The Livbio journey began with a deep commitment to slow living and sustainability principles. Our brand was founded on the values of Jainism, particularly the principle of non-violence, which remains at the core of everything we do.
Jain philosophy makes every effort to avoid harm to even the smallest organisms. Unfortunately, the modern world has seen the adverse effects of neglecting this principle. For example, over 90% of soil microbes have been lost due to current agricultural practices.
A study by the European Environment Agency highlights the toxicity of textile chemicals. Out of numerous compounds, only four have been identified as toxic, yet popular brands widely use them. These chemicals disrupt human endocrine systems and pollute soil, water, and air. In Europe, synthetic clothing is the largest source of PFA pollution, with most garments being imported from countries like India, China, and Bangladesh. While the EU monitors these fabrics, the manufacturing countries often lack awareness and regulatory measures.
So, what is the solution? Enterprises like Livbio could be one such solution.
At Livbio, our production begins with the purchase of organic cotton from textile mills, which source certified organic cotton from farmers. The cotton is then spun into yarn, which can be knitted or woven depending on the final product. Pants and formal shirt fabric are weaved, while undergarments and T-shirts are knitted to get the stretch while wearing.
The fabric undergoes a preparation process known as RFD (Ready for Dyeing). Unlike conventional methods that use harsh chemicals, we, at Livbio wash our fabric with natural soap nuts and other plant-based cleaners. This maintains the natural off-white color of the fabric, avoiding the artificial whiteness commonly seen in stores. This off-white fabric is dyed using natural extracts from plants like madder, turmeric, and marigold.
To ensure the color binds with the fabric, we use natural mordants such as alum or iron powder. This ancient dyeing process is carried out by skilled artisans using hot water. Once dyed, the garments are washed and prepared for sale.
For undergarments, the same eco-friendly process is followed. Additionally, the elastic used, is made from natural rubber, and stitched with cotton thread. Unlike commercial elastics made from spandex or Lycra, which are petrochemical derivatives, natural rubber is 100% biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice.
In this day and age of contamination in everything that we consume, enterprises like Livbio are little lifeboats that help us sail through the storms of landfills, frothy rivers, and climate crisis.