circular economy to protect our nature

DICTIONARY

Modern luxury is defined by conscious consumer behavior, which is based on values ​​of sustainability, exclusivity and quality. The right purchase decision within the framework of these values ​​is often a challenge: Terms such as crade-to-cradle, 2nd life gold and upcycling often cause confusion instead of informing about responsible consumption. Our lexicon informs you and enables you to make conscious purchase decisions. In addition to ingredients, materials and seals of approval, you will find explanations of current trend words such as circular economy or fair fashion from various areas of sustainable luxury.

A

Acetate: With the help of acetic acid, the natural fiber is made from cellulose powder from dried cotton or beech wood. Due to the shimmering structure of the acetate fibers, the material is particularly suitable as a substitute for silk in the textile industry. Acetate is also often used in the manufacture of glasses because of its low weight.

Acrylic: Is a dimensionally stable and easy-care synthetic fabric. Since it has wool-like properties, it is a cheap alternative. It is primarily used in knitwear such as sweaters, but due to its color and light resistance can also be found in many home textiles such as curtains. As long as acrylic fibers are not burned, they are not harmful to health.

Aluminum: Comes in mineral form as a natural rock. It is the third most common element and the most common metal in the earth's crust. It is not relevant for survival and is neither processed by animals nor by plants. Nevertheless, people ingest aluminum daily, mainly through food. In large quantities, it has a toxic effect on embryonic cells, has been linked to the development of Alzheimer's, and is particularly regarded as a trigger for breast cancer in the form of salts in deodorants.

B

Bamboo viscose: Viscose is obtained from the cellulose fibers of bamboo using a lot of chemicals. So viscose is neither natural nor synthetic. It is a semi-synthetic or semi-synthetic textile fiber.

Fustian: Is a blended fabric made of cotton and linen, which has a smooth surface and a rough back. It is easy to dye, soft and warm, which is why it is often used for bedding or as a lining for winter clothes.

Batiste: Also known as Cambric or Chambray. Is a fine-thread, light and yet tightly woven textile, for the production of which both natural materials such as cotton and linen as well as (semi) synthetic fibers are used. Due to its lightness, it is pleasant on the skin and is accordingly often used in blouses, dresses and bed linen.

Cotton: Made from the fibers of the cotton plant. To be more precise, from the plant's seed hair, from which in turn the natural cotton fiber is obtained. The material is not only light and skin-friendly, but also robust, tear-resistant and insensitive.

BBP: Benzyl butyl phthalate is a plasticizer (phthalate) that is oily, colorless and odorless. It is often used for the manufacture of floor coverings, packaging and adhesives. It is already forbidden to use BBP in toys and articles for babies, because at high doses it can affect fear and development. It also has a harmful effect on hormone glands, the thyroid gland and the pituitary gland.

Both walls: Heavy and robust blend of wool and linen with a colored finish. It can be used on both sides because the pattern appears the same on both sides, only with the colors reversed.

Benzoic acid: Is a preservative that is in a variety of products such as spirits, lemonade and ketchup. The substance can affect the nervous system and metabolic processes and lead to digestive problems and cramps. In addition, it is believed that it can activate hyperactivity in children and, in interaction with vitamin C, creates carcinogenic benzene.

Biodegradable: Due to their chemical structure, materials can of course dissolve into their elementary components. This is how they fight landfills and pollution.

Blue Angel: The Blue Angel is the oldest environmental protection label that certifies sustainable products and services that are not harmful to health. The Blue Angel also takes forest conservation, recycling and water and energy savings into account.

Bluesign certificate: The textiles and chemicals experts at Bluesign Technologies AG award the Bluesign seal to companies that act in an environmentally friendly manner, do not use chemicals that are harmful to workers, the environment or consumers and ensure the protection of resources.

BPA: Bisphenol A is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics and synthetic resins. It is contained in almost all plastic products because it makes them harder and therefore more durable. BPA has been proven to be a highly toxic substance that can disrupt the hormonal balance and can promote cardiovascular diseases, liver problems and diabetes.

BREEAM certificate: The British certification system (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) reliably indicates whether the property is sustainable. Buildings are assessed for their environmental impact on a global, regional, local and interior level.

Buckram: Is a strong, stiff fabric made from cotton or linen. Due to its durability, it is often used for bookbinding or to stiffen clothes.

C

cambric: See batiste.

Canvas: Also known as duck. Is a very durable, tightly woven fabric in plain weave, which is originally made from hemp, linen and cotton, but increasingly also from synthetic fibers. Due to its robustness, it is used for canvas, sun sails, tents or furniture covers as well as outdoor clothing.

Challis: A very soft and light fabric, which can either consist of a silk-wool mixture or just a natural fiber such as cotton, but also artificial fabrics such as viscose. It is well suited for printing and is often used for summer clothing such as dresses and blouses.

Chambray: See batiste.

Chenille: Is made from chenille yarn, which in turn is made from natural or synthetic fibers such as cotton, viscose or polyacrylic. It has a velvety surface and is robust and durable, which is why it is primarily used today as curtain fabric or upholstery.

Cloth: Is a flowing, light and transparent plain weave fabric made from either natural or chemical fibers such as nylon. If natural fibers are used, it is mostly silk that gives the fabric a noble shimmer. Because of this, it is particularly popular for evening wear or lingerie.

Chinos: Is a cotton fabric with a body bond - say twill. The fabric is robust and hard-wearing and is primarily used for the well-known chinos.

chintz: A cotton fabric in plain weave, which is characterized by its glossy surface and has a beautiful fall due to its lightness. Both sides of the fabric are identical and are typically decorated with lush patterns such as arabesques, flourishes and flower tendrils. While it used to be a material preferred by the aristocracy, it is now used especially for curtains.

Circular economy: Is the English term for circular economy. The circular economy is a regenerative system of production and consumption. Principles such as the design, reuse or recycling of existing products slow down or even close energy and material cycles. This minimizes the use of resources and energy, as well as waste production and emissions, and extends the life of products.

clean beauty Cosmetic products that are manufactured without animal testing or controversially discussed ingredients (e.g. microplastics).

Corduroy: The main part (80% -90%) consists of natural fibers such as cotton and synthetic fibers such as polyester or elastane to make it stretchy. The fabric is characterized by its velvety longitudinal ribs, which are created in its processing by a special weave.

Cradle to cradle: The principle is based on the principle of returning biological products to their natural biological cycle after they have been used as a whole. Every supposed waste is to be regarded as a nutrient that circulates in continuous cycles. The principle also focuses on compliance with human rights, renewable energies, resource protection and social responsibility.

Cradle to Cradle seal: The seal is intended to promote an economic system without waste. In this way, all materials that cannot be biodegraded are reused after their use. In addition, products are generally recognized that are made from recyclable materials and are environmentally safe and harmless to health.

cretonne: Is a coarse plain weave cotton base fabric. Since it is robust, it is easy to print on and is used for furniture covers or heavy curtains.

Cruelty Free: Products are free from cruelty to animals. If animal materials are used, they are obtained naturally without harming animals and interfering in the natural way of obtaining them. For example, wool is used, which was naturally thrown off as winter fur. To this end, animal experiments are strictly avoided.

cupro: also known as copper silk or fiber. The textile fiber is typically made from the production residues of the cotton plant and has properties comparable to viscose. It is soft like silk and breathable like cotton, which is why it is used as a lining material how often.

D

Damask: Is a fabric that is characterized by unusual patterns and is manufactured with an elaborate weaving technique. Because of the large amount of work, primarily high-quality fabrics such as silk, linen and cotton are used. The noble fabric is hard-wearing and is characterized by a slight sheen. It is most often used as a tablecloth or bed linen.

Denim: Robust and solid fabric that is woven from either cotton or hemp. It is versatile and can be colored in various ways and made more elastic by synthetic fibers. Denim fabric is the basic building block of most jeans products.

DGNB seal: The German seal of approval for sustainable construction was developed on the basis of the BREEAM and LEED certificates and forms a certification standard for sustainably built properties in Germany.

dimity: A hard-wearing and at the same time delicate and transparent cotton fabric.

Downcycling: Is a form of recycling in which the quality of the reused or recycled product is lower than before.

E

ECONYL®: Is a sustainable and 100% recycled nylon fiber for the production of which an innovative cleaning and regeneration process was developed. Impressive balance: 10.000 barrels of crude oil are saved for the production of 70.000 tons of ECONYL® each, which in turn avoids 57.100 tons of CO2 emissions.

Elastane: Is a highly elastic, synthetic fiber made from a mixture of polyester and polyurethane. The fiber is added to fabrics to make them more stretchy. After expanding, it returns to its original form.

Electromobility: Describes the use of means of transport that are powered by electrical energy instead of gasoline. Electric vehicles are seen as a central component in meeting sustainable and climate-friendly mobility needs.

Emulsifiers: Are auxiliaries that enable the connection of two immiscible components (e.g. water and oil). There are around 40 different emulsifiers in almost all processed foods. In addition, they increase the shelf life and thus maintain the quality of products. However, there are some concerns: they are often obtained using genetically modified organisms, can lead to an increase in body fat and blood sugar levels, dry the skin, often contain fatty acids of animal origin and can trigger allergies.

End of roll: Material residues from production are reused for new products in order to reduce the impact on the environment and waste.

etamine: Is a light and transparent cotton or worsted fabric, which has a grid-like look. It is mainly used in home textiles such as curtains.

Ethanolamines (DEA, MEA, TEA): Are chemical compounds that combine the properties of nitrogen bases (amino acids) and alcohol. They are used in many cosmetic products such as shampoos, make-up, sun creams, etc. Their use has been associated with lung cancer, kidney tumors, bioaccumulation and organ toxicity.

Ethical fashion: Fashion that is not only produced sustainably, but also under fair, decent working conditions. To do this, transparency must be guaranteed so that consumers can understand the production processes and make conscious decisions.

Ethical silk: Also known as "Peace Silk". Ethical silk is grown and obtained non-violently. This means that the silkworm can complete its metamorphosis to the butterfly under natural conditions.

EU organic seal: The logo is a unique identifier for products that are organic in the EU.

EU Ecolabel: The recognized EU Ecolabel is a reference for consumers, which indicates that products have been produced in an environmentally friendly manner and that services are aimed at improving pollution.

F

Fault: Fabric with cross rib structure and high chain density. It is easy to work with and has a fluid, silk look.

Fair trade: The Fair Trade seal identifies goods that are grown and traded fairly, and in the course of their manufacture certain social, ecological and economic criteria such as decent working conditions or adequate wages in developing and emerging countries were observed.

Fair Trade Cotton certificate: The seal distinguishes cotton products that are manufactured under fair working conditions. Organic cultivation and the use of chemicals are strictly controlled. Only those who are 100% fair are certified.

Fair Trade Gold certificate: The seal recognizes gold products that were produced under fair working conditions for miners in the mining industry. This controls the minimum price for gold, the ban on gold from conflict regions and zero tolerance for child labor.

Fair Wear Foundation: The nonprofit organization is committed to improving working conditions in textile factories and cotton fields worldwide.

Fast fashion: Model of the textile trade, in which a large number of collections to maximize profit are produced in the shortest possible time and are sold at low quality at an affordable price. Manufacturing often involves high resource consumption, increased CO2 emissions, pollution and unfair working conditions.

Almost perfume: A model in the perfume industry that focuses on maximizing profit instead of ethics. Synthetic substances that are harmful to health and the environment are used in production because they are cheaper than natural ones.

Flannel: Light and soft fabric, which is also warming and absorbent. It is made from wool, cotton or synthetic fibers and mostly processed into shirts or suits for colder seasons.

flanges: Is a light cotton fabric that mimics the properties of flannel.

Scarf: Describes a mostly square silk scarf made of pure silk or a mixture of silk and cotton, which is worn as an accessory.

FSC: The Forest Stewardship Council is an international certification system for more sustainable forest management. It controls the processing and trade chain as well as the ecological and social principles according to which the forests are managed. This ensures that certified products come from responsible forestry in order to preserve forests in the long term.

Fungicides: Biological and chemical agents that kill fungi and spores so that the infected plant does not die or fungus species spread explosively, thus minimizing crop yield. Their use harms biodiversity and poses risks to human health.

G

Gabardine: Solid and resistant fabric, for the manufacture of which wool, cotton or blended wool with synthetic fibers is used. For example, coats, suits and uniforms are made from it.

Global Organic Textile Standard: Globally recognized and important textile seal, which identifies textiles made from organic natural fibers, which were produced under sustainable and ethical conditions.

GOTS certificate: The Global Organic Textile Standard certifies sustainable fashion that must consist of at least 90% natural fibers - mostly cotton - whereby 70% of these fibers must be organic. The seal is one of the most recognized and credible and takes sustainability and ethics into account in the textile industry. For example, it checks zero tolerance for child labor and fair wages.

Green washing: A marketing strategy or PR method to present products or entire companies as environmentally friendly, sustainable and responsible without implementing the necessary measures. This is intended to enhance the image and hide the actual business practices through campaigns and decorative words.

GMO: Genetically modified organisms. These are organisms whose genetic makeup has been specifically modified and thus fulfill conditions that do not occur through natural recombination. In Germany, genetically modified products are subject to labeling.

H

Hemp: Vegetable natural fiber that is coarse and tear-resistant. It is used to make yarn or fabrics such as hemp denim or hemp jersey.

Herbicides:Biologically active, chemical weed control agents that are supposed to kill disturbing plants. They threaten biodiversity, contaminate groundwater and can have a negative impact on human health.

I

Impregnating agent: Are protective agents for leather and textiles. They often contain harmful chemicals such as pesticides, butane and plasticizers. Accordingly, they are associated with damage to the bronchi and lungs, skin irritation, headaches and nerve, kidney and liver damage.

ISO 14001: ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems. It sets out requirements to identify, monitor and reduce the environmental impact of companies. Companies that are certified according to ISO 14001 signal that they are committed to minimizing their environmental impact and have implemented an effective environmental management system.

IVN certificate: Is a certificate that is awarded by the international association of natural textiles to companies that produce in an environmentally friendly and philanthropic way, while ensuring quality and transparency. In this way, IVN guarantees ecologically and socially manufactured textile and natural leather products that are of high quality and free of harmful substances.

IVN natural leather certificate: Is the only standard for natural leather in Europe. It sets strict guidelines for the sensible saving of resources as well as environmental and health protection. All manufacturing stages along the process chain are checked. Certified products have a high level of ecology and quality.

J

Sweater: A soft and stretchy knitted fabric, which is made of wool, cotton or synthetic fibers such as viscose. It is mostly used to make T-shirts or bed linen because it is soft, breathable and absorbent.

K

Calico: Is a cotton fabric in plain weave, which is dense and smooth. A distinction is made between white, which is used for printing on fabrics, and colorful, single-colored calico. It is used in a variety of ways for jeans, shirts and other textile products.

Khaki: Earth-colored, robust fabric made of linen or cotton, which is primarily used to make military uniforms.

Khadi: Describes handspun and woven clothing from India, which consists of wool, cotton or silk and is processed on a spinning wheel.

Hydrocarbons: Material group of chemical compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen. They occur naturally in the form of petroleum, coal and other fossil substances or are mostly obtained in the form of methane or ethane by chemical and physical methods. In everyday life, they are primarily used as fossil fuels in mixtures such as gasoline or diesel fuel. They are highly flammable, the main cause of smog in large cities, irritating to the mucous membranes, very harmful to the climate, since methane has a high global warming potential, contribute to the formation of ozone and are considered to be carcinogenic.

Preservatives: Extend the shelf life of food by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. 41 preservatives are currently authorized in the EU. Phosphorus compounds, benzoic acid and its salts, potassium and sodium nitrite, natamycin and sulfur dioxide are of particular concern.

Cork: A sustainable and natural material, which is typically obtained from the bark of oak.

Circular economy:The circular economy is a regenerative system of production and consumption. Principles such as the design, reuse or recycling of existing products slow down or even close energy and material cycles. This minimizes the use of resources and energy, as well as waste production and emissions, and extends the life of products.

Crepe fabric: Fabric made from wool or worsted. It has a textured surface and flowing quality. A distinction is also made between full and half crepe. Full crepe fabrics are commercially available under the terms crêpe georgette or crpe chiffon, while semi-crepe fabrics are known as crêpe marocaine, crpe satin, crepe de chine and chinette.

L

Lame: Fabric in which metal threads are spun to increase its stability. Due to the associated gloss, lamé is mostly used for festive women's clothing.

Imitation leather: Synthetic leather, which is made from paper or natural and synthetic fibers in a chemical process without the use of animal skins. The textile has the look and feel of natural leather.

LEED certificate: American and Canadian certification system that classifies buildings according to their sustainability.

Linen: Is a natural tissue, which is obtained from the flax fiber. It is smooth and less prone to dirt and bacteria. It is also hard-wearing and long-lasting and has a cooling effect in summer, while it is warm and dry in winter.

Lyocell: General term for a fiber made from the cellulose of plants. It is an industrial fiber made from natural raw materials, also known as Tencel. It has a silky surface, warms and cools and is absorbent and tear-resistant. It is usually made from sustainable forestry and is biodegradable, which is why it is more environmentally friendly than viscose.

M

Madras: A light cotton fabric that is characterized by its multicolored and large check pattern. It is primarily used for summer clothes like shorts.

microfiber: A very fine synthetic fiber that is very light and regulates heat and moisture.

Mineral oil: Are oils produced by the distillation of petroleum. They are a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH). MOAH is heavily criticized because it is suspected of being carcinogenic and mutagenic.

Capital: A chemical synthetic fiber made from natural cellulose. Since it is made from wood, it is environmentally friendly and vegan. Since little water and energy are used in its manufacture, it is considered to be very sustainable. It is gentle and supple on the skin, and breathable and robust. It has a long lifespan and can also be worn well by people with sensitive skin.

Moire: Is a fabric made of silk, viscose or synthetic fibers. It is characterized by its grain, which is reminiscent of a tree trunk or water waves. For example, it is used as a shoulder strap for medals.

Moleskin: A durable, strong cotton fabric that is woven very densely. After weaving it is also roughened, which is why it is easy to grip and its surface is slightly reminiscent of velvet or suede. It is primarily used for robust outdoor or work clothing, for example for the Bundeswehr.

Monk's Cloth: A firm, loosely woven basket fabric made of cotton.

Moquette: Heavy fabric made of cotton, wool, mohair or chemical fibers with a velvety quality. It is often used for carpets or soft furniture covers.

Muslin: A delicate, loosely woven cotton or wool fabric. Because of its lightness, it is often used for bedspreads or children's clothes.

My lo: A vegan leather alternative made from mushroom mesh (mycelium). Mylo is characterized by its light weight and smooth surface. It is a purely biological product and can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

N

Sustainable fashion: Fashion that is produced with the least possible impact on the environment. This involves the responsible use of natural resources, the elimination of harmful chemicals and plastics, and the reduction or reuse of production waste.

Nanjing: A calico weave made of yellowish cotton from China. It is particularly popular for elegant summer clothing.

Natamycin: Is not only a preservative, which is primarily used for cheese and sausages, but also an antibiotic for fungal skin infections. Accordingly, there is a risk of developing resistance to the medical antibiotic.

Natural fiber: All fibers that are obtained from natural sources such as plants and are not subjected to any further chemical treatments.

NCS certification: The NCS seal identifies cosmetics made from natural ingredients. Products that carry an NCS seal, for example, are free from microplastics, synthetic fragrances and genetic engineering.

Nitrites: Potassium and sodium nitrite are preservatives that are approved exclusively for cured meat products. Here they are used to protect against bacteria that can cause poisoning. Nevertheless, they themselves are considered to be harmful to health: they prevent the transport of oxygen in the blood and, when heated, form nitrosamines, which can damage the DNA and cause tumors.

Nylon: Is a fully synthetic synthetic fiber. It is elastic, tear-resistant, abrasion-resistant, breathable and durable, which is why the fiber is primarily known as tights.

O

Oeko-Tex Standard 100: The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 ensures that the end product - including the buttons and the yarn - is free of chemicals harmful to health.

Oeko-Tex Standard 1000: The Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 not only certifies products, but also the manufacturing companies. These must ensure that their production is environmentally friendly, for example through energy savings or water recycling.

Orange fiber: Known as Orange Fiber is a sustainable fiber that is made from the vegetable remains of the fruit juice industry. Cellulose is extracted from production residues and converted into biodegradable fibers.

Organza: Light, transparent and shimmering fabric in plain weave, which is made of silk or synthetic fibers. It is often used for evening dresses or puffy sleeves.

Orlon: A polyacrylic fiber that is light and resistant to wrinkles and chemicals.

Oxybenzone: Is primarily used as chemical UV protection in sun creams, but can also be found in conventional skin creams and lipsticks. The sun protection factor is increasingly considered to be harmful to health because it increases the photosensitivity of the skin in the long term, influences the hormone balance and is associated with the underdevelopment of babies and cancer. In addition, studies also point to its environmentally harmful effects.

P

Parabens: Are used as preservatives in the cosmetics industry. Although consequences are difficult to assess, they are often associated with harmful consequences and breast cancer and affect the hormonal system and thus the female estrogen balance.

Paraffins: Are oily, odorless, tasteless and water-repellent, which is why they are increasingly used in the cosmetics industry. In the short term, paraffins make the skin supple and soft. However, since paraffins only lie on the skin, they have the opposite effect in the long term and clog the pores. This prevents regeneration processes and the skin becomes drier and depends on the fabric. In addition, they are environmentally harmful because oil is used for the production and they are not biodegradable, so that the groundwater is contaminated.

Peace Silk: Alternative term for ethical silk. It is bred and won without violence. This means that the silkworm can complete its metamorphosis to the butterfly under natural conditions.

PEG: Polyethylene glycol is used in the cosmetics industry for the production of creams, perfumes etc. PEG damages the membrane function of the skin, which makes it more susceptible to possible pollutants and therefore poses a threat to the immune system. It also contains ethylene oxide, which is considered to be highly toxic, genetically harmful and carcinogenic and is not biodegradable.

Percale: A fine and tightly woven linen or cotton fabric. Because it is soft and robust, it is often used for bed linen.

Pesticides: Pesticides primarily used in agriculture and forestry to maximize crop yields. They contaminate the groundwater and also pose a threat to biodiversity and the consumer, since they promote the development of cancer, impair the immune system, change genetic material and trigger allergies.

pet: Polyethylene terephthalate is the most common thermoplastic in the polyester family that is used in the fibers of clothing and food packaging. The best known: the PET bottle.

PETA certificate: Products that are PETA Vegan Approved are 100% vegan and therefore free of animal ingredients. Beyond animal welfare, only companies that have fair working conditions and no harmful chemicals can be certified.

PFAS: PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are chemical compounds containing fluorine and carbon that are found in many products such as water-repellent materials due to their stable structure. Unfortunately, they can persist in the environment and pose potential health risks. Therefore, there are increasing regulations to limit their use and minimize the environmental impact.

Phosphorus compounds: Are antioxidants that are broadly considered preservatives because they prevent food from turning brown. They can be found in products such as frozen pizza, baking mixes and cereals. They can lead to heart problems, clog blood vessels and are life-threatening for kidney patients.

Phthalates: Are plasticizers that can be found in many everyday things such as toys, floor coverings or cosmetics such as perfumes, aftershaves, deodorants etc. This is worrying because phthalates get into the blood directly through the skin. They are suspected of negatively affecting the hormone balance and impairing male reproductive ability. To do this, they threaten pregnancies, can trigger menopause prematurely and promote obesity and diabetes.

Pinatex: Is a natural, sustainable and non-violent leather alternative that is obtained from pineapple leaves as a by-product of the pineapple harvest. No other resources such as water or fertilizers are used in the production.

PVC: Polyvinyl chloride and is a common plastic that is used, for example, in toys, credit cards and floor coverings. Since plasticizers are often added to PVC, the substance pollutes the environment and groundwater and is therefore classified as harmful to health. In addition, the plastic is not biodegradable, which is why it is burned. In doing so, pollutants and toxins are released into the atmosphere.

R

Rainforest Alliance: Is a certification organization that awards products that are grown in the tropics according to principles of sustainable agriculture with a seal of approval.

RDS certificate: The Responsible Down Standard seal distinguishes sustainable down products. This ensures that down is only obtained from animals that have already been slaughtered.

Recycling: Recycling and processing of waste products. Disposed material becomes secondary raw materials and thus the basis for new products.

Raw material: Raw materials are natural resources. They are raw materials obtained from nature (e.g. gold & wood) that are consumed directly or used for the production of goods.

S

Mild tourism: It is an alternative to mass tourism and promotes sustainable awareness when traveling. Three basic principles are focused on: minimal impact on nature, intensive and original experience of nature and the best possible adaptation to the cultural conditions of the country.

Sulfur dioxide: The sulphurous acid and its salts, sulfites, are particularly found in potato products, dried fruits and white wine. They are primarily associated with allergic reactions such as itching and breathing problems, which is why they can be life-threatening, especially for asthmatics.

Silicones: Are used especially in hair care products because they ensure that the hair is shiny and soft after washing. However, this is only a short-term effect. In the long term, they clog the pores and prevent hair breathing. In addition, they contaminate the groundwater because they do not dissolve in water and are not biodegradable.

SLES: Sodium Laureth Sulfate are cleaning substances that react with both water and oil. They are the most commonly used surfactants in conventional shampoos. Because they react with the protein components of our skin, they let the hair swell in such a way that significantly more fat is removed than is healthy and necessary. This leads to a brittle and itchy scalp. In addition, carcinogenic dioxane is produced. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant. It binds dirt particles and oil, making them easy to wash off with water. Since it is also inexpensive, it is often used in the cosmetics industry to produce shampoo, cleaning agents, etc., although it carries risks: it can lead to dry and irritated skin, it is toxic to aquatic beings, which is why it threatens the environment and is becoming increasingly common regarded as a carcinogenic substance.

U

Environmentally friendly dyes: Natural colorants that are environmentally friendly because they are obtained from natural sources such as plants.

Upcycling: Is a form of recycling in which the value of the reused or reused raw material is increased.

V

Veganism: Lifestyle and diet in which the intake, use or recycling of animal products (e.g. meat & leather) is rejected

VOC: Are volatile organic compounds in the air, some of which are of natural origin or occur in everyday objects. They are absorbed through the nose and skin and include hydrocarbons, alcohols or solvents and synthetically manufactured substances. In everyday life, floor coverings, paints, adhesives, furniture and decorative items are the most common sources. Health problems caused by VOC arise in particular after construction and renovation work and include skin and eye irritation as well as carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive effects.

W

Whale fabrics: Are woven textiles that owe their name to the process of flexing - pressing, pressing, pushing and compressing the textiles in warm soap runners. This gives them a dense, matted surface so that the fabric structure is no longer recognizable and they are warming, temperature-compensating and dirt and water-repellent. Originally, they were made exclusively from wool, although wool blends are also permitted today.

Hydrogen peroxides: Is a liquid combination of hydrogen and oxygen and an effective and versatile household product. It has a disinfectant, antibacterial, oxidizing, bleaching and odor eliminating effect. However, caution must be exercised when using it, as it can cause excessive burns to the respiratory tract, inflammation of the mucous membranes or pulmonary edema as well as diarrhea, circulatory problems, headache, vomiting and dizziness.

Woolmark: The seal is a seal of quality for the quality of products made from merino wool. While the seal guarantees the quality of a product, it says nothing about the environmental friendliness of the product.

Z

Zero waste: Is a sustainable philosophy ("Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Red"), in which the production of waste is greatly reduced and the waste of resources is kept as low as possible. Used products and raw materials should be reused or reused.