Member Spotlight: Libeco Home
What is Libeco Home? Well, for starters, they’re among the largest linen weaving mills in Europe! On their website they sell everything from table linens to bedding to bath towels. Here are a few fun facts about their brand & the flax plant that we think you’ll find interesting:
Fun Fact #1: Flax is one of the oldest textile fibers in the world (it’s what’s used to make linen products like the ones on their website). The oldest woven garment dates back to the time of Ancient Egypt, approximately 5000 years ago. Sustainable linen products were brought to Europe through trade and around the 13th century, Western Europe had become the world’s center for the flax industry, peaking in the 1800s.
Fun Fact #2: The flax plant grows best in Western Europe. The temperate climate in this region ensures the ideal alternation of sun and rain for a large and strong plant. The longer and stronger the fiber, the better the quality of the linen.
Fun Fact #3: More than 75% of flax fibers used worldwide to weave linen fabric come from France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Fun Fact #4: In terms of sustainability, linen is the champion. The plant doesn’t require irrigation and hardly any plant-protection products. The fiber is harvested through natural processes and all other parts of the plant are used for the production of, for instance, food, paper, or insulation material. This is what the company deems as a “no waste policy” - every bit of the plant used for their products is utilized in one way or another.
Fun Fact #5: Libeco’s mill is fully powered by green energy and they only select partners who make high demands in terms of ecology for the finishing of their fabrics.
Fun Fact #6: As a natural fiber, flax contains minimal traces of allergens! If you have sensitive skin, they highly recommend their Heritage collection (it’s organic and GOTS certified).
Fun Fact #7: All Libeco Home products carry the Belgian Linen label. This label guarantees that a company’s linen is woven in Belgium and consists of European flax fibers. Only six weavers in the world may use this label!
Fun Fact #8: They have also received the Masters of Linen stamp for their products. It guarantees that a company’s linen is made entirely in Europe, from flax to fabric. And only 19 European weavers meet these stringent conditions (this number includes Libeco).