Wood sourcing

The wood used for the TreeTote comes from 100% European forests. The FSC and PEFC certifications insure environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the said forests.


Either from timber generated by thinning or damaged wood unsuitable for high-value uses, the production of the pulp that constitutes the first step of TreeTote has a higher value in the supply chain than paper or panel production.

- SCRAP WOOD -

100% European forests

Almost all of the wood used to produce the TreeTote comes from Austria, where the fibre is produced. The rest comes from neighbouring countries, minimising transport and therefore the carbon emissions that come with. Transport is highly optimised to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum. Shared transport is used whenever possible and, for longer distances, low emission transport such as trains is prioritised.

Of the tree species used in the sourcing of wood for the TreeTote, the main contender is Beech. Beech wood availability is increasing as forests are being returned to a more natural species mix. Rising temperatures are also increasing its growth rate. However, its use as material is limited due to its physical properties. This means that fibre production, like that of the fibre used for the TreeTote, is one of its highest value applications.

Closed loop production

- 99% SOLVENT RECOVERY -

Fibre production

Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth. It forms millions of long chains that come together to give wood its strong structural resistance.

When we dissolve the cellulose in wood chips we are basically separating these chains so that we can use them to make long strong fibres for fabric like that of the TreeTote.

One of the reasons that make TreeTote environmentally sound is the unique closed-loop solvent-based production technology used for the production of the wood fibres.

The water and solvent solution are recycled over and over and more than 99% of the solvent is recovered. This gives for the very best resource utilisation, minimal water consumption and no waste at all.

BioApply works with Lenzing, the leader of the wood fibre industry, for the production of the TENCEL lyocell fibre. Lenzing share our passion for sustainability and develop all of their industrial processes to prioritise minimal environmental impact.

Supply chain

The TreeTote is not only made of 100% European wood, but its entire production is exclusively European. This means no environmentally costly transport around the world before making its way into your hands.

We take “Think globally, act locally” to heart and do our very best to keep everything close to home.

The entire supply chain is traceable by scanning the QR code placed on every bag. So you know exactly where it has been before reaching your doorstep.

- SEWING THREAD & TAGS -

100% wood fibre

TreeTote composition

So much effort is put into ensuring that the TreeTote is as sustainable as possible, it seems a shame not to go the extra mile. This is why every single component of the TreeTote, including the sewing thread that is used to stitch our bag together, as well as the labels and tags, are all made out of the same wood-based fibre.

We use the natural colour of the fibre - white - saving the energy and chemicals that go into dying processes.

SO...

Why should we replace organic cotton?

Water scarcity

The amount of water consumed on cotton crops is extortionate and, due to the warm climate needed to grow cotton, it is relatively devastating on the water sources of the corresponding countries. Surface and ground waters are often diverted to irrigate cotton fields, leading to freshwater loss through evaporation, and inefficient water management. The water scarcity score for conventional cotton is 98.5% higher than that of BioApply's TENCEL Lyocell.

-REDUCE WATER SCARCITY-

Over 90% reduction

On average, globally, one kilogram of cotton requires 8000-10000 litres of water, and in dry areas, it may require even more. In some areas of India, it may need 22500 L.*

What about organic cotton?

Organic growing systems are better for the soil as they maintain a higher soil quality, which reduces the run off into local rivers. The soil is also much more resilient and can withstand extreme weather. Healthy soil acts like a sponge - it can absorb and retain water for longer periods, including droughts. This leads to a much lower consumption for organic cotton though it remains 90% higher than our lyocell wood fibre.

Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a process of pollution that occurs when a lake or stream becomes over-rich in plant nutrients, as a consequence it becomes overgrown in algae and other aquatic plants. The plants die and decompose, robbing the water of oxygen and the lake, river or stream becomes lifeless. Nitrate fertilisers which drain from the fields is one of the primary causes of eutrophication.

Conventional cotton uses heavy fertilisation which drains from the fields and pollutes the nearby lakes and streams. The eutrophication score for conventional cotton is 72% higher than that of BioApply's TENCEL Lyocell.

The soil quality and protection seen in organic cotton farming reduces eutrophication, but remains 13% higher than BioApply's TENCEL Lyocell.

Graph showing the environmental impact of cotton compared to Tencel Lyocell

The data for this page was calculated using the Higg MSI 3.3. They were calculated by BioApply and are not third-party verified.