Fast fashion relies on synthetic blends. We made a different choice — and here is what that means for the garments we produce and the planet we share.
The global apparel industry produces an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste each year. Much of this comes from synthetic fibres — polyester, nylon, acrylic — that do not biodegrade, shed microplastics in every wash, and are derived from fossil fuels.
At C R International, we made a deliberate decision to work almost exclusively with natural fibres: premium linen, organic cotton, handloom fabrics and pure silk blends. This is not a marketing position. It is a material commitment that shapes every decision we make, from sourcing to finishing.
Linen: The Oldest Textile in the World
Linen is woven from the fibres of the flax plant. It has been in use for over 30,000 years — linen fragments have been found in prehistoric caves in Georgia. It is extraordinarily durable (linen garments get softer and stronger with every wash), naturally hypoallergenic, and requires significantly less water to produce than cotton.
We source our linen primarily from certified European mills, supplemented by Indian handloom linen from Bhagalpur — known historically as the “Manchester of the East.” The Bhagalpur handloom tradition produces a distinctive textured linen with a natural slub that adds character without artifice.
Organic Cotton: The Standard, Not the Exception
Conventional cotton farming uses roughly 16% of the world’s insecticides and 7% of its pesticides — despite occupying only 2.5% of agricultural land. Organic cotton eliminates these chemicals from the supply chain, protects soil health, and reduces water usage by up to 91% through rain-fed farming.
All cotton used in our production is GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) where specified by our clients, or sourced from suppliers we have audited directly. The feel of well-grown organic cotton is noticeably different — denser, with a warmth that synthetics cannot replicate.
Finishing That Respects the Fibre
Even natural fibres can be undermined by harsh chemical finishing. Our garment washing unit uses bio-enzyme and soft-wash treatments designed specifically for delicate natural fabrics. The result is a hand-feel — a softness and drape — that is the final signature of the garment, and one that improves with wear rather than degrading.