Anyone who focuses on achieving a good sustainability balance in their own actions and consumption will sooner or later have to deal with the different materials that clothing is made of. Two variants in the Faedah Collection range are Japanese paper and organic cotton. Given our focus on environmental friendliness, it is no coincidence that we chose these two materials. They have great properties and, in some cases, a long history. Nevertheless, the question arises as to which of the two materials is better – time for a comparison.
Origin: Nature as the source
Japanese paper, also known as washi, originates traditionally from Japan and is made from the kozo bark of the mulberry tree, among other materials. The process is complex but sustainable, as the resources are renewable and the paper is usually produced without harmful chemicals or bleaching agents.
Organic cotton is produced in India, China and Turkey, for example. Although it uses less water than conventional cotton, its water requirements should not be underestimated. Intelligent irrigation systems and the avoidance of chemical fertilisers help to reduce its ecological footprint. Organic cotton has the upper hand thanks to its shorter transport routes – 0:1.
Manufacturing: Handcrafted and efficient
The production of Japanese paper is often still done by hand, from harvesting the raw materials to cleaning them, scooping and pressing. It is even listed as an intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site and is characterised by mindfulness. Organic cotton is not hand-scooped, but it is harvested by hand. After that, industrial production is common. Machines are generally used both for spinning the yarn and for processing it into clothing. This increases efficiency, but also energy consumption. Therefore, Japanese paper has a slight advantage in this regard – 1:1.
Haptics and optics: a question of feeling
It is not without reason that both are used, even in combination, in the clothing industry. Washi is stable and tear-resistant, yet light and finely structured. It is also durable, meaning that clothing made from it will last a long time if cared for properly. Combining both materials brings a number of advantages, as cotton is omnipresent in various items of clothing for good reason – from underwear to shirts. It is soft, breathable and feels pleasant on the skin. Both also come in beautiful and timeless designs, transforming them into timeless classics. Conclusion: No winner can be determined – points shared 2:2.
Areas of application and care: The requirements of the materials
Although Japanese paper is becoming increasingly popular, it is currently used mainly for accessories and small items of clothing such as socks. Cotton is much more versatile, as this all-rounder is not only the basis for various items of clothing, but also impresses in the field of home textiles. Cotton also has advantages in terms of care, as organic cotton is quite undemanding. It can be machine washed, ironed and often even tumble dried. Japanese paper requires a little more care, and wringing and strong friction in particular can damage the material. Advantage organic cotton: 2:3.
Direct comparison of sustainability aspects
When it comes to environmental impact, many factors come into play with clothing and the raw materials used to make it. For us at Faedah Collection, sustainability is one of the most important factors. So what are the strengths? Here is a summary comparison of the key areas of two very different materials:
|
Criterion |
Japanese paper |
Organic cotton |
|
Raw materials |
Kozo bark as a renewable raw material, perennial shrubs or trees, thus requiring very little land use |
Regular reseeding with fairly high land consumption |
|
Water consumption |
Low, use in damp environments |
Rather high, even though irrigation systems are making progress compared to traditional cotton. |
|
Chemicals |
Acid-free, as traditionally not treated with chemicals |
No use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers |
|
Energy consumption |
Handmade product, very low due to manual labour |
Higher, especially in machine production |
|
Transport routes |
Due to primary cultivation in Asia, usually very far |
May be shorter when ordering from Turkey |
|
Degradability |
Is easily compostable |
Also biodegradable and recyclable |
|
Social aspects |
Preserving a traditional craft |
Support for organic farming |
In a direct comparison, handmade Japanese paper performs slightly better, resulting in a score of 3:3. Nevertheless, organic cotton is definitely a sustainable material. It should also be noted that the global demand for clothing could hardly be met by washi alone – especially since it is usually combined with other fibres. Japanese paper stands for something special, for artistic craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is associated with a certain everyday comfort. Both are ideal for people who value the conservation of resources.
Conclusion: From either-or to both-and
Since both Japanese paper and organic cotton have wonderful properties, they both contribute to greater environmental awareness in your wardrobe. For example, with a durable new T-shirt in a timeless design made of cotton and foot-friendly new socks made from a blend of washi. Your skin and the planet will thank you for it.
The Faedah Collection also offers other wonderful materials with a soft feel, such as alpaca wool. Discover how sustainability and style can be elegantly combined.