Natural Rubber + Organic Cotton Elastic | Is This the World's Most Sustainable Sewing Elastic?

The Story behind CHARLE elastic

The significance of this elastic to us at Paper Scissors Cloth extends beyond its exceptional quality and ethical sourcing; it embodies valuable lessons in challenging the status quo and finding innovative, creative solutions to problems.

When Mandy embarked on designing a children's clothing range, she encountered a frustrating snag: the inability to source elastic that aligned with her environmental and social principles. Faced with this challenge, Mandy's response was not to compromise her values but to innovate.

Determined and forward-thinking, Mandy undertook the momentous task of developing her own elastic. She envisioned a product that was crafted from natural, responsibly sourced materials, supported fair and equitable labour practices and could be safely disposed of after use.

What she created not only met her own needs but also filled a gap in the market and lead to the creation of CHARLE - Premium Haberdashery. Today, Mandy’s elastic enjoys global recognition including being adopted by renowned brands such as Kowtow and The Very Good Bra.

Mandy's journey illustrates how operating within social and environmental boundaries can spark creativity and ingenuity. Her success story serves as a testament to the power of innovation when driven by principles.

It reminds us to champion the innovators, problem solvers, and creative minds who will shape our world for the better. To them, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. 

“our vision is to replace synthetic rubber bands with sustainable ones worldwide, and also to advance sustainable rubber cultivation” - Mandy Geddert

How CHARLE elastic is made

Elastic is produced by taking a series of stretchable core threads (such as spandex or rubber) and wrapping these in other threads (polyester, nylon, cotton etc). How this ‘wrapping’ takes place depends on the required function of the elastic but generally it will be knitted, braided or woven.

Most available elastics are made of a mix of natural and synthetic materials or fully synthetic materials. Often the exact composition is not stated, let alone where it was sourced or how it was produced.

CHARLE elastics are all made using 100% natural latex rubber cores and organic (GOTS) cotton or Tencel™ threads. Clear information is always given regarding product origin and manufacturing.

Rubber

Natural rubber is harvested from the sap of the Rubber tree. Rubber tapping involves stripping a small area of bark and collecting liquid sap. One tree can be harvested for 20-30 years.

Sustainable rubber production can increase biodiversity, support regenerative agriculture and provide valuable income to indigenous populations. Ensuring this requires transparency, partnership and policy.

The Fair Rubber Association (of which CHARLE elastic is a proud member) is an organisation dedicated to improving the living and working conditions of primary producers of natural rubber (latex).

Organic (GOTS) Cotton

CHARLE uses organic GOTS approved cotton from Turkey. GOTS certification assesses the growing, processing, manufacturing, labeling and distribution of textiles to ensure they adhere to strict environmental and social criteria.

GOTS is currently one of the most rigorous textile certification systems in the industry. It is by no means fool proof however in an industry rife with lack of transparency and complex supply chains it is currently one of the most trusted certifications when looking for more responsibly produced cotton.

Tencel™

Tencel™ is the brand name for lyocell fibres produced by Lenzing AG. Lyocell is produced by dissolving wood pulp and reforming it into a fibre. Other fabrics that use this process include viscose, rayon, bamboo. There are a raft of environmental and social issues related to the production of these fibres. Lenzing AG is currently the only company to have been awarded a dark green shirt by Canopy indicating that they are leading the way in more responsible production of these fibres.

If you want to learn more about these fibres and the environmental and social benefits of using branded Tencel™ head to our blog WTF is Viscose?.

Environmental and Social Commitment

We believe the true cost of a product extends far beyond its price tag. It includes how it's made, what it's made from, and the impact it has on people and the planet.

CHARLE elastic aligns strongly with these values through:

• • GOTS certified organic cotton sourced from Turkey
  • REACH-compliant natural rubber sourced from Malaysia
  • Manufacturing in Austria using an in-house hydroelectric and thermal energy plant
  • OEKO-TEX certified products
  • Membership of the Fair Rubber Association, supporting improved conditions for natural rubber producers
  • Clear sourcing and production codes of conduct
  • Independent biodegradation testing showing the elastic can break down in worm farms within 6–8 weeks under optimal conditions

Characteristics of CHARLE Natural Elastic

• 100% plastic-free
• biodegradable
• Oeko-Tex Certified
• Made from GOTS organic cotton, Tencel™ Lyocell and FSC certified natural rubber
• Tested against heat and chlorine
• Vegan
  

Caring for your Natural Elastic

Natural elastic behaves a little differently from conventional synthetic elastic. Because CHARLE elastic contains organic cotton, we recommend pre-washing before use as shrinkage of 5–10% is possible. Store away from direct sunlight and avoid tumble drying to maximise its lifespan.

For detailed care instructions and tips on extending the life of natural elastic, see our Complete Elastic Guide.

Ready to choose the right elastic for your next project? Explore our full range of natural sewing elastic, including waistband, buttonhole, fold-over and shirring elastic in a variety of widths and strengths.

Together we can #makeitbetter