by L'Exception, on August 24, 2023
ECO X CEPTION criteria: a selection of responsible brands
In 2019, L'Exception is launching THE SMART CHOICE, renamed ECO X CEPTION. We select brands that deserve to be highlighted particularly for their responsible approach, whether it's the choice of raw materials, the manufacturing process or the social impact of their production. ECO X CEPTION is based on the selection criteria, which you can discover below.
LOCALITY CRITERIA
Local production is a flourishing phenomenon today, and one that is gaining in popularity with brands. Aware not only of its importance, but also of the need to keep up with society's evolutions and challenges, L'Exception has incorporated local criteria into ECO X CEPTION, which respond to the challenge of relocalizing production. Indeed, manufacturing in France makes a significant contribution to preserving local know-how and employment.
Product made in France
Made in France has become the trendy approach for local brands in recent years. Indeed, local production is gaining in popularity in all sectors, and particularly in the food and fashion industries. Promoting the production of French clothing is one of l'Exception's resolutions with ECO X CEPTION, which is why the selection criteria are strictly defined. These are based on two essential elements: the product must have taken its essential characteristics in France, and more than 50 % of the product's manufacturing costs must have been spent in France.
Product of French know-how and made in Europe
Other than the fact that they are produced in France, certain fashion items are distinguished by the fact that they are the fruit of particular know-how: these are the products of French know-how. These not only meet the "made in France" criteria, but are also produced by companies holding the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label. This label is awarded by the French government in recognition of the rare, renowned or ancestral know-how employed by these companies. Thus, French savoir-faire products deserve special attention in that they respond both to L'Exception's commitment to local production and to our desire to highlight the mastery of traditional or rare techniques that only certain houses still use.
ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
Conscious of the importance of widespread ethical, fair and responsible fashion, L'Exception has set up and wanted to promote environmental criteria through its ECO X CEPTION selection. These essentially concern aspects linked to the manufacture of products in relation to materials, transformation processes and product lifespan.
Organic and responsible materials: cotton / linen / organic wool
The production of vegetable raw materials can present environmental impacts such as the consumption of water and inputs for vegetable raw materials. That's why the selection of ECO X CEPTION products, in line with our environmental commitment, is based on specific criteria. Whether linen, cotton or wool, to be in line with responsible fashion, they must carry recognized labels. If a product is labeled Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Responsible Wool Standard or European Flax and Masters of Linen, it will fit into L'Exception's ECO X CEPTION category.
Recycled materials
Fiber recycling avoids the need to harvest raw materials again (whether natural or synthetic fibers), so it's an important part of ethical and responsible fashion production. Recycled materials in the ECO X CEPTION selection include cotton, cashmere, polyester (from plastic bottles) and wool. Products must contain a minimum of 50 e recycled materials to qualify for ECO X CEPTION (except for cotton - 20%).
Other materials and ingredients
The ECO X CEPTION by L'EXCEPTION selection also takes into account several other important criteria for respecting the environment:
- Wood pulp fibers - LYOCELL®
Tencel® (eucalyptus pulp) and Monocel® (bamboo) are two natural fibers obtained from wood pulp from sustainably managed forests (FSC label). Both fibers are processed using the Lyocell process, which uses an organic solution free of toxic solvents and process water in a virtually closed circuit. These two fibers therefore present more responsible alternatives, both in terms of the choice of raw material and the fiber transformation process. To be considered ECO X CEPTION, the product must be composed of a minimum of 50 e Lyocell.
- Garments made from yak or alpaca fibers
Yak and alpaca farms are extensive and require vast expanses of land to live on. They therefore have a very low impact on the environment. Products selected for ECO X CEPTION incorporate a minimum of 50 e yak or alpaca fibers.
- The use of plant fibers
Many plant-based alternatives to leather exist today and represent a responsible and ethical solution. To enter the ECO X CEPTION selection, an alternative plant fiber must represent at least 50 u final product and be an agricultural co-product, i.e. derived from parts of the plant not intended for food.
- Jewelry made from recycled gold and laboratory diamonds
These criteria concern jewelry made from 100% recycled gold or Fairmined or Fairtrade certified gold. Recycled gold enables the precious metal to be reused, thus helping to preserve natural resources. Last but not least, diamond production can now be carried out in the laboratory, drastically reducing its social and environmental impact.
These techniques make no difference to product quality, but have a considerable impact on the environment.
Organic cosmetics
Cosmetics from the ECO X CEPTION selection featuring at least 95 'ingredients of natural origin qualify on the criterion of naturalness. As for organic products, they carry the Nature (3 stars) , Ecocert Cosmebio or Nature et Progrès labels, which guarantee that more than 95 of the natural or plant-based ingredients used are certified organic.
SOCIAL CRITERIA
Manufacturing or marketing contributes to the fight against poverty, exclusion and social development (e.g. fair trade, or ethical, shared products with part of the profits from the sale going to an association). ECO X CEPTION social criteria concern initiatives contributing to social development or to the fight against poverty and exclusion.
Ethical product
As part of a responsible approach to ethical and fairer fashion, the fair trade products selected for ECO X CEPTION meet one of the official fair trade labels. These guarantee fairer trading conditions and remuneration for producers.
Committed companies
Solidarity products
Wishing to promote brands for which the human factor is at the heart of concerns and is part of fundamental values, ECO X CEPTION solidarity products are products made by people in difficulty or in precarious situations. Their sale therefore makes it possible both to encourage a sector and to give an income to vulnerable people.
Charity products
Social criteria being a major focus of the ECO X CEPTION approach, the latter naturally includes a section dedicated to solidarity products and brands. The sale of a charitable product benefits charitable organizations. To qualify under this criterion, a brand must donate a significant percentage of its product's sale price to the beneficiary association.
Good will products
The creation of ECO X CEPTION is in line with L'Exception's commitment to protecting and preserving the environment and biodiversity. To encourage brands to adopt this approach, ECO X CEPTION highlights all those that seek to combine fashion and good deeds (environmental, social or local). For example, each time a product is sold, a designer commits to carrying out a positive action. For example, Faguo commits to planting a tree for every item sold.
Criteria concerning animal welfare
Vegan product
The vegan criterion means that the product contains no material of animal origin and has not been tested on animals (cosmetics, textiles, etc). Some vegan products may be PETA-approved Vegan.
Animal welfare
The criterion respecting animal welfare means that it has not been tested on animals.
NEED TO DISCOVER MORE PRODUCTS FROM ECO X CEPTION BY L'EXCEPTION?
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