We’re making sustainability part of our tradition.
Liberty has been going for nearly 150 years and we want to make sure it remains sustainable for the future. That’s why we’re taking action to transform our products, processes and packaging.
We’re using our culture of innovation to pioneer ways to shrink any negative environmental impact – from resource-saving printing processes, to introducing packaging and fabrics that are kinder to the environment.
To support wider action to make the apparel sector more sustainable, we’re also backing industry-wide sustainability initiatives from farm to finished product. These include the Better Cotton Initiative, Global Organic Textile Standard, Global Recycled Standard and FSC® certification.
Our Products
Introducing Eco-friendly Fabrics
The future of our famous fabrics depends on innovation and creativity – not only in their designs, but in the way they use natural resources.
We’re leading the way with a Responsible Collection that reimagines some of our signature fabrics. Choices include an organic version of our world-famous Tana Lawn cotton, grown without using synthetic chemicals and woven in line with strict environmental guidelines.
Other new fabrics are made with wood pulp and hemp – all raw materials that regenerate naturally. We source these materials from forests that have a recognised certification to demonstrate they are well managed. Then we turn them into fabrics using environmentally responsible production processes. And when they wear out, they can be composted, shrinking their environmental footprint even more.
We’re also trialling innovative materials that recycle plastic waste like old fishing nets that would otherwise pollute the world’s oceans. These include Econyl, a recycled nylon made from post-consumer waste that can be reused over and over using a special process.
Our Processes
Pioneering Printing Technology
Liberty has led the way on fabric innovation since we began printing our own designs over a century ago. Today, we’re using this expertise to pioneer cutting-edge printing technology that’s better for the environment.
We print most of our fabrics at our own mill Stamperia Olonia on the shores of Lake Como, Italy – the historic centre of the European textile industry.
Our skilled technicians use digital textile printing to produce stunning designs on linen, chambray and our signature Tana Lawn® cotton. This digital textile printing uses less water and just 10% of the volume of ink that would be needed for traditional screen printing.
Two-thirds of the chemicals used in our printing processes are approved by the Global Organic Textile Standard. This means they are low in toxicity, easy to biodegrade and contain nothing hazardous.
We’re also improving our mill processes in other ways to reduce the amount of water and energy we use. Our printing machines re-use the water we wash fabrics in. We’re changing the way we wash colour canisters to cut water use further. And LED lights and other efficient equipment reduces the amount of energy we need to run our mill.
We’re always looking for ways to do even better. Current activities include exploring the potential to use solar power and new ways to recycle textile waste.
Water
Flip card overTo minimise the use of water in the printing process, the printing machines recover water used for washing fabrics, re-using it for the first wash of the colour pumps.
Energy
Flip card overA heat exchanger has been installed to pre-warm water used in the washing process, minimising the energy used at this final stage. Across the site, LED lights are being installed on an ongoing basis.
Chemical Waste
Flip card overThroughout the year, Liberty facilitates random tests to assess the presence of Restricted Substances from the RSL of REACH. In 2020, the printing mill used 522,122 kg of products in its printing process. Of these, 351,708 kg (67%) comprise of GOTS-approved chemical inputs.
Our Packaging
Packaging is essential to make sure our products reach customers in pristine condition. We’re taking action to make our packaging more eco-friendly by making it reusable, recyclable or biodegradable wherever we can.
We use around 400,000 cardboard boxes every year. All of these are recyclable and biodegradable. So are the green plastic bubble wrap and paper bubble wrap rolls that keep shipped purchases safe and sound.
The green air pouches and green film we use for wrapping and protection are made of 95% recycled content and can be recycled again after use. And we’ve dramatically reduced the amount of plastic bags we use each year.
We’re also exploring how to make our iconic purple bags more eco-friendly. These are made by our supplier using FSC®-certified materials and other controlled sources. And we are working to make them fully recyclable as we constantly look for more and better ways to extend the life of our packaging.
Find out moreAnimal Welfare
We believe that no animals should be bred or slaughtered solely for purposes other than food production. Our Animal Welfare Policy sets out how we strive to safeguard animal welfare within our supply chains.
Animal Welfare Policy