It has become trendy and modern to wear the “Sustainability” label these days. However, at neandARThal, we don’t embrace it for any “political reasons”—we do it because we LOVE our planet, natural clothing, and the people around us. With that in mind, here’s how we conduct our business.
The ART we create naturally aligns with the principles of sustainability at every step. Our company is based in Slovenia, in the heart of Europe, and our fabrics are sourced from within Europe as well. This means there’s no long-distance shipping involved in the process.
The second important thing is that we use only linen. But what exactly is linen, and how sustainable is it?
Linen is a natural fabric with a lower environmental impact than most other natural fabrics, including cotton. It’s a beautiful, woven material that becomes softer and smoother with age and wear. We choose linen because it has a story—and it’s known as the strongest natural fiber in the world. In fact, it is 30% thicker and twice as strong as cotton, and three times as durable as wool. This makes linen highly durable and contributes to its longevity. Linen fibers are so strong that they are used in paper money and were even woven into armors by the ancient Greeks!
One of the key reasons linen is considered a sustainable fabric is because the entire flax plant can be used to create fiber, meaning almost no waste is left from the spinning and weaving process. It’s eco-friendly, too, as flax (from which linen is made) requires little to no irrigation. When processed organically, without harsh chemicals or intensive dyes, it also prevents water pollution.
As for the paints we use, we rely solely on water-based paints, which are the most environmentally friendly option and cause far less harm than hydrocarbon-based alternatives.
So, linen is sustainable and durable, our transportation footprint is minimal, and everything is made in one place. We don’t engage in any “questionable labor” practices—we make everything ourselves. As for the economic and social impact, while we’re still small and growing, we’re committed to bringing our history back to where it belongs and staying true to our values.
Remember, neandARThal is not a fleeting trend—it’s durable artwork. If treated with CARE, it can last you a lifetime!
