MATERIALS WITH A FEEL-GOOD GUARANTEE

WE LOVE PERFECT QUALITY AND WE LOVE THE WORLD WE LIVE IN

Our goal is to harmonise our high quality standards with other aspects of sustainability. An holistic sense of responsibility, without compromising on high quality and design – that is the basis of our actions.

WE HAVE THE HIGHEST DEMANDS ON CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT

To protect our customers and employees in our production facilities from harmful substances, we have a Restricted Substances List (RSL), which we update annually. The RSL lists chemicals that may either not be present in these products at all or only up to a limit value. Our suppliers are contractually obliged to comply with the requirements of this list.
Our more sustainable Rethink Together products are subject to particularly strict requirements, for which we obtain the relevant evidence from our suppliers. Their own production, as well as that of their upstream suppliers, must meet the requirements of the Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (MRSL) of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) association.

The materials we use

OUR PLANT-BASED MATERIALS

Plant-based materials include all fibres that are based on renewable, non-animal raw materials, such as linen, cotton and ramie. The fibres consist mainly of cellulose, which is obtained from seeds, stems, fruits, leaves and their sap. One advantage of plant-based materials is that they can be used directly, which means that the industrial conversion process to yarn is considerably less intensive than for synthetic or animal-based materials. Articles made of cotton, linen or ramie are characterized by very good, light wearing comfort, especially at higher temperatures.

Our animal materials

These include the fibres, which consist of complex proteins and are of animal origin. Compared to synthetic fibres, merino, mohair, alpaka, cashmere, silk and leather are sustainable fibres: They are renewable, fully compostable and long-lasting in use - sustainability criteria that naturally need to be underpinned by a responsible and animal-free procurement process and environmentally friendly pasture management.

AS KNITTERS, WE TAKE SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANIMAL WELFARE

  • We do not process fur, angora or exotic skins . As a fur-free brand, we are also listed by the German Animal Welfare Association and the Fur Free Retailer Initiative.

  • At merino wool, mohair, cashmere & alpaca we pay attention to a responsible and animal suffering-free sourcing process.

  • Any leather used by Marc Cain has to be a by-product of the food industry..

  • We use only certified feathers and down from suppliers who have been certified for species-appropriate animal husbandry. Among other things, this means that the animals are neither plucked alive nor kept for foie gras production.
  • OUR SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

    Synthetic materials - usually called artificial fibres - also have their advantages. The best-known synthetic fibres are polyester and polyamide. We also use elastane, acrylic and its variations. They give our products real added value in terms of functionality and ease of care. In order to reduce the environmental risk associated with the use of fossil-based raw materials and microplastic waste, we have focused on synthetic fibres made from recycled materials or so-called bio-based synthetic fibres for our Rethink Together clothing, for example.

    “Man-made“ CELLULOSE FIBRES (MMCFS)

    As well as vegetable fibres such as cotton, linen or ramie, they consist of the renewable raw material cellulose. However, in the case of man-made cellulose fibres, this is mainly obtained from wood. Since the process of fibre extraction is carried out with the help of chemical processes, these are not natural but so-called "man-made" cellulose fibres. These include viscose (also rayon), acetate, lyocell, modal and cupro.

    Viscose is the man-made cellulose fibre we use most often. It is often called "artificial silk" because it is very similar to natural silk in look and feel. In addition, viscose is kind to the skin, has high absorbency, an airy, as well as a loose drape and is durable in use.

    In order to reduce the environmental impact of using these fibres, we are increasingly relying on sustainable man-made cellulose fibres.

    Click here for the care tips for our products made from MMCFs.

    OUR SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

    We are aware that as a fashion company we have a very special responsibility. In order to conserve our earth's scarce resources and preserve the future viability of people, animals and nature, we are increasingly focusing on the use of sustainable materials that meet our high quality standards - such a valuable part of our DNA.

    At Marc Cain, materials and fibres are considered sustainable if they actually have a lower environmental impact or better social impact than their conventional counterparts. The prerequisite for this is that the material is certified according to an internationally recognised sustainability standard that we accept.

    OUR GOAL OF MORE SUSTAINABLE COTTON

    In 2021, we set ourselves the goal of sourcing 50% more sustainable cotton by 2023. We already achieved this goal in 2022 and adjusted it immediately. Our new goal is 100% more sustainable cotton by 2025. By more sustainable cotton we mean Better Cotton, Supreme Green Cotton®, organic cotton and recycled cotton. We also regularly analyse any human rights risks associated with the procurement of cotton. Based on this, we stipulate in our supplier contract that the cotton for our products must not originate from the risk areas we have identified and take concrete steps to continuously increase transparency regarding cotton in our supply chain.

    WE CREATE TRANSPARENCY ON THE USE OF OUR MORE SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

    We have been participating in Textile Exchange's "Material Change Index" since 2019. in 2023, this was renamed "Materials Benchmark". The aim of the benchmark is to find out and report on how the textile industry is progressing in the transition to more sustainable materials. This also makes it possible to determine the extent to which the industry is aligned with global efforts such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) and is driving forward the transition to a circular economy. At the same time, companies gain an insight into the current industry comparison.
    The results of all participating companies can be viewed at the following link: https://mci.textileexchange.org/change-index/.