About

Flax is amongst the oldest fibre crops in the world. Flax fibres are extracted from the bast or skin of the stem of the flax plant. Flax fibre is soft, lustrous and flexible, and is stronger than cotton fibre, but less elastic. The best grades of Flax fibre are used for linen fabrics such as damasks, lace and sheeting. Coarser grades are used for the manufacturing of twine and rope. The legendary linen suit is the symbol of breezy summer elegance due to its exceptional coolness in hot weather with the ability to absorb and release humidity quickly.

New methods of processing flax and the rising price of cotton have led to renewed interest in the use of flax as an industrial fibre. Flax is harvested for fibre production after approximately 100 days, or a month after the plant flowers and two weeks after the seed capsules form. The base of the plant will begin to turn yellow. If the plant is still green, the seed will not be useful, and the fibre will be underdeveloped. The fibre then degrades once the plant is brown.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. Havivank, part of the ENKEV group, is proud to be able to say that it now fully complies with the GOTS certification requirements, thus ensuring our customers that our GOTS Flax complies with strict environmental and social criteria. Please find more on the ecological & social responsibility on: http://www.global-standard.org/