Our Materials
OUR CRUELTY-FREE FABRICS
You will never see leather, wool, silk, or any other animal-derived fabric here. We lean towards working mostly with all-natural or recycled fabrics, but we also take into consideration the durability of each material we chose. Our aim is to provide the longest lasting, fashion-forward, weather-proof, sustainable bags around without compromising our values.
In the vein of absolute transparency, feel free to read and learn about our materials. Contact us with any questions.
Martenix™ Original Waxed Canvas
Martexin Original Wax is a cotton-based fabric impregnated with Martexin wax proprietary mixture, a unique formula that gives the fabric lifelong resistance to inclement weather, while cotton fibers allow it to breathe. As the fabric ages, it develops a well-worn and comfortable patina, which enhances the look of your Pansy Maiden bag. The patina develops with more and more use, in the same manner that leather ages and burnishes with time. The Martexin formula consists of food and pharmaceutical grade waxes (all vegan), and is completely non-hazardous. The Martin family has been involved in the dyeing and finishing of textiles in the United States since 1838. Just as you wouldn't wash a leather product such as shoes, gloves, or jackets, you won’t be able to wash or dry clean your Martexin Original Wax. Wax fabrics have been successfully used for many years without washing. A periodic cleaning with a damp, soapy cloth is all that is needed. (Could also clean by simply spraying your waxed canvas bag down with a hose.)
Organic Cotton (Twill and Canvas)
Organic cotton is an ecologically responsible and green fiber. Unlike conventional cotton, which uses more chemicals than any other crop, it is never genetically modified and does not use any highly polluting agro-chemicals such as those found in pesticides, herbicides and many fertilizers. Integrated soil and pest management techniques—such as crop rotation and introducing natural predators of cotton pests—are practiced in organic cotton cultivation. All organic cotton producers must meet GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) standards in their cultivation and production practices. Both land and crops must be inspected and certified by internationally reputable certifying bodies each year.
Hemp
Hemp grows extremely fast in any kind of climate. It does not exhaust the soil, uses little water, and requires no pesticides or herbicides. Dense planting leaves little space for light, hence few chances for weeds to grow. Hemp fibers are considered the strongest known to mankind next to silk. With high moisture absorbency, high heat conductivity, and excellent abrasion resistance, hemp can be made into beautiful, comfortable and long lasting items. The more you wash them, the softer they get. They age gracefully. Blended with other natural fibers, their applications become almost endless.
Tencel
(Lyocell) Tencel is made from the natural cellulose found in wood pulp. The fiber is economical in its use of energy and natural resources, and is fully biodegradable. To begin with, the forests are managed based on sustainable practices, and timber is harvested under strict guidelines and supervision, with replanting done for each tree that is cut down. Next, the fiber processing takes place in a nearly closed-loop system that is designed to recover more than 99.6% of the solvent. Water is reclaimed and reused. Tencel garments are easy to pack, resist wrinkling, and dry quickly.Ultrasuede©
Ultrasuede© marries luxury with extreme durability (200,000+ double rubs before showing signs of wear), inherent stain resistance, breathability, and easy cleanability (machine washable/dry-cleanable). This material creates less air, water and soil contamination: According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), two-thirds less energy is required to manufacture products made out of recyclable plastic. Other studies show that the production of recycled plastic requires two-thirds less sulphur dioxide, 50% less nitrous oxide, and almost 90% less water usage. Ultrasuede© is now being made with 80% post industrial recycled fibers (recycled plastic bottles). In addition, a brand new production process has reduced the energy consumption and CO2 emissions by an average of 80%. Ultrasuede© lessens our dependence on oil (polyester is an oil-based product--Utlrasuede© is recycled!) And of course, no animals died in the making of this fabric.Cordura©
For more than 30 years, the Cordura brand has been recognized worldwide as the fabric of choice when it comes to durability. The general rule of thumb being, if it’s built to take some serious punishment and last a long time, it’s more than likely made with Cordura. Cordura is a dense 1000/280 denier weave, but very lightweight (about 11 oz. per yard) and breathable. It has excellent resistance to scuffing and pilling under demanding conditions. Its new super-softness makes it comfortable as well as stylish and functional. Cordura is a variety of nylon (PVC and phthalate-free) which is extremely tear and scuff resistant, and whose strength-to-weight ratio is quite high. Cordura fabric is used when fabric durability is paramount, and it's often found in products like tie straps, parachutes, blade sheaths and other gear that must undergo rough treatment such as a Pansy Maiden bag.
OTHER MATERIALS
EcoGlue®
EcoGlue industrial strength glue is a water-based environmentally-safe glue that has less than 1% VOC by weight, virtually no hazardous air pollutants (less than 0.165 by weight), and no animal derivatives or hazardous pollutants. The bottle and card are packaged with recyclable plastic and paper to further strengthen its Earth Friendly promise.
Clean And Green Laundry Soap
We wash our cotton fabrics using this handmade-in-New-England brand which is all-natural and animal friendly.
