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Japanese
JFW Sustainability
Project
1-a

Organic materials,
biodegradable natural fibres

What is <Organic> ?

The adjective ‘organic’ derives from the term ‘original’ or ‘origin’ and refers to ‘plants and animals raised for food and other products without using any artificial chemicals in the process.’ In other words, organic products are free of any agrichemicals, chemical fertilisers or chemical substances. They are typically agricultural crops cultivated all-naturally, with sun, water and soil and all related methods and processes remain natural too.

◉ Organic raw materials include vegetative materials of cotton and linen, alongside materials of animal origin, like silk and wool. These raw materials can only be designated organic if certification setting out the standards set by a third-party organisation is acquired.

◉ The standards differ according to the certification authorities concerned. The following are a few examples:

● Products made on a farm on which no agrichemicals, fertilizer, or gene recombination technology are used.

● Domesticated animals bred with organic feed and without any use of antibiotics or hormonal agents.

● Products strictly controlled and investigated for all processes; from cultivation to circulation and with traceability (scope to track production history) ensured.

● The ability to meet non-discriminatory and non-exploitative labour conditions with hygienic and safe working environments.

What is a biodegradable natural fibre ?

‘Biodegradable’ refers to the items which ultimately disintegrate (decompose) into water and carbon dioxide due to the action of microorganisms, while being assimilated into the natural environment (soil). However, the degree of biodegradability - namely the pace and duration of the biodegrading - differs significantly according to the prevailing environment.

Biodegradable natural fibres include cotton, wool and silk, all of which people have used since ancient times. Given that such decomposed natural fibres have been in use for so long, it is fair to state that materials in use since ancient times are equally environmentally friendly.