Subtitle: Discover the Fascinating Journey of One of Humanity’s Oldest Textiles

1. The Remarkable Flax Plant

Key Characteristics

• Growth Cycle: 100 days from seed to harvest
• Fiber Yield: 15-20% of stalk becomes spinnable fiber
• Climate Needs: Thrives in cool, humid regions (France, Belgium, Netherlands)

Did You Know?
Flax requires 50% fewer pesticides than cotton (Textile Exchange Report)

Explore: Flax Growing Regions Map

2. Traditional Linen Production: 8 Essential Steps

1. Harvesting: Plants pulled by roots to preserve fiber length
2. Retting:
   • Dew Retting: 2-3 weeks in fields (traditional)
   • Water Retting: 7-10 days in tanks (faster)
3. Breaking: Wooden brakes separate fibers from woody core
4. Scutching: Rotating paddles remove remaining shives
5. Hackling: Metal combs align fibers by length
6. Spinning: Wet-spun for finer yarns, dry-spun for rustic textures
7. Weaving: Plain weave most common (90% of linen fabrics)
8. Finishing: Beetling creates signature luster

Watch: Traditional Linen Making Video

3. Modern Manufacturing Innovations

Technology Advancements

Eco-Benefits:

• 60% less water than cotton processing
• Zero waste production (shives become particleboard)

See Inside: Our Sustainable Mill

4. Why Linen Quality Varies

Grading Factors

1. Fiber Length: Long fibers (20+ cm) = premium yarns
2. Color: Golden hues indicate careful retting
3. Evenness: Measured by ISO 2370 standard

Quality Markers:

• Masters of Linen certification
• OEKO-TEX® Class I for baby-safe linen

Compare: Linen Quality Grades

5. Linen’s Environmental Edge

Lifecycle Advantages

• Biodegradable: Decomposes in 90 days
• Carbon Negative: Absorbs CO2 during growth
• Durable: Lasts 5x longer than cotton

Certifications to Look For:

• GOTS Organic
• Cradle to Cradle