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COTTON AND HEMP: A SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
Always more companies have embarked on the path towards sustainability by using more and more sustainable materials, thus reducing pollution.
The most commonly used fabrics are cotton and hemp, both very breathable, lightweight, soft, and durable.
HEMP AND ITS CHARACTERISTICS
Hemp is considered both an ecological textile fiber, as its cultivation does not require pesticides and fertilizers, and a discontinuous fiber, as it is made up of very short fibers.
Although this fabric is used for making ropes and twines, if carefully processed, it is also suitable for creating clothing items and, in our case, for covering trays and boxes.
In this case, its appearance is very similar to that of linen, soft to the touch but not very elastic.
Among the main characteristics of hemp is its breathability.
Furthermore, like all other natural fabrics, it is highly absorbent, and this capacity increases with every wash.
Due to this characteristic, its leftovers are used in the hydraulic field, particularly applied at the joints of pipes to absorb leaks.
Being a natural fiber, it has characteristics similar to hemp and linen. However, it is less robust than linen, it does not wear out but tears easily, it is not very elastic, and it wrinkles easily.
Therefore, its processing for covering a box or a tray will be slightly more complex. There are various ways to classify this fabric, but its quality is determined by the length of the fiber. This means that the longer and more resistant the cotton fiber, the more valuable it is considered.
Returning to its classification, one of the criteria to consider is its intended use. For example, in our field, the following are often used:
- Gabardine cotton, characterized by tightly ribbed texture and solid colors;
- OXFORD with its typical raised dot patterns;
- Twill cotton, a durable fabric that stands out for its diagonal weave.
Jacquard: style and design for your packaging
In the world of fabrics, Jacquard is often heard. But what is it?
Jacquard refers to a fabric in which a pattern, often geometric, is woven directly into the fabric.
Long-fiber fabrics such as cotton, wool, or linen are often used, and their processing allows for precise and elaborate designs that give a refined and elegant aesthetic.
To create a design, it is necessary to weave:
- Warp, the base and structure of the fabric.
- Weft, the thread that is inserted into the warp and forms the actual design (called weave or pattern).
How does the loom work to draw a pattern?
The working threads are gathered in a heddle (insert image) and connected to a counterweight through a cord.
Each cord is connected to a series of perforated cards placed on a rotating cylinder: the holes in each card correspond to the design to be reproduced.
The holes in the cardboard are aligned with those of the counterweights through which the thread is passed, intertwining it with the warp.
Once the threads have passed, the weaver beats the obtained weave and advances the perforated cards.
Types of Jacquard fabrics
There are smooth, textured, and "jacquard" fabrics.
Smooth fabrics refer to traditional fabrics characterized by simple geometric designs.
Textured fabrics have more complex designs but with a single color. Finally, "jacquard" fabrics have large and complex designs with a significant number of colors.
Currently, this term no longer exclusively refers to fabrics made with that particular type of loom but is also used to indicate fabrics with woven designs on the fabric.
Here is an example of our creation produced in Jacquard fabric:
If you're interested in seeing all of our creations with these materials, check us at www.filippi1965.it!
