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June 26, 2020

At LinenMe we pride ourselves on the top quality of our linen textile products. Which is why we are delighted to be recognised under the European Flax ® trademark – a mark of premium quality European linen and traceability established by the European Confederation of Flax and Hemp. So, what does this mean for you, our valued customer?

What is European Flax ®?

European linen (Photo Sebastien Rande / CELC)

This certification shows you that the linen fabric used in one of our linen garments or homewares has been sourced from high grade European linen. Tested for strength and sourcing, this linen comes from European flax, grown across the lowlands of Belgium, the Netherlands and Northern France. These coastal areas have the perfect conditions for growing the finest flax: cool, damp climate, rich soil and a strong history of flax growing expertise. Europe is the world's number 1 producer of linen fibre, which is not only used in textiles but in a huge range of industries. You can find European flax fibres in surfboards, tennis rackets and insulation, to name but a few ways this incredibly versatile fabric is used.

Flax has been cultivated and used for thousands of years. The earliest known evidence comes from a cave and dates back to 36000BC, where traces of linen fibres were found in what appeared to be textiles. Now linen is one of the most luxurious and charming home textile fabrics, beloved for its natural creases, softness and durability.

European linen: a sustainable choice

european flax production(Photo Sebastien Rande / CELC)

When you buy a product crafted from certified European linen you're buying something that helps reduce our global carbon footprint. Flax helps soil renew, captures CO2, uses just rainwater and requires no additional irrigation, fertilisers or pesticides for the 100-day growing cycle. The mechanical extraction process is environmentally friendly, and it's a wholly vegan fabric.

A Commission report to the Council and European Parliament in 2008 stated: 'Flax and hemp crops have positive effects on the diversity of agricultural ecosystems and landscapes... and offer a welcome pause for the quality of the soil.' Few other fabrics can claim to actually help support the environment in which they grow.

The benefits of European linen

As well as impeccable environmental credentials, European linen fabric production employs a large number of people in rural areas with little other industry.

It is also beneficial for you. Linen is hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial and highly absorbent, thanks to the natural pectins that allow the fibres to absorb and release up to 20% of their weight in water. This means that linen clothes and sheets will not only wick moisture away from your skin, they will also help regulate your body temperature too. Which makes for comfort and better sleep cycles.

Linen is strong and supple, getting better with each use and wash. Investing in a top quality European linen product is an investment in longevity.

european linen fabric
(Photo Sebastien Rande / CELC)

So, you can see why we are proud to be part of the certified European flax producing and manufacturing community. We hope you love your LinenMe products as much as we love creating creating them.

To watch a video celebrating flax in all its glory go here, or read more about sustainable linen here.

All images @CELC – European Federation of Flax and Hemp – www.europeanflax.com

 

Elizabeth M Burke
2021-11-15

Trying to find a linen fabric of orange and white or natural stripes. I want one that is fairly light weight. Have been searching long and hard, but orange, and I really want a lighter orange, such as a tangerine, is apparently not easy to find. I want the stripes to be about wider than a 1/2 inch. I have an old table cloth of almost sheer orange and white linen ...it's lovely. Can't find anything like it anymore.

linenme_23
2022-01-27

Hi Elizabeth,

Take a look at LinenBeauty. It offers probably the widest range of linen fabrics on the net.

Inga

In reply to by Elizabeth M Burke (not verified)

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