SOORTY'S
Sustainability Dictionary
Access Economy
The business model where goods and services are offered on the basis of access rather than ownership. Put simply, renting things temporarily instead of selling buying them permanently and providing access to them anyhow. Commonly interlined with sharing economy, Access Economy utilizes a technology platform, usually accessed via mobile phones as well as other devices to connect suppliers and consumers, reducing the need of intermediaries.
Accountability
The acknowledgement of responsibility by an organization or individual for actions, decisions, products, and policies that it undertakes. All our actions have an impact on our planet. We, at Soorty, are dedicated to make ours positive.
Airflow
Inspired by tumble- drying, airflow helps control shrinkage levels of the warp & the weft of the fabric.
While soak and dry is the conventional method for shrinking the fabric, airflow is a unique, modern machine that skips the huge water baths and tanks, hence saving large amounts of water. Padding little amounts of water or a softener; and utilizing air circulation, the shrinkage levels after wash are minimized and garment production is easier to handle.
Amni Soul Eco®
Bio-Degradable Nylon enhanced with a unique formula, which enabling garments to quickly decompose when disposed properly.
Acid Wash
Aerial Drying
Committed to energy conservation, Soorty integrated an aerial-drying system as part of its SmartCare Laundry™ system.
Unlike conventional dryers that consume excessive electricity, these use a built-in conveyor to air dry jeans.
A popular trend that historically used very harsh chemicals for a faded denim appearance. Having severe environmental and health implications, it got replaced over time with evolving technology and increasing consciousness. Contemporary denim practices prioritize sustainability, replacing acid wash with methods like ozone treatment and laser finishing. These eco-conscious alternatives eliminate harmful chemicals.
Auxiliaries
Additional chemicals used in denim laundry to achieve specific effects beyond basic dyeing. They play a crucial role in enhancing characteristics such as softness, texture, or color fixation. However, the use of traditional auxiliaries is associated with concerns due to their chemical composition which is driving the industry to develop and adopt of alternatives.
B-Corporation
B Corps are third party certified businesses of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Being a community B Corps drive a global movement using business as a force for good.
Bio
The prefix “bio” means life in Greek and is connected with life and living things.
Bio-based
Bio-based materials are those derived from biological or renewable resources; from living or once alive origins.
Better Cotton Initiative
Found to make global cotton production better for the people who produce it, better for the environment it grows in and better for the industry’s future.
Designed to ensure the exchange of good practice and to encouraging the scale up of collective action, BCI aims to make cotton a sustainable, mainstream commodity.
Biodiversity
Biodegradable
Goods that can naturally break down in the environment with a limited period of time. All materials break down eventually, but some of them can take thousands of years and can release chemicals and harmful substances in the process while others that were designed and produced consciously have no damage on the environment.
Biological diversity of life on our planet; usually approached three levels: ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity. At Soorty, we have embraced responsible sourcing, manufacturing and management at the core of all our activities. Hence, protection of limited natural resources and biodiversity are strongly connected with our principles of sustainable development.
Biofuel
Fuel produced by the chemical and/or biological processing of biomass
Biologically Diverse Soil
Biodiversity Conservation
The protection and management of diverse ecosystems and species to maintain a healthy and balanced environment.
The variety of living organisms that exist in soil interacting with one another. From plants to bacteria, fungi to earthworms and termites; the biodiversity forms a web of biological activity and is essential to both the environment and to agricultural industries. A teaspoon of soil typically contains a vast range of different species, up to 6 billion microorganisms - soil is by far the most diverse material on Earth.
Biological Recycling
Composting. The decomposition of organic waste by microorganisms, transforming organic materials into nutrient-rich compost, and promoting soil health while reducing the environmental impact of organic waste.
Biomass
The amount of living matter in a given habitat - i.e. the volume of organisms per unit volume of habitat. From an energy point of view; it is the matter (generally plant sourced) that can be converted to fuel and hence be regarded as a potential energy source.
Biomimicry
The amount of living matter in a given habitat - i.e. the volume of organisms per unit volume of habitat. From an energy point of view; it is the matter (generally plant sourced) that can be converted to fuel and hence be regarded as a potential energy source.
Blockchain
Digital ledgers recording transactions chronologically and publicly. It is composed of blocks - records of new transactions - that are added to the chain when completed, hence the name blockchain. Since blockchain avoids the use of middle men, and the information that is constantly being updated is stored, distributed & shared among players it enables users to reach, track and trace transparent information.
Brand Experience
Experiences designed to deliver marketing approach that triggers a holistic set of powerful human feelings created by a brand to influence internal (employees) and external (customers and other stakeholders) on about a particular product or company name
Bioplastic
Plastics that are made or derived from biological materials and renewable feedstocks, such as starch, cellulose, vegetable oils & fats. Bioplastics may or may not be biodegradable as some are only partially biobased, containing both renewable and fossil based carbon; hence under which conditions they biodegrade can vary widely. Depending on multiple circumstances, the degradation times can differ from several days to several years.
Blow Room
The initial stage in spinning process that defines the quality of yarn.
Set of machinery connected to one another where bales are opened and different varieties of cotton are blended, removing seeds, dust and all impurities. Fibers are separated according to length size and mixed till a homogeneous level with unity is reached.
Black Modal
Lenzing’s spun-dyed black Modal® fiber 50% lower energy use, 50% reduced water use 60% lower carbon footprint, 60% savings on environmental impact
Black Theory
Soorty’s responsible over-dying process that helps to enhance the dye intake with improved absorbency, provides a greater contrast and quick wash downs, increases fiber strength, and reduces fabric shrinkage while giving the fabric surface a shiny luxurious look. 29% less water 35% less steam 28% less energy 50% less chemicals
Brushing
A traditional denim finishing process where denim fabric was mechanically brushed to achieve a softer texture. While effective, it had drawbacks like excessive fiber removal, generating lint, and compromising durability. Modern practices that prioritize sustainability adopt alternative technologies like enzyme treatments that offer controlled softening effects.
Broken Twill (Weave)
A variation of the twill weave pattern, designed by alternating the direction of the twill line in regular intervals. Fabrics with a broken twill weave exhibit a unique, zigzag pattern providing a distinctive aesthetic while maintaining durability and comfort, which is why it’s so commonly used in denim production.
Carbon Dioxide
The most abundant greenhouse gas emitted from fossil fuels; gas with the chemical formula CO2.
Carbon Farming
Agricultural practices aimed at sequestering carbon in the soil, mitigating climate change through sustainable land management.
Carbon Neutral
Activities and measures where the net carbon input of organizations, individuals, societies, etc are the same as outputs. For example, assuming there is a constant amount of vegetation on the planet, burning wood will add carbon to the atmosphere and the total carbon being emitted and restored will cycle back, balancing each other out.
Carbon Footprint
The quantity measure of greenhouse gases emitted. Involves sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing processes, transport, purchase and life cycle of items with consideration to the greenhouse gasses produced as well as the intake of food and natural sources.
Carbon Offsetting
Compensating for carbon emissions by investing in projects or activities that absorb or reduce an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases, promoting a balance in overall emissions.
Circular Economy
Carbon Sequestration
The capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide to prevent it from entering the atmosphere, often through methods like afforestation and sustainable land management.
The alternative to the traditional linear economy (‘make, use, dispose’) in which resources are kept in use for as long as possible, the maximum value extracted from them whilst in use, and then products and materials recovered and regenerated at the end of each service life.
Caustic (Denim Laundry)
Sodium Hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, was traditionally used in denim processing. However, its corrosive nature and environmental impact led to a shift in denim manufacturing. Today, responsible alternatives replaced the use of the heavy chemicals, transforming denim production into a more responsible practice.
Circular Production
Production based on the principles of circular economy with mechanisms that run with a closed loop mentality, avoiding waste with regards to one process’ output gets to become an input for another one and hence requiring no new material extraction from the planet.
Clean Energy
Energy that is collected from renewable resources which are naturally replenished. Examples are sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat.
Clean Indigo
With studies pointing out man- made indigo is produced utilizing “aniline”; we started searching for innovative methods to purify this extra substance from the equation. Partnering up with Archroma on the world’s first clean liquid indigo, we offer a unique, aniline free indigo dyeing technology.
Chemical Recycling
Breaking down waste materials into their basic chemical components. This process allows for the recovery of valuable materials, which can then be used to produce new products, offering an alternative to traditional mechanical recycling. To date, it has multiple limitations yet different industries are approaching the concept to excel it and position as a trustable solution for the near future.
Cellulosic Fiber
Being used in a wide range of different fabrics, from denim or corduroy to muslin or organza; cellulosic fibers are structured from cellulose, a starch-like carbohydrate. Natural cellulosic fibers are cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo. Man-made cellulosic fibers are produced by dissolving natural materials such as cellulose or wood pulp and include lyocell and rayon (viscose, modal, viscose filament, Cupro). Sustainable cellulosic offerings include ECOVERO™ viscose, TENCEL™ modal and TENCEL™ lyocell, TENCEL™ x REFIBRA™ lyocell by Lenzing.
Circular Design
Design has a vital role and is at the core of a circular economy. Circular design is found on the principles of designing cycles in which resources are continuously cycled in various forms, following a reuse and recycle loop and hence avoiding resources to go to waste.
Circular Textiles
Textile products and practices that adhere to circular economy principles, emphasizing recycling, upcycling, and sustainable end-of-life options.
Circulose®
Made from 100% discarded textiles that can no longer be used, Circulose® is a ‘dissolving pulp’ that can be used to make viscose. The fiber is later spun into yarns, woven into fabrics & sewn into new high-quality textile products.
Soorty is a proud member of the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network (CSN) which is committed to driving the circular economy forward by ensuring a steady supply of RCS certified CIRCULOSE®.
Circularity
The approach of designing and producing goods that can be repaired, remade, reused, repurposed and eventually recycled or biodegraded at the end of their life cycle. Processes and products that waste no more.
Climate Action
The stepped-up efforts to reduce GHG emissions, strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-induced impacts including: climate-related hazards, integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning; and improving education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity with respect to climate change.
Clean Water
As the UN explains: “Clean water is a basic human need,that should be easily accessible to all. There is sufficient fresh water on the planet to achieve this. However, due to poor infrastructure, investment and planning, every year millions of people die from diseases associated with inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene.” Clean water is water suitable for drinking, free from harmful microorganisms and substances.
Clean Development Mechanism
Defined in the Kyoto Protocol (IPCC, 2007) CDM allows emission reduction projects in developing countries to generate Certified Emission Reduction credits (CERs) each equivalent to one tonne of CO2, which may be traded in emissions trading schemes.
The mechanism stimulates sustainable development and emission reductions, while giving industrialized countries flexibility in how they meet their emission reduction limitation targets.
Climate Change
Climate change is no longer an issue of debate but a fact of reality. Within the current scenario, the global consumption and production rates can only be used as a source of power if we, collaboratively change for better.
Closed Loop
Sustainable economic system, where the inputs used to create a product are the same as its end-of-life outputs. The zero waste approach hence completely reuses, recycles or composts all materials.
Code of Ethics
Defines the values and responsibilities that the company recognizes, accepts, shares and adopts both inside and outside the company - within a framework of fair competition, honesty, integrity and good faith, in respect of the legitimate interest of all its stakeholders including the customers, employees, shareholders, and communities.
CO2 Emission
Carbon dioxide (CO2) makes up the vast majority of GHG emissions - responsible for about 3/4 of global warming - with smaller amounts of other gases like methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) contributing. These gases are released through our daily activities - individually and industrially - and create a big threat to our future as they warm our planet. Being colorless to the naked eye, CO2 is opaque to infrared radiation in the atmosphere, it acts as a blanket to slow the loss of heat from Earth into space.
Cogeneration
The simultaneous production of electricity and heat, energy, from the combustion of the same fuel source.
Collective Impact
Cross-sector coordination to bring about large-scale social change.
Compostable
While biodegradable materials return to nature and can disappear completely, compostable materials leave behind a humus full of nutrients which is great for plants and the soil. In short, compostable products are biodegradable, but with an added benefit.
Collaboration
The act of working with someone to produce something. Collaboration among different brands and industry players with shared values, goals and work ethics not only eases things out as joining forces will enable the amount of work done by one to be shared but also increases the impact as the audiences interfere.
Compliance
Being a certain treaty / agreement / certification / assurance compliant means you are verified to be successfully bringing out all your responsibilities in that issue.
Composting
Biological decomposition of organic materials with oxygen that yields to emission of CO2, heat, and organic residues that may later become soil additives.
Conscious Consumerism
The increasing wave of conscious consumer behavior where the customer is aware of the environmental and social impacts of purchasing a certain product that was not produced responsibly. The conscious consumer is careful to sustain businesses as well, yet purchases items that answer guidelines of responsible manufacturing and avoid contributing wasteful or harmful processes.
Compliance
Being a certain treaty / agreement / certification / assurance compliant means you are verified to be successfully bringing out all your responsibilities in that issue.
Climate Jeans
Soorty’s SS2021 collection dedicated to our beautiful planet and the climate emergency. From responsible resourcing to conscious manufacturing, fabric / article names to collection spot, all details have been brought together with references to the climate change to increase awareness and precision towards the issue.
Coolmax® EcoMade
Designed to improve breathability and performance, COOLMAX is widely used in the denim industry as denim is a big part of our daily-active lives. Soorty proudly uses COOLMAX ECOMADE - made from 97% recycled resources like plastic bottles - to produce fabric that moves moisture away from the skin and helps keep the wearer cool, dry and comfortable for longer.
Core Treatment
Automation powered solution for increased efficiency in laundry, creating both uniform and contrasting effects, bringing out the full potential of the garment. Drastically reduces water use, and enables us to create special dyes with extremely low environmental impact - i.e. a 1:1 liquor ratio.
Cradle to Grave
Accounting for the impact of producing a product, from creation to end use. It is a linear flow: ‘take-make-use-throw away’
Crowd Funding
The joint effort of individuals who network and pool their money, usually online, to support a wide variety of activities including start-up company funding, disaster relief and campaigns. For many social enterprises the traditional funding models no longer exist, so crowd funding is an access economy mechanism establishing or fundraising social/environmental activities.
Condensate Recovery
When steam transfers its heat in a manufacturing which is necessary to run all production processes, it reverts to a liquid phase - condensate - which is not simply a bi-product or an output for us but also a source of energy, that is brought back in the loop to activate further coming processes.
Consumer Behavior
Marketing science that studies individuals, groups, or organizations and all the activities associated with the decision making, purchase, use and disposal of goods and services, including the consumer's psychological, emotional, mental and behavioral responses that precede or follow these activities.
Consumer Democracy
Consumers using their economic capacity to promote values in the link between supply and demand to generate goods and services that are produced, provided, distributed, marketed and taken care of in approaches that reflect their social and personal values.
Corporate Social Responsibility
A business framework that prioritizes people, societies and the planet as much as its profit. Aims to develop and sustain businesses that have a positive relationship with the societies/environments in which they operate in.
Cradle to Cradle
Product designers, manufacturers and brands around the world rely on the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard as a transformative pathway for designing and making products with a positive impact on people and planet.
Soorty’s C2C GOLD PRODUCT RANGE is a design system for developing sustainable products based on circular design. It improves the way of MAKE.USE.RE-USE of things, recognizing biological & technical reutilization of denim fabric; as we intend to make our impact on human society and the planet a positive one
Cross Hatch
Also known as X-hatch, this is a fabric construction that creates a crisscross pattern by interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles. The weave adds texture, dimension, and character to the fabric resembling the classic Americana denim.
Cruelty Free
Usually referencing to animal welfare, and a product being free from animal testing.
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
EU law that requires all large companies
and all listed companies (except listed
micro-enterprises) to disclose information
on what they see as the risks and
opportunities arising from social and
environmental issues, and on the impact
of their activities on people and the
environment.
The Ultimate Guide on Sustainability Regulation, Julia Gerrits
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
(CSDDD)
European Union (EU) legislation for companies to determine whether their own operations, subsidiaries, and business partnerships have actual or potential negative effects on the environment and human rights. Companies must take action to stop or lessen any actual effects as well as avoid or mitigate any possible effects they find.
The Ultimate Guide on Sustainability Regulation, Julia Gerrits
Denim Curiosity Table
The Denim Curiosity Table is Soorty’s easy going display of responsible manufacturing intending to create an easy to follow journey of denim manufacturing experience for visitors. The different stages of denim production - materials, and manufacturing methods from cotton flowers, to spinning, yarns to fabric, the different treatments all the way towards finished garments and recycling - are showcased with clear and easy to follow description over a mobile-set up that can be displayed over any table.
Design For Purpose
At its core, design is about improvement and making things better. Design thinking is the key to developing goods that allocate and utilize correct resources efficiently. Designing for positive impact means creating models and strategies that consider sustainability, supply chains, working conditions and the post product life cycle of equal importance to aesthetics, profit and growth.
Denim-to-denim Recycling
A recycling process specific to denim, where discarded denim garments are collected, processed, and transformed into new denim products. The number one barrier of the system is the fact that the system can currently only repurpose rigid fabrics, and has to exclude jeans/denim products that contain synthetic materials like polyester.
Design Thinking
Design thinking is the key to developing goods that allocate and utilize correct resources efficiently.
Considering that the life cycle of a product begins already when being designed, at Soorty, we consider design for purpose a tool for improvement.
Digital Fashion
Desertification
Degradation of land in arid, semi arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting mainly from human activities as well as climate change - which again, is mainly sourcing from misbehavior of humans.
Developing Countries
Development of a country is measured using a mix of economic factors - i.e. income per capita, GDP, degree of modern infrastructure, industrialisation degree, proportion of economy devoted to agriculture and natural resource extraction - and social ones - i.e. life expectancy, the rate of literacy, poverty. The UN’s Human Development Index (HDI) shows a strong correlation between low income and high population growth. In developing countries, there is low per capita income, widespread poverty, and low capital formation. In developed countries there is continuous economic growth and a relatively high standard of living.
Diversity
Understanding, recognizing and respecting that each individual is unique. With individual differences of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, culture, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies, we are all different and unique. We come altogether in harmony to form our planet.
DOCH
DOCH is a social collective established to uplift indigenous female artisans of Balochistan. Soorty Organic Cotton Initiative supports & trains +100 women from the region in partnership with DOCH, providing training in traditional embroidery (also called DOCH), financial literacy, and marketing skills.
Digital Denim Garment
Pioneering the denim industry, Soorty has collaborated with The Fabricant - Amsterdam based digital fashion house - on The World’s First Digital Denim Garment. Using the digital craftsmanship and uniquely crafted engineering techniques, the collaboration is not wasting any material and using solely data.
Technology and fashion walk hand in hand as we discover the future possibilities and design for the days to come. Digital fashion is the interplay between technology and couture, the visual representation of imagination of clothing built using computer technologies and 3D software.
Drought
Water shortage relative to availability, supply and demand. One of the big threats of the climate change.
Drip Irrigation
A type of micro-irrigation system with a potential to save water and nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants. By allowing the water directly to fall on the root, evaporation is minimized.
DuPont™ Sorona®
First fiber representing a shift from oil-based materials to bio-based; 37% renewably sourced from industrial corn that is not edible by humans. Delivers good stretch, recovery and shape retention in a soft and smooth hand feel.
Dyeing
Dyeing is the application of dyes or pigments on textile materials such as fibers, yarns, and fabrics with the goal of achieving color with desired color fastness. What gives our beloved blue jeans its color is indigo - originating from the Indigofera plant. While indigo is one of the oldest dyestuffs still in use today, natural indigo is not the most sustainable alternative to color our blue jeans as synthetic versions offer a much bigger affinity and absorption, resulting with much less use of inputs including water and energy.
Dyneema®
Ultra-strong fiber that provides a remarkable improvement in tensile & tear strength, ideal for functional clothing. Fabrics made with DYNEEMA® are made to last longer.
E-cycling
Recycling / repurposing electronic waste.
E-waste
Electronic waste - especially mobile phones, televisions and personal computers.
E-flow
Conventionally, water used to be the carrier of chemicals to the garments, going to waste at the end of every cycle, still containing the chemicals within. With the new technology of E-flow by Jeanologia, we use the air that surrounds us as the carrier which homogeneously transmits the recipe to the garment; meaning no water waste, and no chemical discharge.
Eco-
A prefix which is commonly added to many words these days indicating a general consideration for the environment and the planet. e.g. ecohousing, ecolabel, ecomaterial.
Earth Overshoot Day
Hosted and calculated by Global Footprint Network, Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when we, humanity, exhaust our natural resources’ budget for the year. In other words it is when ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what our planet can regenerate in that year. In 2020, Earth Overshoot Day falls on August 22, more than 3 weeks later than last year. COVID-19 caused our footprint to contract, showing that change in consumption in a short timeframe is possible. However, true sustainability can only be achieved by design, not by disasters.
Ecological Footprint
Eco-friendly
Literally meaning earth-friendly - in other words, not harmful to the environment.
Ecology
The impact of a person, community or industry on the environment - measured as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources. As a sustainability assessment, the simplest way to define ecological footprint is the amount of the environment necessary to produce the goods and services necessary to support a particular lifestyle.
The study of living organisms and their relationships to one another and their environment - study of processes regulating the distribution and abundance of organisms; the ecosystem structures and functions.
Economic Growth
Increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time. SDG 8 of 17 promotes sustained, inclusive & sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Efficiency
Denoting the ratio between inputs and outputs, efficiency is a vital first step towards sustainability since it improves performance and reduces costs, waste and pollution.
Ecosystem
A dynamic complex of plant, animal and microorganism communities and their non-living environment all interacting with one another as a holistic, functional unit.
EcoVero
Lenzing’s environmentally conscious viscose fiber derived from certified, renewable & controlled wood sources. Has an EU Ecolabel award which is given only to products that meet high environmental standards. 50% less emissions & water use compared to generic viscose.
Education
The process of teaching or learning, and the knowledge that you get from this. SDG 4 of 17 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Enzymes
(in Denim Laundry)
Enzymes play a crucial role in denim laundry, facilitating eco-friendly and sustainable practices by replacing harsh chemicals traditionally employed in processes. Examples include bio-stoning which creates a worn or faded look, or bio-polishing which enhances fabric softness. The use of enzymes reduces water consumption, chemical usage, as well as dependency on other resources, contributing to a more responsible approach to denim.
Energy Recovery
The productive extraction of energy, usually electricity or heat, from waste or materials that would otherwise have gone to landfills as waste.
Environment
The external conditions, resources, stimuli etc. with which an organism interacts.
Environmental Impact Measurement
Introduced by Jeanologia, EIM is a software developed to measure the environmental impact - water, chemical and energy consumption as well as worker health - for garment finishing. Monitoring and measuring the impact enables to identify areas of improvement and define actions to be more sustainable.
Environmentally Friendly
Effulent
A discharge or emission of liquid, gas or other waste product.
Energy
The capacity, strength and vitality required for a sustained physical or mental activity. May exist in various forms like potential, kinetic, thermal, solar, electrical, chemical, nuclear, heat and others. Energy can be neither created nor destroyed; only changed from one form to another. This is known as the conservation of energy and the first law of thermodynamics.
Energy Management
Well-planned actions and strategies aiming to reduce energy use with regards to limited natural resources and climate emergency via simultaneously reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental Impact
Any change and affect on the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, as a result of activities, products, or services.
Environmental Movement (Environmentalism)
The diverse scientific, social, and political movement advocating the responsible and sustainable management of resources and stewardship of the nature via changes in public and individual behaviors. In its recognition of humanity as a participant in ecosystems, the movement is centered around ecology, health, and human rights.
Emissions
The production and discharge of something from a source - especially gas, energy or radiation.
Energy Efficiency
Using less energy to provide the same or more level of energy service; sourcing from the consciousness of limited natural resources, integrating technology and the dedication to do more with less with know-how to make the most of what is limited.
Literally meaning earth-friendly - in other words, not harmful to the environment.
Ethics
Derived from the Greek word ethos which can mean custom, habit or character, ethics are set of moral principles that govern a person's behavior, concerned with what is good for individuals and society.
Erosion
Displacement of land (sediment, soil, rock and other particles) mainly due to external agents of currents like earthquakes, wind, water, or ice by downward or down-slope movement in response to gravity or by living organisms.
Eutrophication
Ethical Consumerism
A conscious and responsible approach to purchasing goods and services, considering ethical, environmental, and social factors associated with the products.
European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)
The sustainability reporting standards that
define the content and format of the
sustainability report of the CSRD.
The Ultimate Guide on Sustainability Regulation, Julia Gerrits
An increase in chemical nutrients, typically compounds containing nitrogen or phosphorus, in an ecosystem.
EverFIT
Jeans that fit like the first time, every time.
Soorty’s technology focusing on comfort, medium and high stretch performance which helps to keep the growth to a minimum. It will give the consumer the ease of wear as well as keeping the shape of the garment.
FadeO
Soorty’s pioneering denim laundry technology under the Smart Laundry™ setup, utilizing Tonello’s smart technologies. It employs ozone for consistent and uniform finishes, creating strikingly contrasting effects with a low liquor ratio and no need for stones. This reduces water and chemical dependency significantly while consuming less oxygen and electricity.
Fast Fashion
Design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers - while the intention of development of the concept might be accessing wider audiences the impacts on the planet, societies and future is undeniable.
Fiber
Thin thread of natural or manmade substances that are significantly longer than it is wide. Spun together to make yarn, which will be woven into fabrics and used to make textile products.
Fiber to Jeans
Soorty's concept on a closed responsible and sustainable denim production journey. Being Pakistan’s largest vertically integrated denim company, we are able to offer complete visibility and transparency through the supply chain. Owning our own spinning units, denim mills, recycling plants, apparel manufacturing factories and R&D Lab comes along with different advantages. Being able to manage, monitor and optimize all processes from spinning to garment finishing allows us to sustain quality, that comes along with increased efficiency and offering speed to market solutions.
A key and lock innovation by Soorty Enterprises. Developed in NASDA Innovation Lab and scaled up in Soorty Denim Mill & Soorty Garment Factories.
FIX-D
Footprint
The impression left behind - by humans, companies, industries or governments. With regards to sustainability and responsibility, it refer to physical footprint, environmental footprint, water footprint, carbon footprint etc.
Forest
Area covered with trees and undergrowth. As well as providing timber, food, fuel and other bioproducts’ resource and supporting the livelihoods of millions around the world, forests also store carbon, preserve soils and nurture a diversity of species, they help cleanse / purify water and air, and maintain wildlife habitat. Forests are our essential weapons fighting climate emergency in our days forward.
Fair Trade
An alternative to conventional trade, based on a partnership between producers and purchasers of products. Ensures that farmers and workers get a fair share of the benefits of the trade, allowing them be economically safe. A percentage of the commodity price goes into community development projects in the farmers’ community.
Fashion Revolution
A global movement to encourage a fashion industry that values the people, environment, creativity and profit in equal measure. It was born on 24th April 2013, when the Rana Plaza factory collapsed killing 1138 people and injuring many more. Fashion Revolution owns a Fashion Revolution Week taking place every April, and promoting the #whomademyclothes campaign.
Finished Garment
Apart from washing and cleaning, finishes do not necessarily involve wet processes. In certain cases, applying different finishes can bring along additional functions like water or dirt repellency, moisture management, laser touches, no-wrinkle, etc.
Finishing
Variety of processes that help convert the weaved denim fabric into a state where it will be used. The applications performed depend on the look, performance, hand and feel desired.
Forestration
The act of planting or cultivating forest growth on areas that either had forest or lacked it naturally. Being highly threatened by water scarcity and climate emergency, Pakistan is very committed to going green and has an initiative called the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Programme - an ambitious forest restoration project aiming to restore the environmental strength while fighting climate change. During the pandemic, the government approached forestation very creatively and hired daily workers who were laid off as a result of COVID19 during the pandemic, and offered them jobs of planting trees.
Future Possibilities
Soorty’s on and offline communication platform aiming to build a transparent dialogue between different layers of the supply chain. Future Possibilities originates from three main principles: transparency, two-way communication, and collaboration. On the online level it serves as an open source library with inspirational stories and know-how on how denim can be responsible, on the offline level travels around the world with presences in different occasions like pop-up activations, events, festivals and exhibitions to reach stakeholders.
Forest Stewardship Council, FSC
A globally recognized certification system ensuring the responsible management of forests and the products derived from them. It guarantees that wood and paper products come from responsibly sourced and well-managed forests, promoting environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic viability.
Fossil Fuel
Being the world’s primary energy source, fossil fuels (coal, oil, or natural gases) are formed in the earth from organic material like plant or animal remains over the course of millions of years. Burning of fossil fuels are responsible for a big portion of greenhouse gas emissions which eventually warm up our planet.
Genetically Modified
Altering the genetic makeup of an organism externally via genetic engineering to produce a desired characteristic.
G2 Dynamic
The G2 Dynamic technology of Jeanologia uniquely replaces the use of many chemicals and water that are conventionally involved in the mercerization of the fabric with the ozone gas that surrounds us, adopting the technology radically lowers the environmental impact.
Gender Equality
Equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making; and valuing different behaviors, aspirations and needs equally, regardless of gender. While gender equality unfortunately is not yet a fundamental human right, it should be. SDG 5 of 17 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls in the world.
GOTS
Global Organic Textile Standard is the standard by which fibers, fabrics and textiles are approved and verified of being made from organic origins. Only textiles made of at least 70% organic fibres can be granted as GOTS certified.
Green Building
Architectural design that moves towards self-sufficiency sustainability by adopting circular metabolism.
Green Power
Electricity power generated using clean, renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, biomass and hydro power) and supplied through the grid.
Greenhouse Gases
Gases that absorb infrared radiation emitted from Earth’s surface and reradiate it back to Earth’s surface, and hence contribute to the warming up of the climate by creating a greenhouse like effect. Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor are the most commonly found GHGs. Human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution have caused a radical increase in GHG emissions.
Greenwashing
The practice of marketing goods in a way that misleads the consumer about its environmental impacts. It is unfortunately quite common in our industry to use sustainability as a marketing tool, as we sadly see the word sustainability lose its value yet with the digital era rising and the conscious consumer demanding more and more information to trace and track their goods because they want to know the environmental impact of their purchases, we hope it will evolve into a genuine approach at the core of every business rather than being a trend.
Garment Dyeing
Coloring technique applied to fully constructed garments rather than fabric rolls or yarns. While popular for its ability to create distinct looks, traditional methods may involve harsh chemicals. To address this, the industry is transitioning towards sustainable alternatives that use less water and energy as well as safer chemicals.
Global Citizens
People who are aware of the wider world - understanding they are simply part of an entire ecosystem. They take an active role in their community, and work with others to make our planet more equal, fair and sustainable
Globalization
Expansion of interactions to global or worldwide scale; increasing interdependence, integration and interaction among people and organizations from around the world. A mix of economic, social, technological, cultural, and political interrelationships.
Glass Recycling
Glass is 100% recyclable and can be repurposed endlessly with no loss of quality. Recycling glass method conserves raw materials and energy while reducing landfill waste.
Green Design
Environmentally sustainable design.
Green Energy
Energy that is collected from renewable resources which are naturally replenished. Examples are sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat.
Greenhouse Effect
The insulating effect of atmospheric greenhouse gases that raise our planet’s temperature and leading to the climate change.
GreenScreen® Chemicals
A globally recognized tool that identifies hazardous chemicals and safer alternatives by an assessment designed to identify chemicals of high concern and safer alternatives. It is used by industries, governments and NGOs to support product design and development, procurement, and use.
Global Recycle Standard, GRS
An internationally recognized certification managed by the Textile Exchange that verifies recycled content in products. It ensures responsible production by tracking the full scope of a product's lifecycle, from raw material extraction to finished goods. GRS-certified products contribute to circular economy practices, fostering environmental stewardship in the textile industry.
Green Roofs
Roof systems covered with vegetation, providing energy efficiency, reducing urban heat islands, and supporting biodiversity.
Green Deal
Set of EU policy initatives that should
contribute to the green transition.
Examples of goals are to increase
biodiversity, support the circular economy,
and establish sustainable food
production. So far, over 230 Green Deal
initiatives have been signed. The main
goal is to achieve climate neutrality in
2050.
The Ultimate Guide on Sustainability Regulation, Julia Gerrits
Green Claims Directive
Legislative proposal by the EU. Regulates
environmental claims in advertising to
prevent greenwashing. The goal is to
protect consumers and companies from
greenwashing and help consumers to
make informed purchasing decisions.
The Ultimate Guide on Sustainability Regulation, Julia Gerrits
Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG)
Global standard for measuring and
managing greenhouse gas emissions.
Accurate tracking of direct and indirect
emissions is done according to a Scope
(1, 2 and 3).
The Ultimate Guide on Sustainability Regulation, Julia Gerrits
Habitat
An ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species.
Health
The state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages is essential for sustainable development. Currently, the world is facing a global health crisis like no other — COVID-19 is spreading human suffering, destabilizing the global economy and upending the lives of billions of people. Before the pandemic, major progress was made in improving the health of millions. SDG 3 of 17 aims to promote this.
Heat
Energy coming from the motion of molecules; a form of energy into which all other forms of energy may be degraded.
Herbal Indigo
Designed for Soorty’s innovative journey towards the fully responsible denim, Herbal Indigo extracted from the Indigofera plant - recognized as true indigo - preserves the aesthetics of denim heritage with environmental positive impact since it avoids the release of extra COD and BOD caused by the synthetic indigo dyes.
Hunger
With +250M people potentially at the brink of starvation, swift action needs to be taken to provide food and humanitarian relief to the most at-risk regions. At the other side of the coin, a huge amount of food is being wasted everyday as a result of irresponsible production and consumption. SDG 2 of 17 aims to increase agricultural productivity and sustainable food production which are crucial to help fight hunger.
Hand Made Stone
Composite stone that is made by 100% recyclable materials which enables stone-wash effects in an eco-responsible way. Benefits: No mining or transportation of pumice stones. 100% recyclable. 20% less water per load. Energy efficient - works with cold water. 60x longer use life and Radically less contamination compared to pumice stones. Reduced carbon footprint.
HIGG Index
Developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the Higg Index is a set of tools that enables brands, retailers, and facilities to measure and score a company or product’s sustainability performance at any stage of their sustainability journey. It delivers a holistic overview empowering businesses to make meaningful improvements that protect the well-being of factory workers, local communities, and the environment.
Hemp
Being a natural and protective fiber with environmentally conscious features, hemp enhances denim with multiple features. Known for its antibacterial properties, hemp requires no pesticides or chemicals during growth, needs less water compared to cotton, is easily recyclable, and regenerative, grows rapidly, and absorbs excess moisture from the skin.
Indigo
Indigo, the dyestuff giving blue jeans their color, naturally originates from the Indigofera plant. While the beauty of natural indigo is undebatable, there also are multiple synthetic versions that offer greater affinity and absorption, resulting in less use of inputs, including water and energy.
Indigo Modal
Soorty utilizes Lenzing’s TENCEL Modal with Indigo Technology, a spun-dyed modal with indigo pigment. It offers clean looks in a rich indigo color, superior color fastness, and significantly reduces dependency on natural resources."
Industrial Revolution
Period of major industrialization and innovation that left a profound impact on how people lived and the way businesses operated taking place during late 1700s and early 1800s. The transition included going from hand production methods to machines, new manufacturing and production processes, use of steam and water power, development of machine tools and mechanized factory system.
The textile industry was also the first to use modern production methods. All this change, obviously, paved the way to the systems we use in the modern world today which have a direct impact on of the environment and our future.
Inequality
Social inequality is the existence of unequal opportunities and rewards for different social positions within a society. While Universal Declaration of Human Rights ensures all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights, there unfortunately are inequalities across societies and SDG 10 of 17 promotes reducing inequality within and among countries.
Indigo+
When Sodium Hydro Sulfide is as a reducing agent for indigo in Rope Dyeing; it increases the COD and BOD load of the waste water, affecting the marine life negatively. Indigo+ is Soorty’s salt free indigo dyeing technology designed to cure this.
Innovation
Industrial Agriculture
A form of modern farming that involves industrialized production of livestock, poultry, fish, and crops; answering mass needs in speed.
Application of solutions that better meet requirements, unarticulated or existing market needs by introducing new ideas, creative thoughts or new imaginations in form of devices, process or methods.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. With over half the world population now living in cities, mass transport and renewable energy are becoming ever more important, as are the growth of new industries and information and communication technologies. SDG 9 of 17 aims to promote sustainable industries, and inves in scientific research and innovatio to facilitate sustainable development.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Panel established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the UN Environment Programme to provide the scientific and technical foundation for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), primarily through the publication of periodic assessment report.
Kiss Roll
Kyoto Protocol
Instead of dipping the fabric in big chemical tanks and drying the water amount to the level it actually requires later, we use eco- applicators which only pad the necessary amount, saving up a vigorously high energy and water consumption.
International agreement adopted in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. The Protocol sets binding emission targets for developed countries that would reduce their emissions on average 5.2 percent below 1990 levels.
Landfill
Solid waste disposal in which refuse is buried between layers of soil, a method often used to reclaim low-lying ground. The word is sometimes used to refer to the waste itself.
LED Lighting
LED lightings support sustainability in several different ways - they use less energy than other types of light bulbs and creating less demand on the natural resources, create less heat loss compared to other bulbs that waste most of the energy they consume, they do not contain harmful chemicals like mercury, are durable and last longer meaning a considerable waste reduction and are made of recyclable materials which can be re-introduced to the system when disposed properly.
Life Below Water
The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. How we manage this vital resource is essential for humanity as a whole, and to counterbalance the effects of climate change. Goal 14 of the 17 SDGs - Life Below Water - aim to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification.
Laser
"Denim, being a live canvas, has always been, and will always be a part of our culture. The number of raw denim enthusiasts cannot be underestimated; yet vintage & faded jeans are the very signatures of denim that has been worn, and loved. Traditionally these looks were achieved with harsh chemicals and heavy washes that threaten not only the environment, but also the employees working with them. Soorty offers a variety of laser friendly fabrics and worn-in finishes that help achieve the desired result by eliminating the use of PP spray, massive amounts of water, energy and chemicals while providing realistic results in automation. "
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.
Linen
A very strong and absorbent natural fiber that dries fast making it comfortable to wear in hot weather. The slub coming from its nature adds a beautiful texture and hand feel to the fabric, making fabrics woven with it particularly different in terms of look and characteristics.
Lifespan of Products
The time interval from when a product is sold to when it is discarded. Lifespan of products highly depend on their ingredients and manufacturing methods which define their durability and quality. Trends and consumer habits also have a big role on it as they reflect on how well a product is taken care of. Decreased lifespan of products is a direct threat to our planet as they add on to landfills, increase waste and eventually mean more new resources to be extracted.
Limited Resources
Our lives are built on systems that make use of resources, which are mostly natural and limited, meaning they will eventually run out. An emerging solution is to embrace the principles of a circular economy which aims no further waste, and realizing one industry’s waste as another one’s input and hence needing less and making more of what is limited.
Living Wage
A fair salary or compensation that allows the people, the heroes who actually make things happen, to earn a decent salary and not remain trapped in poverty.
LEED
Being certified with LEED is a mark of quality and achievement in green building - an independent third party verification of its green features, allowing for resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy and cost-effective environment. LEED benefits the people, planet and profit.
Life Cycle
All stages of a product's development, from raw materials, manufacturing through to consumption and ultimate disposal.
Life on Land
Human life depends on earth as much as the ocean. Plant life provides 80% of the human diet, and we rely on agriculture as an important economic resources. Forests cover 30% of Earth’s surface and provide vital habitats for millions of species. As important sources for clean air and water, forests are also crucial for combating climate change. Goal 15 of the 17 SDGs - Life on Land urges us all to take action to reduce the loss of natural habitats and biodiversity.
Linear Economy
For a long time, our economy has been 'linear'. This means that raw materials are used to make a product, and after its use any waste is thrown away exhausting natural resources not only by contributing to landfills but also the need of extracting new resources every time a new product is needed. Circular economies on the contrary follows the 3R approach: reduce, reuse and recycle which make more and better use of what is limited and eliminating waste.
Low Liquor Washing
Dramatically reduces the amount of water required and brings the liquor ratio down to unparalleled levels, UP is a game changer in garment laundry. It works with a continuous, regular flow of water system constantly being injected to the machine, which is recovered and recirculated; saving water, energy and time while increasing efficiency.
Local Sourcing
Obtaining goods or materials from nearby or regional sources, promoting local economies and reducing transportation-related environmental impact.
Longevity
Soorty’s range of fabrics woven with carefully selected materials and vigorous construction processes to increase product life-spans.
Crafted to be a canvas for jeans that will last and not be thrown away - Durable. Responsible. Made to Last.
Low Impact Dyes
Dyes used in textiles that have minimal environmental impact, often through reduced water and energy consumption.
LYCRA® EcoMade
Generally used for comfort stretches, elastane is preferred for its performance on lasting comfort, fit and shape in denim.
At Soorty we use LYCRA® ECOMADE FIBER, which contains 20% recycled spandex and has GRS certification. Constructions with it help us construct flexible jeans that help keep the wearer moving with permanent performance features while keeping our environmental impact
Low Liquor Washing
Low Liquor Washing is a denim laundry technique that dramatically reduces water usage compared to conventional methods. Technologies like UP by Tonello use a continuous flow of water, saving water, energy, and time while enhancing efficiency.
LYCRA® T400® EcoMade
Generally used for comfort stretches, T400 is generally preferred for its performance on low fabric growth and shrinkage and a long lasting shape retention. At Soorty we use T400 Ecomade, where 65% of fiber content comes from recycled plastics and renewable plant-based resources.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
Supports the Green Deal and EU policy
making process. Method for assessing how
a product, process, or service affects the
environment throughout its entire lifespan.
This evaluation covers everything from
acquiring raw materials to production,
usage, and the post-use phase.
The Ultimate Guide on Sustainability Regulation, Julia Gerrits
Man-made
Not natural, synthetic. Product of chemical synthesis, generally to imitate a natural product.
Microplastics
Being the second most demanded material in the textile industry after cotton, polyester is a man-made fiber that requires huge water & chemical consumption. Polyesters break up into micro plastics that are invisible to the naked eye, entering water channels, lungs of marine animals, eventually ending up in our systems too.
Minimalism
There is no “one size fits all” definition to minimalism.
Minus Zero Waste
The textile industry is a polluting and dangerous one; serving as one of the main reasons of landfills. Innovation and technology brought together with authentic, sincere willingness to do good is what is going to take us there. At Soorty, we work towards Minus Zero Waste and strive make our impact on our planet a positive one. Day after day we seek alternatives to make more and better use of the limited resources we have, because we don’t have a planet B.
Man-made Fibers
"Fiber produced with various processes (chemical, physical) set-up. Man made cellulose fibers include lyocell and rayon (viscose, modal, viscose filament, Cupro) which utilize natural cellulosic materials (wood pulp, cotton, etc) as the source material. Man made synthetic fibers include polyester, polyamide (nylon), etc which use mainly synthetic raw materials from petroleum oil."
Marine Life
The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. How we manage this vital resource is essential for humanity as a whole, and to counterbalance the effects of climate change. Goal 14 of the 17 SDGs - Life Below Water - aim to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from pollution, as well as address the impacts of ocean acidification.
Mental Wellbeing
Health is the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being at all ages is essential for sustainable development, with SDG 3 of 17 focusing on this goal.
Mercerization
A chemical treatment to fabric or yarn that involves treating cotton with a concentrated solution of caustic soda under tension, followed by thorough washing. The treatment causes the cotton fibers to swell and straighten, resulting in increased tensile strength, improved dye absorption, and a characteristic sheen.
Mechanical Recycling
The process recycles materials such as plastics or textiles by physically breaking them down to create new products. Unlike chemical processes, mechanical recycling doesn't alter the material's basic structure. Instead, it focuses on reusing the existing form, reducing waste, and contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. It may have limitations coming from the nature of the material.
Metal Recycling
The recovery of metals from discarded items for reuse. Nearly all metals can be recycled indefinitely and still retain the strength, value and properties of the original product. Repurposing metal reduces resource consumption compared to primary metal production.
Microfibers
Extremely fine synthetic fibers, often with a diameter of less than one denier. Typically made from materials like polyester or nylon, they are used in the production of various textiles. Their fine structure gives a soft, smooth feel while enhancing performance attributes like breathability and moisture-wicking.
Microfiber Pollution
During laundry with traditional washing machines that don’t have effective filtration, microfibers can break loose from the textile and enter water systems, posing a threat on aquatic life and contributing to microplastic pollution. Efforts to address microfiber pollution include the development of washing machine filters and sustainable alternatives like natural fibers. Enhanced awareness and responsible consumer practices, such as using microfiber-catching laundry bags, are crucial steps in mitigating this environmental concern.
Modal®
"Rayon was the first regenerated cellulosic fiber after cotton; modal is known as the second generation rayon developed in early 50s and is 100% biodegradable. At Soorty we use Lenzing’s spun-dyed modal fiber, producing fabrics in different colors with a natural comfort, smoothness and versatility. "
Natural Resources
Naturally occurring substances that are considered valuable in their relatively unmodified (natural) form.