August 1, 2007 - Jonano Joins the Colorgrown Revolution
Jonäno joins the Colorgrown Revolution
Two centuries ago Robert Owen fathered the cooperative movement, envisioning a system whereby members could achieve a better working and living environment and access to education for themselves and their children. Today, this revolutionary idea is growing strong and cutting edge organic clothing companies like Jonäno are choosing collective manufacturing alternatives for their production.
American designer Bonnie Siefers has incorporated the unique design elements of traditional northern Brazilian handicrafts such as embroidery, macramé and labyrinth in her latest, LIVE WELL COLLECTION. Scandinavian-sleek is given a taste of Rio in this newest of Jonäno collections with influences drawn from Brazil. By selecting a cooperative-based, socially responsible and “low impact” method of production, Jonäno supports economic equality.
Jonäno’s newest addtions to eColorgrown Collections will debut on the runway at ECOLLECTION in Vegas this August. Highlighting their newest collection are designer dresses created in colorgrown cottons. Over 400 strong artisans have been chosen to produce these naturally colorful designs. For the past seven years, the cooperative method has thrived in north eastern Brazil. In the 1980’s, the Brazilian Agriculture and Livestock Research Company (EMBRAPA) helped researchers collect the unique seeds of cotton plants that led the way to colorgrown organic cotton.
The first variety of colored-fiber cotton originated from a selection of these seeds collected in the Northeast and is known as BRS 200, and whose fiber is light brown in color. Therefore, the actual existing variety of colored fiber in cottonseeds in the Northeast was used for the synthesis of this cultivation. The resulting cotton is not only chemical free and available in a host of color varieties, but also has led to a social and economic network of farmers and artisans.
Colorgrowns do not require chemical processing, thereby reducing water and energy costs, as well as reducing the quantity of effluents that would need to be treated. Chemical dyes, when misused, can pose health and environmental risks. Chemical dyeing processes are often highly pollutant, generating residues with high concentrations of salts and kelp, amongst other substances; chemical bleaching generates residues with humectants, salts, caustic soda, peroxide and neutralizers. Even with treatment , around 15% of the residuals escape into Earths fragile ecosystem.
With colorgrowns, no chemical dying, bleaching or treatment is necessary to create the beautiful palette of colors and hues now available/ colors range from creamy white to sage green - camel beiges to russet brown. Colorgrowns are both strong and soft to the touch. Colorgrown cotton is quickly establishing unique market leverage, and though cultivation requires a greater investment upfront to achieve the desired colors organically, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Colorgrown cotton farmers are receiving a higher price for the organic cotton he/she cultivates enabling these families to earn a better living on the limited acreage they cultivate.
Jonäno, a socially and environmentally responsible company, has chosen a cooperatively-based manufacturing solution in Brazil that invests in local businesses, employs local people and supports small farmers that grow organic cotton. Production is independently certified by Instituto Biodinamico (IBD). IBD and recognized by IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement) and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). Product certification is accepted in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan.
A leader in sustainable production, Jonäno has chosen its work partnership with Consórcio Natural Fashion of Brazil in support of their efforts to attain social independence.
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