Sustainability & Responsibility

YALA is a women-owned, women-led small business and a global leader in responsibly produced, luxury bamboo sleepwear, bedding, and loungewear.

Certifications

Rest easy knowing YALA products are sustainably and responsibly made. Our third-party certifications include:

• OEKO-TEX

OEKO-TEX is a globally recognized certification that ensures textile products are free from harmful substances and safe for human use. It is an important certification for the textile industry, as it helps to promote sustainable and responsible production practices. It covers all stages of textile production, from raw materials to finished products, and is relevant for a wide range of industries, including clothing, home textiles, and technical textiles.

YALA has these two Oeko-Tex certifications:

Oeko-TEX 100 Chemical Free
Certifies that no residual chemicals are present in our garments and bedding when they reach the consumer.

Oeko-Tex STeP
Certifies that our partner facilities use sustainable methods in the production of bamboo fiber from source to loom.

• Forest Stewardship Council

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is a globally recognized standard for responsible forest management. The FSC certification certifies that forests are managed in a way that meets strict environmental, social, and economic standards. It is relevant to a wide range of industries, including forestry, paper and pulp, furniture, and construction.

• GOTS - Global Organic Textile Standard

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a certification that ensures the organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing. It is considered the leading standard for organic textiles worldwide. GOTS certifies textiles made from organic fibers, such as cotton, wool, and silk, and ensures that they are processed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. It covers the entire supply chain, from harvesting of the raw materials to labeling of the finished product. GOTS is relevant to the textile industry, including manufacturers, processors, and traders.

EcoCert Global Organic Textile Standard
Ensures that our bamboo is grown organically, in accordance with organic farming standards recognized by the Organic Content Standard (OCS), and is USDA Certified Organic. Products have been processed in accordance with the OCS.

Control Union Council Global Organic Textile Standard
This certification ensures that the cotton in our blended fabrics is organic. 

• Responsible Wool Standard

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a certification that ensures the welfare of sheep and the sustainable management of land. It is an important certification for the textile industry, as it provides assurance to consumers that the wool used in their products has been sourced responsibly. The RWS certifies that wool comes from farms that meet strict animal welfare and land management requirements. It ensures that sheep are treated humanely, with access to clean water, food, and shelter. Additionally, the RWS promotes sustainable land management practices, such as responsible grazing and biodiversity conservation. This certification is relevant to the textile and fashion industries, as well as to consumers who value ethical and sustainable products.

• Bluesign

Bluesign is a certification that ensures sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the textile industry. It is highly regarded for its commitment to reducing the environmental impact of textile production and promoting the health and safety of workers. The Bluesign certification certifies that a textile product has been manufactured using sustainable processes and materials. It ensures that harmful substances are eliminated from the production process, reducing the environmental footprint. The certification is relevant to various industries, including apparel, footwear, and home textiles, where sustainability and responsible production are of utmost importance.

 

Why Bamboo?

With sustainable and responsible production a top priority, we choose organically grown bamboo as our primary fabric for reasons exclusive to this single, prolific plant.

WATER PRESERVATION

Our bamboo grows in the Shunan Forest in South Sichuan, China, where it receives so much natural rainfall that it requires no additional irrigation beyond what Mother Nature provides. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

The dense forest that our bamboo grows in is unsuitable for farming, which means that bamboo production does not compete with precious food production.

RENEWABLE RESOURCE

Bamboo is the fastest growing woody plant on earth, growing so rapidly and abundantly that it needs thinning every 2-5 years to prevent die-off from overcrowding.

ORGANICALLY GROWN

Because bamboo is so hearty, it doesn't require any chemicals or pesticides to thrive and does not leave any chemicals behind in the soil.

AIR QUALITY

Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent stand of hardwood trees.

SOIL PROTECTION

Bamboo roots remain in place after harvesting, where they prevent soil erosion and maintain nutrients like nitrogen in the ground for continued growth and healthy soil.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Bamboo gets selectively harvested by hand. This harvest provides jobs that employ local people in a rural community where work opportunities are scarce.

CLOSED-LOOP PROCESSING

Our bamboo is processed in a closed-loop system, where 98% of the water used in the viscose process gets captured, cleaned, and re-used, reducing demands on local water resources and minimizing water pollution.

FEEL AND FUNCTION

There are many benefits to wearing and sleeping in bamboo fabric. It is silky soft to the touch, lightweight, and breathable. It is also temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking, keeping you warm in the cold, cool in the heat, and dry where other fabrics fail. Our bamboo fabric is also naturally high in UPFs, protecting your skin from the sun.