Although it is not always easy, we are constantly looking for ways and means to be true to our values. We are a Czech, responsible clothing brand and we are trying to return to quality European production.
So, for example, fabrics... Did you know that ours, from a certain level of processing, are still produced in the Czech Republic? And you want to see how? Go through our entire photo reportage of fabric production and take a look at the background of the local fashion brand ELKA LOUNGE.
Yes, it is a "heavy" industry, it is not an easy job and it carries a trace of history and heritage that is gradually shifting. A lot of machines, spaces, people who imprint human traces on fabrics. We do not write about the fact that this is not the case. We do not simplify anything.
We take it from the ground up
one of the principles of locality and sustainability is to try to return important parts of the business to smaller local centers. Yes, it would be easier to have everything made in China, but that's not our #elkastyle. We enjoy gradually innovating, helping to employ people in decent conditions, with European standards and a lower impact on ecology and human health.
In today's episode we visit one of our fabric suppliers. This manufacturer, like most European ones, imports yarn from countries that have suitable growing conditions in terms of climate (France, Spain, but also only in Latvia, for example, and of course cotton in Asia or South America, if the plant there thrives and the supplier meets responsible conditions, why not). And here in the Czech Republic, it turns it into a finished product - premium fabrics. Dozens of individual operations, dozens of machines, Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certification, repeated capture of colors for the greatest possible use, careful care of storage, waste management and production in the Czech Republic. All these operations cost something and this is also the reason why substances must be produced in a certain minimum quantity - cost efficiency and also gradual changes towards more sustainable production.
Sit back and take a look under the hood of fabric production with us!
1. Woven fabric - ready for further printing and dyeing
2. Alignment of warp and weft
Before processing the fabric, the warp and weft must be straightened as much as possible to ensure the subsequent quality of the print and the regularity of the weave of the fabric.
This is what the equalization frame is for. He will make sure that the fabrics are level and the print is as it should be.
3. Dyeing or printing of fabrics
It looks simple, but it's not that simple. The printing and dyeing process and the overall use of dyes or inks is certified by the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 organization. The materials meet the highest level of quality Class I., i.e. the strictest health certification suitable for children from birth.
Printer, digital printing
Digital printing is suitable for multi-colored and complex patterns.
This is a more expensive method of fabric printing..
Rotary prints
For less demanding patterns, rotary printing is more suitable. This is also suitable for large-volume orders, because every one color, one printing template.
In the case of dyeing, the fabric is wound into dyeing machines, where the pressure gets the color through all the fibers.
Freshly printed or dyed fabric must be dried and then followed by color fixing processes so that the prints/colors remain in the fabric permanently.
4. Color fixation
Color fixation takes place in several parts:
Steamer - 1st phase of color fixation
Washing machine - 2nd phase of color fixation or washing off excess dyes
The machine you see in the photos is really a museum piece, but it still serves effectively, so why not.
5. Treatment room
Before our supplier delivers the fabric to us, it still needs to be properly dressed. It is not a substance like a substance. Each one has different properties and tastes different. Do you want flannel? It is necessary to use a comb that combs the material. :)
Easy care treatment plant
Tumbler
The fluffy softness of capri linen does not create itself either.
6. Final flavor treatment of the fabric
To make the fabrics softer or to meet different customer requirements for the desired finish. Here you can see the sanforization machine, which precipitates the substance and also gives a pleasantly soft taste.
Do you enjoy knowing more about the clothes you wear, which are the first layer to your skin? Follow our magazine, in the following parts we will focus on other production processes. We try to keep them as local as possible from A to Z and improve them step by step with our partners.