The fashion industry, long characterised by a high environmental impact and the intrinsically flawed paradigm of compulsive consumption, is finally transforming itself to embrace the principles of sustainability. In particular, the circular economy — which envisages a closed loop and minimises the resources used in production — is the primary tool for achieving this goal. This path has been taken by Favini, a historic paper mill operating in the fashion, design, technical sportswear and paper-converting sectors, specialising in the creation of innovative graphics based on primarily natural raw materials for packaging.

Refit, the sustainable paper

Favini has long produced a range of ecological paper made from by-products of agro-industrial processing, such as residues from almonds and hazelnuts, citrus fruit, coffee, lentils, maize, kiwi, lavender, cherry, grape and olives. To these is now added a new paper, called Refit, made from textile production residues of wool and cotton.

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New life for waste

The new paper, produced with plant-based wood fibres and textile fibres of wool and cotton, is 100 per cent recyclable and biodegradable, and is "a concrete example of industrial symbiosis that adds value to industrial waste, in support of the fight against waste within a virtuous supply chain", reads a press release from Favini. Textile sector waste would otherwise be destined for landfill; thanks to Favini, it is instead given a new lease of life, becoming high-quality printed materials and packaging.

Refit, a unique paper

Refit is composed of more than 15 per cent fibre derived from textile by-products, 40 per cent consists of post-consumer recycled cellulose certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (Fsc) and the remaining 45 per cent of Fsc-certified virgin cellulose fibres. The use of unusual materials such as wool and cotton residues gives the paper a distinctive appearance. From a tactile point of view, Favini has explained, "the wool in Refit Wool tickles the fingertips with a roughness that is distinctive of the line, while the cotton gives Refit Cotton a soft touch."

A virtuous supply chain

The textile by-products used to produce Refit paper are of Italian origin and come from carding, spinning and weaving processes. "Favini's journey into the world of creative reuse of waste from other production supply chains is enriched by a new product range: Refit, which offers a new life to textile waste — declared Eugenio Eger, chief executive officer of Favini —. By-products of wool and cotton partially replace wood cellulose and transfer to Refit paper the distinctive tactile and visual experience typical of garments made from natural fibre."