Local production, hyper localised supply chains, local Donut economies, locally sourced materials: as we reach this decade’s halfway point, it is becoming increasingly obvious that true fashion sustainability can only be achieved if brands refocus on local, community values.
Why? Because externalising environmental impacts onto poorer communities in the global south is no longer acceptable (it never was). Moreover, only at a local level can brands work together with their communities to create products that genuinely care for people and planet.
Our ethical knits epitomise this locally-minded approach. Every thread is grounded in rich culture and artisanship, fine-tuned over centuries in European locations like Donegal, Ireland, and the Alps. Come behind the scenes with us as we reveal the secrets of our new Winter Collection’s sustainable knits.
Donegal Yarn: Irish Warmth & Irresistible Charm
Donegal is a mythical place on the wild Irish west coast. Battered by the winds and waves that whip off the Atlantic ocean, the people who call it home have for generations lived at one with the ocean. Originally a cottage industry that began in the 1800s, wool spinning, weaving and knitting are etched into the fabric of this tight knit (no pun intended) community.
Always eager to tap into this wealth of knowledge and locally driven sustainability, TWOTHIRDS sources precious mulesing-free yarns from a mill in the village of Kilcar, a place that is world-renowned for its Donegal Yarn. Each of our ethical winter knits made from Donegal Yarn come with their very own label of authenticity.
While yarns crafted further afield than Europe are often created by a faceless army of underpaid workers, Donegal Yarn is a far more personal affair. Their team consists of two wool specialists (Gerard and Seamus), a dye house manager (Joseph), a blending specialist (Seamus), and a carding engineer (Timmy), all ably supported by a dedicated back office team that includes the lovely Maureen, who sent us these incredible photos and videos (thanks again Maureen!).
When you buy a TWOTHIRDS eco-friendly knit you can rest assured that you’re supporting workers, rather than lining the pockets of a slum factory owner on the other side of the planet. Aside from local production and priceless heritage, Donegal Yarn is also produced to the highest sustainability standards. All their yarns are crafted from mulesing-free wool and are Woolmark Certified.
Schoeller Undyed Yarn: Untouched Austrian Beauty
From Western Europe to Eastern Europe now, Schoeller yarns are crafted in the stunning Austrian alpine region of Vorarlberg. Founded in 1849, this is a company whose local community roots run deep.
While Schoeller produces a range of different premium yarns, the ones we’ve totally fallen in love with are their Loden Nature Undyed range. These incredible yarns feature zero dyes, relying instead on the naturally occurring colours that appear in a sheep’s wool. The benefits of this are that absolutely no water or chemicals are used, which ensures that each knit’s water and chemical footprint is virtually eradicated.
Another quirk of using such untreated yarn is that it gives each and every knit a point of difference, with colours varying from one piece to another, meaning that all items are totally unique. While all TWOTHIRDS sustainable knits are designed to last a lifetime, ocean lovers can also rest assured that pieces from our Undyed range are 100% biodegradable, thanks to their lack of reliance on dyes and chemicals (which often render wool knits non-biodegradable).
The Search for the Most Sustainable Yarns Continues
We couldn’t be happier with the way that our Donegal and Undyed knits have turned out, but this doesn’t mean that our dedicated team of eco designers can rest easy. Their search for the most locally based sustainable yarns continues. It should also not be forgotten that many TWOTHIRDS sustainable knits are made using zero raw materials – crafted instead from luxury-grade deadstock materials we salvage from local suppliers in and around Barcelona. Check them out here!
