Natural fibres
Learn about Pilio’s work revitalising and revaluing heritage wool and natural coloured cotton, and explore our showcase brand, Nafi.
Why natural fibres?
Natural fibres like wool and cotton have been farmed for clothing for centuries, shaping our cultural histories. Today, millions of farmers continue to farm these fibres, though often their labour is not properly valued. We see the opportunity to revitalise natural fibres and to improve these existing fibre systems to create positive impacts for land and farmers.
UK heritage wool
Wool is one of the UK’s oldest industries. With over 60 diverse breeds in the UK, there are countless varieties and uses for the fibre. The current supply chain however is disjointed and doesn’t bring value to UK farmers.
Pilio aims to demonstrate the environmental, social, and cultural opportunities presented by wool fibre production. We see an immense opportunity for fashion to work with fibre producers at the farm level and to reconnect the full supply chain.
Our wool innovation work
We’ve worked with Bristol-based woven design studio Dash & Miller on innovation projects to create sustainable and traceable UK wool products from the farm level. We’ve taken a design-led and science-backed approach to make sure the products deliver to the priorities of both brands and farmers.
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Sourcing
We've worked with Rose Dale's Organic Farm to source regenerative Gotland sheep's wool. Rose's farm has achieved reduced carbon emissions, improved soil health, and enhanced biodiversity, all quantified by Pilio.
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Production
We worked with Dash & Miller to get the most from our wool by taking advantage of its unique properties from the design stage. Our wool was processed and spun in the UK and woven at Bristol Weaving Mill.
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Traceability
We worked with FibreTrace to incorporate their traceability technology for the first time at the wool farm level. At each step of the supply chain our wool can be tested to ensure its origin and verify its sustainability claims.
Explore further
Read more about our efforts to work with UK sheep farmers and supply chain to revitalise this natural fibre.
Pakistan natural coloured cotton
Alongside our Fashion Sustainability Insetting solution in Pakistan, Pilio and in-country partners SAMA^Verte are growing natural coloured cotton for textiles. This cotton varietal is indigenous to Pakistan, and is less environmentally taxing than conventional cotton. Natural coloured cotton requires less water and fewer pesticides, plus its rich natural colours (beige, brown and green) mean it doesn’t need harsh chemical dyes.
Pilio is working to commercialise this fibre and demonstrate how farming natural coloured cotton enables environmental and health benefits while increasing cotton crop diversity and resilience.
INTRODUCING
Pilio and partners SAMA^Verte have created a showcase brand to demonstrate what good looks like in natural fibre production. Our baby product line has been designed following sustainable practices, highlighting the quality and comfort that can be achieved with natural fibres.
Website coming soon
Get involved
Is your brand interested in working with responsibly and sustainably produced heritage UK wool or Pakistan natural coloured cotton? Contact us today to see how you can work with Pilio to source material for your collections.