FAQ
Are Linen Napkins Sustainable?
Linen has been around since ancient times but wasn't always considered sustainable. It was once thought to be harmful to the environment because it takes about 12 months to grow the flax plant. But now, thanks to modern farming techniques, we can cultivate flax plants much faster, making linen one of our most sustainable fabrics.
Of all the textiles available today, why is linen celebrated for being the eco-friendly choice? Because of its many uses and benefits, linen is often called "the greenest fiber." Linen is a natural material that grows naturally without the use of chemicals. It doesn't require pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, or irrigation systems. This makes it an excellent option for environmentally conscious consumers looking for something good for the planet.
What does linen look like? When we think of linen, we usually imagine white sheets, pillowcases, and towels. However, there are many different types of linens. Some are woven into clothing, while others are knitted into items such as socks, hats, scarves, gloves, and sweaters. And some are even dyed with natural dyes.
How did linen become such a popular textile? Many people associate linen with luxury and quality. After all, it's a classic symbol of refinement and elegance. But linen has long been associated with sustainability. For example, the Romans believed that linen had healing properties and bathed in it daily. They also used it to wrap dead bodies during funeral ceremonies. Today, linen continues to be a favorite among those seeking high-quality products.
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Are Linen Napkins Easy to Clean?
Linen napkins are one of our most popular kitchen linens because they are durable, stain resistant, and straightforward to clean. They are machine-washable and come in many colors, patterns, and sizes. Linen is naturally breathable, making it an excellent choice for summertime entertaining.
The key to keeping linen looking good is to follow proper laundering instructions. Wash linen separately from other clothing items, such as towels, bedding, and tablecloths. Use a mild, liquid laundry soap and cold water in a gentle cycle setting. Do not overload the washing machine; do not use bleach or harsh chemicals. To dry the napkins hang them to dry, then lightly iron or dry clean.
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What is its impact on the environment?
Linen is a much more environmentally friendly option compared to paper:
Discarded paper also represents 26 percent of the total waste found in landfills.
According to the British Household Panel Survey, the average person uses about 10kg of paper per month. This includes toilet rolls, newspapers, magazines, and packaging. If we add up the total weight of our consumption, we find that we use around 200kg of paper annually.
The use of paper also has risen 400 percent in the last four decades.
In terms of waste management, it takes 500 liters of water to produce one tonne of pulpwood, whereas it only takes 25 liters to grow enough trees to produce one tonne.
So what exactly do we mean when we talk about "paper"? We're referring to anything written on, including cardboard, tissue, newspaper, magazine, envelopes, flyers, and posters. These items are generally made out of wood fiber or plant cellulose, although some are synthetic papers too.
What matters most is how much energy produces by each piece of paper. For example, growing trees requires lots of lands, water, and fertilizer and produces large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane, both greenhouse gases. On the other hand, pulping wood fiber and bleaching and deinking recycled paper requires less energy and therefore emit fewer emissions.