Flat rate $5 shipping on all US orders

Our Journey to Sustainability


We are committed to transparency and giving you products that are both socially and environmentally responsible from beginning to end. We are excited to share the many ways we are accomplishing that, on our journey to sustainability. 

 

We Primarily Use Textiles from Oeko-Tex Certified Mills:

Our pieces are mainly created from fabric that is from an Oeko-Tex certified mills. 

OEKO-TEX is an environmental certification system relating to the entire textile production process. In order for a product to be awarded the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certificate, it must undergo rigorous testing which ensures its production process is harmless in human ecological terms. 

A fabric can only be awarded the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certificate if it meets a strict set of environmental criteria which go far beyond the necessary legal requirements. The end result? Peace of mind for both us and our clients.

What is it about STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certified fabrics that makes them a better choice?

The Oeko-Tex 100 - Confidence in Textiles label - is used to distinguish products that feature all the advantages of modern textiles and of course post no health risks to the consumer.

STANDARD 100 certification controls the use of chemicals used in the production process, as well as ensuring that there are no harmful substances remaining in the end product which could irritate/damage the skin or when washed, release any harmful residues.

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX is one of the world’s best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety. STANDARD 100 certification means that environmental factors are given careful consideration at every stage of the production process.

This means that the use of chemicals is closely monitored and the criteria for certification is updated every year. 

How is the Product Assessed?

Independent testing institute’s carefully analyse products against extensive production requirements that go well beyond legal standards required for textile-goods production and are weilded worldwide with updates being made annually to ensure that they conform to the latest developments in technology and science.

Oeko-tex testing programs are customised to assess the materials, agents and Dye-stuffs used in production. Products need to be colourfast, free of any allergenic materials, have no presence of harmful substances and deemed safe for any emission of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the home’s air quality before the item can attain the distinction of an Oeko-Tex confidence in textiles label.

Safe for Skin Contact

When choosing fabrics for use especially for loungewear garments, a key factor is to consider any detrimental effects they may have on the skin. Through rigorous testing, it has been proved that no harmful chemicals are released from our fabrics. The greater the amount of skin contact to the textile during use, the more stringent the standards used to test it ie; Children’s toys, clothing and soft furnishings are tested to a higher level of scrutiny, using more than 100 parameters as a basis for carefully analysing the products suitability for this level of certification.

STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX is a globally standardized, independent testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate & end products of all processing stages and accessory materials used.

 

Hand Picking Sustainable and Low-Impact Fabric:

Our products are created with sustainable textiles + low- impact fibres.

What is Lyocell? How is it made & why is it sustainable?

Lyocell fibers have gained a commendable reputation for many reasons and it has been crowned the luxury fabric of sustainability. But what is Lyocell? In a nutshell- it is wood. The fibers originate from the renewable raw material wood, created by photosynthesis. Lyocell fibers help to maintain the environmental balance by being integrated into nature’s cycle.

The production of lyocell doesn’t use toxic chemicals. Within the solvent (which is non acidic) spinning process that produces Lyocell, a closed loop circuit recovers, purifies and reuses the solvent up to 99%, yielding very little byproduct. With its environmentally responsible closed loop production process, which transforms wood pulp into cellulosic fibers with high resource efficiency and low environmental impact, the fibers are certified as compostable and biodegradable- and thus can fully revert back to nature. Consumers can have the assurance that their fashion choices are not contributing to an adverse impact on the environment.

Favorite Aspect of Lyocell- it is Anti-Bacterial resulting in fewer washes!

Lyocell is ideal (especially for robes) for its ability to absorb excess liquid (perspiration) and quickly release it into the atmosphere. It does this while being resistant to developing odors. The skin is the largest human respiratory organ. Lyocell supports the natural ability of the skin to act as a protective shell to regulate body temperature and maintain water balance. A subjective feeling of well-being depends considerably on moisture absorption and on surface structure of the fibers.

Nano fibrils are the key to the performance of lyocell. The nano fibrils are hydrophilic (a strong attraction to absorb water) and optimize absorption of moisture with excellent cooling properties by releasing moisture to the air. Lyocell controls and regularly absorbs moisture, 50% more than cotton and even more than wool. Lyocell prevents the growth of bacteria (which causes odors) naturally without the addition of chemical treatment which may cause allergic reaction and are environmentally-unfriendly. Bacterial growth is prevented through the fiber’s moisture management. When moisture is produced it is directly absorbed from the skin and transported to the inside of the fiber. Thus no water film is produced on the skin where bacteria could grow. Clothes remain odor free for multiple wears, this also means fewer washings and saving on water and energy as well as on the wear and tear that occurs on any fabric from the washing and drying processes.

We could go on and on about why lyocell is such an amazing fabric not just for you but also for the environment. So we will make this more simple:

  • Lyocell is a sustainable fabric made from renewable raw wood 
  • It is 100% biodegradable and compostable
  • Lyocell is made using a “closed loop” process which means that the chemicals used in production do not get released into the environment
  • The certified bio-based fibers are manufactured using an environmentally responsible production process
  • Lyocell is breathable, strong and gentle on skin with a soft, silky texture
  • It is anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic 
  • 50% more absorbent than cotton

What is Lenzing EcoVero? How is it made & why is it sustainable?

You can be assured that your fashion choices are sensitive to environmental concerns. Manufactured only from certified and controlled wood sources and produced with significantly lower fossil energy use and water than generic viscose, Lenzing EcoVero branded viscose fibers are certified with the internationally recognized EU Ecolabel. This label of environmental excellence is only awarded to products and services, which have a significantly lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle: from raw material extraction to production, distribution and disposal. 

Key Benefits:

  • Up to 50% lower emissions & water impact than generic viscose 

The manufacturing of Lenzing EcoVero fibers generates up to 50% lower emissions and water impact compared to generic Viscose. 

  • Sustainable wood and pulp sourcing/procurement

Lenzing EcoVero fibers are produced using pulp, which is derived from the renewable resource wood as raw material.  Lenzing purchases wood and pulp derived from responsibly managed forests and certified to come from sustainable sources.

  • Supply chain transparency

A special manufacturing system enables Lenzing EcoVero viscose fibers to be identified in the final product, even after long textile processing and conversion steps through the value chain. 

 

Manufacturing + Production:

Producing our clothes locally right here in California and working with our local artisans not only ensures that employees are paid fair wages but that factory working conditions are safe and healthy. Working with local manufacturers also helps lower carbon emissions as there is less travel required of goods from the factory to us. 

  • No mass production. We produce in limited quantities with a small batch manufacturer based out of Los Angeles, CA. No excess stock results in less waste. 
  • With our zero-waste mentality we love to find ways to repurpose our remnants (left over fabric). This is what inspired our accessories collection, we wanted to ensure that we use as much of our left over fabric as possible. We work with local artisans right here across Bay Area, CA. 

 

Packaging + Shipping:

Offsetting our carbon footprint as a company is important to us, which is why we have decided to ship our products to our customers using bags vs boxes and rethinking our packaging as a whole to reduce waste as much as we can. By shipping our products in mailers instead of boxes, we are the reducing weight and size of our packages during transit, therefore we are taking up less space- lowering carbon emissions.

Mailers + Garment Bags: 

All of our mailers and garment bags are 100% compostable and biodegradable:

  • Made out of corn starch (from corn not fit for consumption), PLA (Polylactide, which is made from waste corn too and other plants), and PBAT (Polybutyrate Adipate Terephthalate), biodegradable material made from renewable plant material (starches such as corn husks, rice straw and wheat straw). .
  • 100% Compostable + Biodegradable: In a ‘standard’ home compost, the compostable courier satchels have been certified (AS5810 -2010) to biodegrade within 180 days, i.e.. approx. 6 months. Under commercial composting conditions, it would happen much faster, and as litter (e.g. under a tree) it would happen slower, but it will happen. They can even go into a worm farm, our eco-friendly packaging is certified home compostable AS 5810 which includes a worm toxicity test. 
  • This combination of materials represents a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional plastics, is non-toxic and contains no Phthalate or Bisphenol A (BPA).
  • The inputs to the products made in our mailers and garment bags are certified free of GMO material.

Tissue Paper Used in Packaging: 

  • FSC (Forest Stewardship Certified) FSC Certified

The FSC or Forest Stewardship Council certifies that the paper products are sourced from a forest and supply chain that is managed responsibly and sustainably. FSC forest management standards are developed at an international level, and are then adapted to individual countries’ legal, social, and geographical settings, through national standards.

  • Curbside recyclable

Brand Stickers Used in Packaging:

  • FSC (Forest Stewardship Certified) FSC Certified

The FSC or Forest Stewardship Council certifies that the paper products are sourced from a forest and supply chain that is managed responsibly and sustainably. FSC forest management standards are developed at an international level, and are then adapted to individual countries’ legal, social, and geographical settings, through national standards.

  • Acid Free Paper

Our paper stickers are made from cellulose fiber where the active acid pulp is eliminated during processing. The pulp is also lignin- and sulfur-free, meaning that our ink won’t transfer from the stickers and the paper won’t leave behind any of these chemicals when decomposing.

  • Soy-based Inks

Soy inks are an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based inks, made from soybeans, a renewable resource. While soy inks are slower to dry than many inks, the process produces more vibrant colors as well as having the added benefit of not leaving behind petroleum based products when decomposing. Finally, soy inks have low levels of VOCs, reducing air pollution during the drying process.

 

     

     

    If you have any questions or would like more information on our process please feel free to email us at info@omagesf.com. We would be happy to discuss further or answer any further questions you may have.