Guidance

Is Cashmere Sustainable?

With the growing demand for cashmere, it is crucial to prioritize sustainability within the industry. Cashmere production can have a significant negative impact on the environment if not managed responsibly.

As demand for cashmere continually grows, concerns arise regarding animal welfare, responsible sourcing, and environmental impact. To combat these challenges, leading brands and manufacturers are emphasizing ethical practices, including responsible shearing methods, better pasture management, and biodiversity conservation. Many are also involved in fair trade and support the livelihoods of the communities involved in cashmere production.

However, fast fashion brand practices continuously undermine the altruistic efforts of other companies. The predominant method of cashmere production is still unsustainable, especially on such a large scale. Even companies who mean well can be so far removed from their supply chain that they can not ensure their cashmere is coming from a responsible source.

Sustainability Concerns and How They Can Be Mitigated

PSA: The best cashmere comes from happy goats!

Cashmere production begins with cashmere goats which require vast grazing areas, leading to overgrazing and soil erosion. Overgrazing can lead to the depletion of vegetation cover, destabilization of ecosystems, and degradation of rangeland, impacting biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. The high demand for cashmere has also led to the increase in herd sizes, exacerbating these environmental issues. Additionally, the intensive farming practices required to cater to the global cashmere market can result in water pollution and depletion and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

If the cashmere is sheared by machines to obtain a large amount of hair quickly, it’s not good for the animals nor is it good for the quality. Naturally fallen hair can be collected longer and thinner, but when it is forcibly cut by a machine randomly, the hair quality is severely damaged.

During the processing and manufacturing stages, chemicals and energy-intensive processes are often utilized, leading to pollution, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Furthermore, the transportation of cashmere products across global supply chains adds to the carbon footprint of the industry.

To mitigate this, knowing where your cashmere is coming from and how it is harvested is key. Look for companies that are transparent about their process and include details on their methods along their whole supply chain.

And it’s not all doom and gloom – cashmere is a great natural alternative to synthetic fibers, requires minimal chemical processing compared to most fabrics, and is biodegradable. Rearing cashmere goats requires very little infrastructure and no pesticides or fertilizers, unlike for many different kinds of fibers and fabrics derived from plants. It can also be a significant source of income for local communities when they’re compensated fairly. The sustainable practices involved in cashmere production, such as responsible grazing and herding, provide livelihood opportunities for herding families and support the development of rural areas.

Cashmere fabric's journey is a tale of craftsmanship, sustainability, and responsible consumption. With its remarkable properties and long-standing historical significance, cashmere remains a cherished fabric used in high-end sweaters, scarves, and cold-weather gear. As the industry strives to meet the demand for quality cashmere, ethical considerations and sustainability efforts play an increasingly vital role in preserving both this luxurious fabric and the natural habitats that sustain it.

At LE CASHMERE, we strongly believe that when you put love and care into your products from beginning to end, you can feel the difference. Try out some of our cashmere today to see if you feel the difference, too!

Is Cashmere Sustainable?

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