supplying around 25% of our own energy, with the rest being supplemented with renewable wind energy since 2013.

2020

Construction of an automated, low-energy warehouse

2022

New low-energy office buildings + 1646 extra solar panels (3rd phase)

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