About Enschede Textielstad/Sustainable Fabrics Shop
What is Enschede Textielstad?
Enschede Textielstad is a sustainable weaving mill that produces fashion and upholstery textiles from recycled and locally sourced yarns. All of our fabrics are made from sustainable and often recycled resources, such as recycled denim, European linen, old T-shirts, clipping waste from garment manufacturers, etc.
What is sustainablefabrics.shop?
Duurzamestoffen.nl is the consumer web shop of sustainable weaving mill Enschede Textielstad. Until recently, we only sold our fabrics business to business. Due to the increasing demand from consumers and small designers, we have decided to start a webshop where we sell smaller volumes, coupons and products from stock. When we started the company five years ago, one of our goals was to make sustainable fabrics accessible to the largest possible audience. That is why we offer our best sellers in small quantities through this webshop. Do you want to order larger quantities? Contact us via the contact form.
How and when can I reach you?
On working days you can reach us between 9 and 5 (but usually a little later, #workaholic) via support@sustainablefabrics.shop. We try to answer your question as quickly as possible. The aim is to answer your mail within 2 working days. We are a young company with a small team, so sometimes it will take a bit longer to answer your e-mail, we hope for your understanding.
Our products
What makes the products of sustainablefabrics.shop special?
Enschede Textielstad stands for a combination of sustainability and quality. We only work with recycled raw materials (including recycled jeans, old workwear and production waste) and natural materials (including organic cotton). We do not dye or bleach our fabrics. This saves a lot of water and chemicals in the production process. All our fabrics are woven in our factory in Enschede. The ready-made products, including tea towels, pillows and plaids, are made at various Dutch manufacturers. These studios have in common that they work with people who need to work in a protected working environment. In this way we contribute to the training of skilled professionals and job creation. For us, that is part of sustainable, social and local production too.
Our objective is to produce as locally as possible, and enable entrepreneurs to choose for a sustainable production method. In this way we make a sustainable and honest product that we can be proud of.
What's the difference between fashion and upholstery textiles?
Fashion and interior textiles are different on various aspects. The application is important here: interior textiles are often somewhat thicker and more robust than fashion textiles. The composition of the fabrics can vary, but usually all kinds of material are possible for both applications.
Can I use upholstery fabric for fashion purposes?
That’s possible! Many customers of Enschede Textielstad have already preceded you. Our interior fabrics are very suitable for garments, especially if your design could benefit from a sturdy fabric. Many jackets, bags, skirts and trousers have already been made from our ‘upholstery fabrics’. If in doubt? Then order a sample and let us advise you.
Which of your fabrics is the most sustainable?
That depends on your interpretation of the concept of sustainability and the application of the fabric. The most sustainable option for couch upholstery is perhaps not the most sustainable choice for a shirt that you often wash. We are happy to advise you on the fabric that best fits your project in terms of durability, durability and other material properties. To get you started:
- Do you want a fabric that consists of a mono-material as much as possible? Then our 100% cotton fashion fabrics made from cotton, recycled cotton and organic cotton are the best option.
- Do you want as much recycled content in your fabric as possible? Our fabrics from recycled cotton and recycled PET contain up to 78% recycled material. PET is slightly easier to recycle than cotton, which is why fabrics that contain recycled PET contain a higher percentage of recycled fibers.
- Our Tencel / Denim fabric is the most local (the fibers come from Haaksbergen, they are spun in Belgium, and we weave it into fabric in Enschede).
Are your products certified?
We work a lot with GRS (Global Recycle Standard), GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standartd) and OEKOTEX certified yarns and finishes. However, we do not currently carry official certifications on our fabrics. Because we do not have large stocks and mainly produce on demand, it is very expensive to have our fabric certified officially.
Transparency is our hallmark. We only work with European raw materials, to ensure that the yarns are produced under good working conditions and European environmental guidelines. We know our suppliers and work closely with local parties to bring the entire production chain even closer to home. Do you want to know how your fabric is produced? Then come and visit us on our open days.
Payment & returns
What payment methods do you support?
You can make your purchase through iDeal (NL), SOFORT (DE), Bancontact and bank transfer. We’re working on enabling credit card payments.
Can I return my fabrics if I'm not satisfied?
You can only return ordered coupons and products in the ‘finished product’ category. All fabrics are specially cut for you and therefore cannot be exchanged. If you are in doubt about what fabric to choose, order a sample first, or contact us if you have any questions.
Placing an order
What is the minimum order quantity?
With the exception of coupons, you can buy all of our fabrics starting from 1 meter, above that you can order in steps of 10 centimeters. So you can order exactly what you need for your project. This way you save your wallet and the environment. Do you still have a leftover piece? Take a look at our blog for inspiration.
I would like to order for business. Who can I contact?
If you want to order as a business, it is best to contact us via the contact form. We are happy to help you find the perfect product.
I want to purchase larger quantities. Is that possible?
That’s possible, we’re always happy with bigger production runs :). We deliberately do not have large stocks in the webshop, to prevent that any unsold stock ends up in landfill. Larger orders are always produced on request, the lead time is 3-4 weeks. Contact us via the contact form to discuss the possibilities.
Shipment & delivery times
What's the delivery time?
We will process your order as quickly as possible. You will receive a confirmation of receipt from us once you have placed an order. We aim to ship your order (on working days) within 24 hours (unless the product has a longer delivery time). You will receive a message from us as soon as your shipment has been mailed.
What are the shipping costs?
Shipment within the Netherlands is €4,95. In the rest of the European Union it’s €9,95.
Can I pick my order up at the factory?
We always send your order (by bicycle courier) to you. If you still want to come by, you are more than welcome at one of our open days.
Do you use a sustainable shipping method?
Within the foreseeable future we want to send all our packages with bicycle couriers. If we know for certain that it will not rain, we will wrap your package in recycled paper. We investigate the possibilities of biodegradable packaging materials to send your order to you as safely and sustainably as possible. Any advice is always welcome!
Other
Can I have my own item of clothing or several items of clothing recycled and get a new fabric in return?
What can I do with my own textile waste?
It is best to return your old clothing and textiles to a designated textile waste point. To contribute to a good flow of textile, it is useful to sort the textile into two types:
- one sealed bag with (clean and dry) clothing that can still be worn; this, for example, ends up at thrift stores.
- A bag of textiles that can no longer be used (old cleaning cloths, residual material, worn clothing); this textile ends up in the recycling process, from which new textile can ultimately be made.
For locations of waste bins it is best to consult the website of your municipality
Can I come and visit you?
That’s possible! We regularly organize open days or tours through our weaving mill. Keep an eye on our socials or contact us via the contact form.
I'm a student. Do you offer internship positions?
Students and trainees are always welcome with us, although we do not always have space. Feel free to send us an email, we always respond to requests.