SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
 
We believe that the choice of raw material used in any production is a conscious and super important choice when designing a new product. The research and choice of the material directly reflects on the quality, durability, comfort, usability, in addition to the pollution it generates.
At Min we always seek the highest quality/longevity in fibers that are renewed as quickly as possible in respect to the Earth, with some certification, and that make this natural extractive cycle more harmonious. An example is viscoses with the FSC seal compared to the others.
·         In this last collection, 91% of the fabrics are certified
·         89% have an OEKO TEX 100 certificate that guarantees freedom from harmful substances
·         35% in cotton fibers have the BCI (Botter Cotton Initiative) better social, environmental and economic conditions;
·         70% are plastic free, that is, they do not have synthetic fibers in their composition
·         62% are made of 100% natural fibers



 


LOCAL LABOR
 
·         100% made in Brazil, reinforcing the national industry
 
·         79% is local production, that is, up to 60km from Rio de Janeiro, which reduces our energy consumption and emission of polluting gases in transport as much as possible. 
·         Every year we revisit our partners to strengthen ties, learn about the working conditions.
 
ARTISANAL PROCESSES
 ·         Every collection, Min develops products and details made entirely by hand, which slows down the industrial part a little and values the small artisan. These are techniques such as Batik dyeing, Sisal crechet, thread finishes and handmade embroidery.
·        We have already worked with Casa Amarela in Providência, Crocheteiras do Crochetando Vidas, Copa Roca in Rocinha among others. 

 

WHAT IS A BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL?
 
It can be decomposed (or degraded) naturally through bacteria, fungi, or any type of microorganism. Therefore, biodegradation is a process of nature.
Generally, products that are based on minerals, plants or animal matter are considered biodegradable.
The time of biodegradation is also important.  Therefore, it is important to make correct choices when consuming products and also when disposing of them.

WHAT IS A COMPOSTABLE MATERIAL?
Compostable materials are those capable of decomposing (or being biodegraded) with the help of human action. The result of this biodegradation is natural materials that do not cause any damage to the environment. Quite the opposite! When composted, compostable materials become and release nutritious elements into the soil, such as CO2, biomass, etc. The time of the composting process depends a lot on the conditions given to the material throughout the process. Human force is the one who offers compostable materials water, organic matter, oxygen, light, among others, so that the process is streamlined. For this reason, composting can take anywhere from 90 days to 3 years to complete.
TIME OF DEGRADATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT
Interestingly, some materials only need bacteria and others need UV rays, such as plastics, PETs, etc.
Vegetables: 5 to 30 days
Paper and carton box: 3 to 6 months
Natural Fiber Fabric: 3 to 6 months 
Leather and Nylon: 30 years
PET bottle: 100 years+
Polyester/Polyamide 60 to 200 years
Diaper: 450 years
Glass: 4,000 years
Rubber: indefinite!
 

WHY WE AVOID POLYESTER CLOTHING We don't think that being radical is the best solution. But we can avoid it by reducing its use. If everyone did the same, surely nature would already thank you. Undoubtedly, polyester or polyamide garments have high durability, color and heat retention, and resistance to roughness, in addition to being cheaper. It is very common to mix polyester fibers with natural fibers in the manufacture of clothes, ensuring combined characteristics to the fabric as well. However, its use has environmental impacts ranging from its production to its disposal. In the production of polyester, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and effluents containing antimony are emitted. And its use, correct and incorrect disposal generate a material that is harmful to humans and animals, microplastic. Reference: Poliéster: MAJOR IMPACTS- eCycle