PRODUCT INFORMATION TRANSPARENCY™
SBP® Sustainable Biodegradable Products
Fiber Content: Sustainable Hemp grows without the need of harmful herbicides and pesticides; hemp is planted in dense crops not allowing sun light to penetrate, which reduces weed growth by 95%, eliminating the need for herbicides. No pesticides are used due to the inherent properties contained in the plant itself. Hemp is commonly used as a companion crop bordering family gardens as a deterrent to insects and infestations. Hemp is an ideal rotation crop due to its long taproot structure that helps retain topsoil, while also replenishing soil quality due to the natural leaf composting that regenerates vital elements in the soil. Hemp does not require irrigation unlike other natural fibers. The unique inherent characteristics of the fiber of hemp have the additional ability to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, making it the ideal “fiber for our future.” As a result of the above, hemp does not require organic growing certification.
Anti-Microbial Properties: Naturally Inherent throughout the plant
UV Factor: SPF 15
Origin: China “EARTH”
Growing Practices: Companion planting bio organics small coop’s of family farms
Harvesting: Manpower, the leaf is removed from the stalk and left in the fields to biodegrade and replenish the soil.
Employment Numbers: Countless family farms throughout the region grow hemp, adding value to their current agricultural products.
Transport: Brought to a central location to be delivered to the factory.
Processing: Submerge hemp stalk in man made water ponds for retting process (the removal of bark from woody core) , sun dried , the fibrous skin is then hand pealed and baled for transportation.
Degumming Ribbon Fiber: Degumming is required to remove the cellulose and lignin that are contained in ribbons of pealed bark, which are submerged in large pressure cooker stainless steel vats of 1.5% sodium hydroxide and water, and cooked under high steam pressure. Effluent waters are filtered using a government approved purification system mandated by the Chinese government under an environmental policy implemented in 1995 requiring all effluent factory water to be purified via a government approved purification system located at the factory thus creating a closed loop system.
Fiber preparation: Fiber is mechanically combed separating the short and long fiber. Short fiber is used in the blending with organic cotton, while long fiber stands alone.
Certifications: All cotton is certified organically grown by Control Union according to the NOP National Organic Program. It is not possible to certify a garment to be organic, it is only the fiber from a plant that can be certified, similar to food products. Fiber is from a plant that can be certified if required, such as for the growing practices of cotton due to the harmful amounts of pesticides and herbicides.
SBP® Sustainable Biodegradable Products Transparency
Yarns Spinning: Ring spun, wet spun, open end, dry spun.
Weaving: Starch is used as a sizing agent on the warps to make the yarns smoother for weaving.
Factory Conditions: ISO 9001:2000
Factory Effluent Water: 14 year government policy- All water must go through purification by approved government purification system. Closed Loop process.
Factory Benefits: Five month paid maternity leave. One hour fully- paid for breast feeding up to 1 year. All workers are provided apartments and meals. Retirement age is 55 years.
Housing: Factory gives apartments to workers that they will own at retirement, which is a similar form to the American Social Security System.
Daycare: Provided by factory
Hospitals: Clinic provided by factory which is mandatory by the Chinese government. Government requires all factories to pay 75%, employee pays 25%
Schools: All factory workers children attend 6 years primary school, 3 years middle school.
Factory Benefits: Transportation to factory, One cooked lunch, Paid approximately $350.00RMB per month; equivalent to $700.00 US dollars. Must be 18 years old to work anywhere in China.
Community: Building requirements mandate that all water is solar heated. Our factory provides community activities such as talent shows, karaoke, theater, and wedding ceremonies. The President of the factory is loved and respected by his community of workers.
Finishing
Bleaching: Peroxide Bleach
Softener: Cationic, which is a water soluble.
Dyes: Fiber reactive low impact dyes used for 100% Hemp, Hemp/ Organic CottonTesting: Fire rating Cal 117, NFPA 701, Martindale Abrasion ASTM D-4966, Seam Slippage ASTM D-1683,
Tensile Strength ASTM D-5034-08, Color Fastness AATCC16, Pilling Resistance ASTM D-3512
Packaging: Cellulous plastics
Transport
Inland China: Factory to seaport via truck 3 days, 3 days for China custom clearance.
Ocean transport : Approx. 14 days
Inland US: Approx. 3 days
Fabric tests have been performed on many of our fabrics. All fabrics meet the required fire requirements Cal-117.
MSDS= Material Safety Data Sheet
VOC= Volatile Organic Compound