BE PART- GLOSSARY
This GLOSSARY should help you to better understand the “sustainability world”. From buzz words like Carbon Footprint or Circularity to company specific headlines like “Culture of Consciousness”. If you always thought “nice word, but what does it mean” you are completely right here. In case you can’t find any word, please let us know via BEPART@tom-tailor.com.
A
BEPI stands for Business Environmental Performance Initiative and is a business-driven initiative that helps companies to improve their environmental performance and sustainability in their supply chains. It provides a framework for companies to measure, manage and report on their environmental performance. TOM TAILOR is a member of amfori BEPI since 2019.
The amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is a leading global business-driven initiative for companies committed to improving working conditions in their global supply chains. TOM TAILOR is a committed amfori BSCI member.
amfori BSCI Code of Conduct:
amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative Code of Conduct refers to a set of guidelines and standards that member companies must follow to ensure that their supply chains are ethically and socially responsible.
B
BCI (Better Cotton Initiative):
TOM TAILOR is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative since 2016. By buying Cotton styles, more sustainable cotton farming is supported. Learn more: HTTPS://BETTERCOTTON.ORG/LEARNMORE
Better Cotton:
Cotton that is grown according to the standards of the Better Cotton Initiative, which promotes sustainable cotton production.
Bionic Finish® Eco:
Bionic finish is a textile finishing treatment that imitates the natural water-repellent abilities of plants and animals. It is considered an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical-based finishes. TOM TAILOR is using the bionic finish on jackets for water-repellency reasons.
C
Carbon Emissions:
Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere because of human activities. These emissions are a major driver of climate change and primarily stem from the burning of fossil fuels, industry, transportation, and agriculture.
Carbon Footprint:
The carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions directly or indirectly caused by a person, organization, product, or activity. It includes emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, production and transportation of goods, and other human activities contributing to global warming. TOM TAILOR evaluates its carbon footprint since 2019.
Carbon Neutral:
Carbon neutral or net zero carbon refers to the state where the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released is equal to the amount that is removed or neutralized from the atmosphere. This is achieved by reducing emissions and implementing carbon sequestration or offsetting measures.
Circularity:
The idea of circularity is to create a closed-loop system where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and products are designed for reuse, repair, and recycling.
CleanDye:
Clean dye is a process of coloring textiles that eliminates the need for water and toxic chemicals, minimizing environmental impact.
Code of Conduct:
We at TOM TAILOR stick to the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct which is a set of guidelines and standards that member companies must stick to, to ensure that their supply chains are ethically and socially responsible.
Code of Ethics:
A Code of Ethics is a set of principles and standards that outline acceptable behavior for individuals or organizations. We at TOM TAILOR developed our own Code of Ethics which our business partners have to commit to.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
CSR refers to the responsibility of companies to consider social and environmental impacts beyond their economic activities. It involves adhering to ethical standards, promoting social justice, protecting the environment, and making positive contributions to society. Companies practicing CSR consider the interests of employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment.
Culture of Consciousness:
One of seven focus areas of our BE PART 360° sustainability strategy. It is about the awareness of the negative impact of the fashion industry and the fact that everyone can contribute to make a positive impact.
E
Eco Wash:
Eco wash is a textile finishing process that uses less water and chemicals than traditional methods. It is often used in conjunction with other sustainable practices to reduce the environmental impact of textile production and especially for denim jeans.
EIM = “Environmental Impact Measurement” evaluates the environmental impact of a garment in four categories: water consumption, energy consumption, chemical use and impact on the health of workers. The score shows three evaluation level “low”, “medium” and “high”. Since fall/winter 2023, we have been showing the EIM Score on every denim.
F
Fair and Equal Working Conditions:
One of seven focus areas of our sustainability strategy BE PART. This is about equal opportunities and equality regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or other personal characteristics.
Flax:
Flax is a natural fiber derived from the stems of the flax plant. It is used to produce linen fabric, which is known for its strength, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Flax cultivation requires less water and pesticides compared to other crops, making it a more sustainable choice in the textile industry.
G
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS):
A certification that ensures that textile products are made with organic materials and produced according to social and environmental criteria.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI):
The GRI Standards are a set of guidelines that help companies report on their sustainability performance. The latest version, GRI Standards 2021, includes updated reporting requirements on topics such as climate change, human rights, and anti-corruption.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
A certification that ensures that products contain a minimum amount of recycled materials and are produced according to social and environmental criteria.
Green Value Chain:
One of seven focus areas of our sustainability strategy BE PART. The approach is to minimize the ecological footprint of our business activities. Topics like CO2 footprint tracking, transportation types, more sustainable production processes belong to this focus area.
H
Hemp:
Hemp is a plant that is used to make a variety of products, including textiles, paper, and building materials. Hemp is known for being a fast-growing and sustainable crop that requires minimal pesticides and herbicides.
I
IWTO/AWEX Test Certificate:
A certification that ensures that wool products have been produced according to animal welfare standards, including non-mulesing of sheep.
L
Linen:
Linen is a natural fiber obtained from the flax plant. It is one of the oldest fibers and is often used to produce textiles such as bed linens, clothing, and towels. Linen is durable, breathable, and eco-friendly as it is made from renewable resources.
Viscose is a soft, breathable material with a silky look. It is made from a wood-based cellulose fiber, treated with chemicals, filtered and spun into threads. About 15% of our garments are made from viscose. As a plant-based fiber, viscose is not inherently harmful to the environment. The LENZING™ company has developed a sustainable viscose production process: Water and chemicals are recycled for the most part. This means for LENZING™-ECOVERO™ fibers: 50% less emissions and water consumption each compared to conventional viscose.
Lyocell:
Lyocell is a fiber made from cellulose and is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fibers. It is produced through a closed-loop process where solvents are reused. Lyocell is soft, breathable, and biodegradable.
M
Manufacturing Restricted Substance List (MRSL):
The MRSL is a list of chemicals that are restricted from being used in the manufacturing process of textiles, leather, and footwear products. The list is maintained by the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) program, and it includes substances that are known to be harmful to human health or the environment. The MRSL is part of TOM TAILORs chemical management handbook.
MBRC® the ocean is a non-profit organization dedicated to ridding oceans, beaches and coastlines of plastic. MBRC® organizes ocean clean-up events worldwide to collect plastic waste and have it recycled. We are proud of our strong partnership - Protecting our oceans is our common goal.
Mindful Product Design:
One of our seven focus areas of the sustainability strategy BE PART. This includes the use of sustainable materials and innovative production processes and extends to communication on the product (e.g. hangtags, signs, labels). Ideally, all sustainable attributes of the product should be communicated without generating waste.
Minimum Wages:
The lowest legal wage that an employer can pay their employees. By signing the amfori Code of Conduct, our suppliers commit to pax at least minimum wages in their factories.
Modal:
Modal is a type of semi-synthetic fiber made from natural cellulose, often derived from beech trees. It is soft, breathable, and has high moisture absorption. Modal is commonly used in the production of clothing and home textiles.
More Sustainable Fashion:
At TOM TAILOR, we use the term "more sustainable fashion”. This is our way of expressing that no matter how sustainable and environmentally friendly our products are made, they can never be 100% sustainable. The awareness that every new product leaves an ecological footprint and pollutes the environment, no matter how resource-efficiently it is manufactured, is therefore all present.
Mulesing:
Mulesing is the removal of the skin around the tail of sheep without pain. It is a common practice in Australia to prevent infestation with fly maggots (myiasis). Mulesing is a controversial practice on which there are many differing opinions. According to the National Farmers Federation, it is the most effective way to minimize the risk of myiasis, which would otherwise kill 3,000,000 sheep annually. The animal rights organization PETA is strictly against mulesing, saying it is a cruel and painful method. We at Tom Tailor clearly distance ourselves from this method and only use certified wool (IWTO/AWEX test certificate), which excludes mulesing.
N
Nylon:
Nylon is a synthetic fiber made from polymers. It is known for its strength, durability, and elasticity. Nylon is used in the textile industry for various applications such as clothing, sportswear, and accessories.
O
OEKO-TEX®:
Oeko-Tex is a certification system for textiles that ensures products have been tested for harmful substances and meet specific standards of environmental sustainability. Oeko-Tex certified fabrics are tested for their safety and sustainability to ensure they have no negative impacts on human health or the environment. OEKO-TEX® MADE IN GREEN
Our Way to Circularity:
One of seven focus areas of our sustainability strategy BE PART. Our circular economy journey describes how TOM TAILOR plans to transition to a circular economy by reducing waste, increasing resource efficiency and developing products for reuse, repair and recycling.
Organic Cotton:
Cotton that is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
P
PETA Approved Vegan refers to products that have been certified by the animal rights organization PETA as being vegan. These products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals. They provide an ethical alternative for consumers seeking animal-friendly products.
Post-Consumer Waste (PCW):
Post-consumer waste refers to waste materials that are generated after being used and disposed of by the consumer. In the textile industry, post-consumer waste can include recycled clothing or fabric remnants that can be reused to create new products.
Post-Industrial Waste (PIW):
Post-Industrial Waste refers to waste materials generated during the industrial production process before reaching the consumer. This can include excess materials, production scraps, or defective products. Sustainable practices involve minimizing this waste and incorporating recycled or reused materials into the production process.
R
REACH regulation:
A European Union regulation that aims to reduce the use of chemicals in industrial processes.
Recycled Cotton:
Cotton that has been reprocessed and reused.
Recycled Polyester:
Recycled polyester is a type of polyester made from recycled plastic bottles or other post-consumer plastic waste. It is a sustainable alternative to traditional polyester, as it helps reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
Recycled wool:
Recycled wool is made from post-consumer woolen textiles and waste wool fibers that are collected, sorted, and then reprocessed into new yarn.
REPREVE® & REPREVE® Our Ocean ™:
REPREVE® is a brand of recycled polyester fiber made from post-consumer plastic bottles. REPREVE® Our Ocean™ is a premium collection of fiber and resin sourced from bottles at high risk of entering the ocean. REPREVE® & REPREVE® Our Ocean ™ are both brands of the company Unifi Inc.
Recycled Down:
Recycled down is a term used for down insulation that is obtained from pre-existing down products. The collected down is cleaned and reused in new products. Using Recycled down reduces the need for new down and decreases waste. A well-known certification standard is the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) by Textile Exchange.
Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS):
The Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) label ensures the marketing of textiles that focus on alpaca animal welfare and land management. The RAS label guarantees better land management practices. Respect for the animal welfare of alpacas (breeding, shearing, end of life). Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) - Textile Exchange
Responsible Down Standard:
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is a certification system for down and feathers from Textile Exchange. It ensures that the birds providing the down were treated humanely and that the production adheres to ethical and sustainable standards. The RDS promotes animal welfare and transparency in the down industry. Responsible Down Standard (RDS) - Textile Exchange
Responsible Mohair Standard:
The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) ensures the welfare of goats for mohair production. The RMS label guarantees better land management practices as well as respect for the animal welfare of the goats (rearing, shearing, end of life). Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) - Textile Exchange
Responsible Wool Standard:
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a certification system for wool from Textile Exchange. It establishes criteria to ensure that the sheep producing the wool were treated well and that the environmental impact of wool production is minimized. The RWS promotes sustainability and animal welfare in the wool industry. Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) - Textile Exchange
Responsibly Sourced Products:
One of seven focus areas of our sustainability strategy BE PART. This is about using more sustainable materials that are produced and sourced in compliance with social and environmental standards. It is about certificates to make the origin of products traceable and transparency and traceability in the supply chain. Animal welfare is also part of it.
S
Supply Chain Due Diligence act:
The Supply Chain Due Diligence act came into force on January 1st 2023 (2nd phase: January 1st 2024; depending on the company size). The act regulates corporate responsibility for the observance of human rights and environmental responsibility in global supply chains. This includes, for example, protection against child labor, the right to fair wages as well as environmental protection. This benefits people in the supply chains, companies and also consumers.
T
A fibre obtained from wood. The raw material comes from sustainably managed forests. Closed-loop manufacturing process in which water and 99% of chemicals are recycled. EU Ecolabel certified.
Transparent Communication:
At TOM TAILOR, we defined transparent communication as one of seven focus areas of our BE PART sustainability strategy. Transparent communication is the practice of openly sharing information and being honest about actions and decisions.
Take-Back System:
A Take Back System refers to a system where consumers can return their used products to the manufacturer or retailer for recycling or proper disposal. It takes responsibility for the end-of-life phase of products and promotes a circular economy. Together with our partner TEXAID, we at TOM TAILOR are introducing such a take-back system in stationary retail and online from autumn / winter 2023.
V
Viscose:
Viscose is a semi-synthetic fiber derived from natural cellulose. It is commonly used in the textile industry. However, viscose production can involve environmentally harmful chemicals. Sustainable production methods for viscose focus on responsible chemical management and minimizing environmental impacts.
X
Xinjiang Cotton:
Xinjiang is the largest cotton farming area in China, accounting for about 20% of the world's cotton production and 80% of China's domestic cotton production. Critics of the industry's practices have alleged widespread human rights abuses, prompting global boycotts.
Z
Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC):
A program that aims to eliminate the discharge of hazardous chemicals from the textile industry.
