Sustainability Or Style? Eco-friendly Cashmere Brand GOBI Proves You Can Have Both
Cashmere - prized as the ‘diamond of fibers’ and coveted for its rare super-soft purity, is now gaining popularity beyond the luxury niche. Following the same upward spike, sustainability is climbing high on consumers' wish lists, with traceability also becoming an essential factor in our purchasing decisions. With much of the fashion industry coming under environmental scrutiny, the purpose-led trailblazers are rising to the fore, showing us that there is another way. Proving that not only is sustainable style possible, but it’s also a preference. Working in harmony with nature not only means a kinder impact on our planet but a better quality product too. And that choosing environmentally-conscious cashmere is one way we can vote with our wallets for a kinder closet and a more protected world.
One of the most sought-after fibers on the planet, cashmere is made from fine goat hair that is spun into the most indulgently-soft luxurious garments. Unlike its synthetic polyester, acrylic, and nylon counterparts, this natural material is incredibly durable, meaning a longer lifespan and a defiant comeback to fast fashion. And with longer, thinner, firmer, and more isothermal hairs versus sheep wool, it’s a lot warmer, making it an exceptional choice for apparel, accessories, and homeware.
But not all cashmere is created equal. One of the leading brands succeeding in sustainable cashmere production is GOBI, a top producer of high-quality, 100% authentic Mongolian cashmere. By combining the traditional nomadic roots with modern technology, GOBI fulfills its mission to produce comfortable, responsibly made, humane, and affordable garments while keeping its production fair and transparent.
GOBI began in 1981 as a state-owned company specializing in 100% premium cashmere. Since then, Gobi has become, and remained, the first and foremost leading cashmere company in Mongolia. Today, GOBI is proud to introduce its iconic "Sustainable Cashmere, Trilateral Joint Project" with local herders and the team of the Agricultural University, aiming to bring fully traceable products to its customers to ensure responsibility and transparency at every stage of the supply chain. Since 2020, the project has sought to improve raw materials quality by ensuring the health and well-being of animals, carrying out the breeding selection on a scientific basis, and introducing proper cashmere preparation practices for herders, which also has a positive effect on the quality of the final product.
Moreover, improving the quality and yield of cashmere opens up opportunities for the herders to keep the number of animals constant and continue to earn income without exceeding the capacity of the pastures. In that way, it means that attention is paid to the quality of raw materials, not the number of goats, thus fighting desertification.
Another unique initiative presented to us by GOBI is the "3D Knit Collection". Using a sparse Shima Seiki machine technology, the collection is created of whole cashmere garments instead of separate parts, which are then assembled, meaning no presence of seams. Moreover, having no joints in separate parts, it is exceptionally comfortable, especially for sensitive skin.
From an environmental perspective, this approach has several benefits, such as minimizing waste and resource use. For example, with no need to join separate pieces, the precautionary issues of combining colors, patterns, and designs, or any concerns raised when assembling and leading to additional waste, disappear. In addition, due to fewer processing steps, the whole garment cashmere collection requires less energy, less use of water, and fewer hours of work, thus providing not only environmental but also economic benefits.
Finally, this collection is more durable than other cashmere garments created using traditional techniques. The machines used to produce it require a more substantial thread and the highest standards resulting in a more resistant piece.
As a sustainable and eco-friendly brand, GOBI also features an "ORGANIC" collection characterized by the ever-present natural style in contemporary trends. For the "ORGANIC" collection, the natural color fibers of Mongolian goats are used, which differ in four shades. This variety, a gift of nature, is due to the geographical and climatic diversity of the extensive Mongolian territory and the deep-rooted culture of Mongolian herders averse to monotony.
Furthermore, following the "ORGANIC" concept, GOBI uses no chemicals to dye the fibers, avoiding deplorable water use (up to -20.3 percent), saving energy (-20.6 percent), and reducing CO2 emissions (a decrease of 20.7 percent). GOBI's "ORGANIC" collection puts the gifts of nature in a new light - that of comfort, distinctive style, and the finest quality cashmere. Thanks to its eco-friendly approach, GOBI provides the best quality fiber, which remains naturally unaffected, while its unique colors convey warmth and vividness.
GOBI takes a new perspective on sustainable production through its CashmeReborn collection. Responding to the massive tons of factory waste causing growing environmental damage, the brand launched a new collection made of 100% cashmere yarn produced by reusing yarn scraps from its spinning process, the CashmeReborn collection.
As part of the ongoing HW22/23 collection, all pieces in the new all-organic and sustainable capsule collection are made from recycled 100% cashmere yarn to reduce the negative environmental impact of traditional production and celebrate the company's gratitude to nature, the habitat of the beloved cashmere goats. The collection is made up of only a few pieces, all featuring a simple design and subdued colors like beige, dark blue, and gray. Thereby, the sweaters, scarves, and the unique knit dress with turtle neck feature special aran and cable, knit patterns, and playful details in classic Fisherman's Rib Stitch skilfully blend comfort and style. All pieces are recycled cashmere and can be matched with any particular kind.
Thus, GOBI Cashmere, a responsible and sustainable manufacturer of exclusive and high-quality cashmere fashion, aims to focus on a sense of luxury and coziness, where environmental friendliness and sustainability are integrated as the most critical factors. Faithful to its motto: Feel great and do some good!
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