ENVIRONMENT

Since 2002 INSTYLE has demonstrated a long-term commitment to integrating sustainable practices throughout all aspects of the company – from management, product design and operations.

PRODUCT

Sustainable Textiles - LIFE (Low Impact For the Environment) Textiles®

LIFE Textiles® is:

• an innovation in sustainable textiles developed by INSTYLE and The Woolmark Company;
• designed to minimize the environmental impact over the entire lifecycle;
• made from 100% eco wool™ or certified organic wool, both rapidly-renewable and sustainable resources;
• manufactured to strict environmental criteria, building on Best Available Technologies recommended by the US EPA and the EU Flower Eco Label;
• certified as low-VOC and will benefit indoor air quality; and
• reusable, recyclable and 100% biodegradable.

Click here for further information on LIFE Textiles®.

Environmental Information
Environmental information is included in INSTYLE’s product information to communicate the environmental features of each product. For example, a product may be produced by a manufacturer certified with an Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) or the use of 100% renewable energy.

Click here to download a PDF of INSTYLE’s Environmental Information System.

OPERATIONS

INSTYLE has introduced many practical initiatives within its operations.

Conservation Programs
Includes the reuse and recycling of paper, turning off lights and equipment when not in use and water-saving programs.

Recycling Programs
INSTYLE recycles most of its waste including paper, cardboard, plastic, food & drink containers, pallets, fabric off-cuts, toner cartridges and also composts organic food waste.

Environmental Purchasing
Includes purchasing of environmentally preferable products such as 100% post-consumer recycled paper and transport plastic packaging - containing post-industrial recycled content and is also recyclable.

LIFE Support – Giving Back
INSTYLE’s LIFE Support program started in 2006 with the aim to provide support to those in need. This includes regular donations to worthwhile charities, staff volunteering for Meals on Wheels and donations of fabric remnants to educational institutions and Reverse Garbage (a local community-run reuse centre).

INSTYLE’s initiatives are outlined in its annual Sustainability Reports.

Click here to download a PDF of INSTYLE’s Sustainability Report 2006.
Click here to download a PDF of INSTYLE’s Sustainability Report 2005.

DRIVING CHANGE

INSTYLE has assumed a lead role in challenging current practices and advocating for real environmental change within the industry.

Defining Sustainability
INSTYLE’s Environmental Manager has played a key role in the development of the Sustainable Textile Standard in the U.S.A., which will become the most comprehensive environmental textile standard internationally.

The Sustainable Textile Standard addresses the entire textile lifecycle including 1.Fiber Sourcing, 2.Safety of Chemicals, 3.Energy, 4.Water, 5.Recycling and 6.Social Responsibility.

INSTYLE has decided to certify its LIFE Textiles® with the Sustainable Textile Standard once it is finalized in mid 2008.

Click here for further information on Eco Labels.

AWARDS

In acknowledgement of their continued efforts, INSTYLE has been recognized as a Leader in Sustainability by numerous awards:

• United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Award;
• Sustainability Green Globe Award; and
• Banksia Environment Award.

Click here for further information on INSTYLE’s Awards.