#whether that's bamboo rayon (made from cellulose chemically extracted from bamboo)

[gothhabiba]

The new big thing in Morocco is Sabra, or more often referred to as cactus silk. You can’t scroll for too long on an a social media hashtag for Morocco before seeing a pillow or rug made out of sabra. From small shops all the way up to  massive companies like Restoration Hardware, everyone is scrambling to pull together their product lines.

Sabra products are incredibly popular because they embody the imagination of what people perceive Morocco to be. Simply look up descriptions of sabra product and foreign sellers via their Instagram account who dote wistfully about divorced or widowed nomadic Berber women who search the expanse of the Saharan desert for the finest cactus. And then when the perfect cactus is found under a hot Moroccan sun, the Instagrammers continue, the women undertake the painstaking work of extracting vegan fiber thread by thread only before dyeing it using hand crushed natural dyes via Indigo mud cloth techniques. Beautiful.

At a certain point though when it starts to seem that not only is such a popular product the embodiment of Morocco but also every artisan technique ever known to humankind all available in pillow form for less than $50 USD including shipping on Etsy, you gotta wonder: is any of this even true?

[...]

While in the town, we met with nearly 100 weavers of sabra product and distributors of sabra. The distributors, primarily the most well known, were all incredibly frank in that sabra had never been produced in Morocco and that their businesses started importing rayon fibers because it was shiny, relatively cheap and sold well. We were surprised that they spoke so honestly, but they said it was the first time someone had asked them such specific questions.  

We have since tested the fiber and have confirmed that it is in fact rayon. Further, we’ve extensively tested contemporary and traditional techniques to extract the fiber learning from techniques used on similar fibers in Algeria, Mexico and the Philippines. So far all have failed. It’s not even clear if sabra fiber could even be used for basic rope. As a result, we can definitively conclude that sabra as of today is not real, and it’s story just as manufactured as the rayon that it is.

-"The truth about Moroccan sabra: everything you ever wanted to know about the mythical cactus silk agave fiber"

[futureyarn]

Rayon Yarn/Viscose Yarn

Rayon Yarn/Viscose Yarn

High quality factory price 300D/2 dyed viscose yarn bright viscose rayon filament weaving yarn

100% viscose rayon filament tube yarn bright 108D/2 fiber suitable for use in Embroidery knitting fabric

viscose filament bright rayon yarn dope dyed color viscose rayon yarn for weaving home textile

Soften Dyed Viscose Rayon Filament Yarn 120D for embroidery or Cloth lace

High quality 108D Viscose Yarn Dyed bright rayon filament yarn for hand knitting thread

Dyed Bright color 150D 100% viscose rayon filament tube yarn for sewing thread

Rayon/viscose yarn:

Rayon yarn or viscose yarn, material is mainly viscose cotton, and thread is soften very well, straightly, brighter feeling than polyester.

We crochet or twist rayon yarn or viscose yarn in different size thread.

We can dying in different colors by ourself.

MOQ is 20KG per color. Can be satisfied with any customers requstment.

We select best quality rayon marterial yarn, final thread quality is excellent.

Mainly use for embroidery, or cloth lace, tassel, fringe, or fabric.

Popular in Southeast, Europe, America etc. market.

Rayon Yarn：

Rayon yarn is a versatile and affordable type of yarn that has many uses. It’s made from natural or synthetic materials, making it a great choice for many craft and clothing projects. Whether you’re knitting, crocheting, weaving, or even just knotting, rayon yarn can be used to create beautiful items with a unique look and feel.

Viscose Yarn：

Viscose yarn is a type of rayon yarn. It is made from cellulose that has been treated with chemicals to make it soluble in water. The resulting solution is then extruded through small holes to form long, thin filaments that are wound into a yarn. Viscose yarn is known for its high absorbency and softness. It is often used in garments that need to be comfortable and breathable, such as underwear, nightwear, and activewear. It can also be used in other types of fabric, such as upholstery and drapery.

Rayon/viscose yarn is the full name of viscose . It is divided into viscose filament and viscose fiber.

Viscose /rayon yarn—also known as rayon, ice silk, and viscose filament. In recent years, a new high-grade variety called tencel and bamboo fiber has appeared in viscose fiber. Viscose /rayon yarn is a cellulose fiber produced from cotton or other natural fibers. Among the 12 main textile fibers, the moisture content of viscose fiber is most in line with the physiological requirements of human skin, and it has the characteristics of smooth and cool, breathable, antistatic, and brilliant dyeing.

Viscose /rayon yarn refers to α-cellulose extracted from cellulose raw materials such as wood and plant stalks, or artificial fibers made from cotton linters, processed into spinning stock solution, and then wet-spun.

The difference betweenViscose /rayon yarn and pure cotton fiber: Viscose /rayon yarn is more pure in nature than natural cotton fiber, viscose fiber is resistant to sunlight, insects, heat, chemicals, solvents, and mold. The essence, the quality of silk' is an authentic ecological yarn, which is derived from natural and superior to natural.

Purer than the essence of natural cotton fibers. Viscose /rayon yarn is resistant to sunlight, insects, heat, chemicals, melting agents, and mold. Viscose /rayon yarn has the essence of cotton and the quality of silk. It is an authentic ecological fiber, which comes from nature and is superior to nature. And Viscose /rayon yarn is most in line with the physiological needs of human skin moisture. Experts have said that when the water value of the human skin layer is 12-15%, the skin is smooth and elastic. Once the skin is dehydrated, it becomes dry, rough, and wrinkles appear over time. The moisture regain of the Viscose /rayon yarn just happens to contain 12-14%, which can just guarantee the moisture content of the skin surface at 12-15%。Mainly use for embroidery, or Cloth lace, tassel, fringe, or Fabric.

Rayon Yarn supplier-Hangzhou Futureyarn Textile Co., Ltd.

Hangzhou Futureyarn Textile Co., Ltd. is a leading rayon yarn supplier in China. We have been supplying high-quality rayon yarn to textile manufacturers worldwide for over 10 years. Our rayon yarn is known for its smoothness, shine, and durability. We offer a wide range of rayon yarns in different colors and weights to meet the needs of our customers. Our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customers. We are always available to answer any questions you may have about our products or services. Contact us to learn more about our company and how we can help you with your textile needs.

[blisspads]

Why You Should Switch to Natural and Organic Sanitary Pads?

Most girls in India use the sanitary napkins suggested by their mom or sister and never look back. Being a taboo topic, girls hesitate and feel embarrassed to discuss the available choices and with less awareness, they don’t find the courage to switch their menstrual hygiene products. But, thanks to the internet, women are now empowered with the necessary knowledge and awareness of the abundant options of sanitary napkins that are available in the market.

The world is turning organic and the sanitary napkin brands are also following the trails. But whether you should switch from conventional plastic-made sanitary pads to natural organic sanitary pads, has to be your choice.

What are Organic and Natural Sanitary Pads?

The Organic Sanitary Pads are made from plant fibres such as kenaf, corn, bamboo, wood, or jute pulp. The natural pads contain an absorbent cellulose core that keeps you dry during menstruation and has a soft top layer that lets your skin breathe.

These pads are free from plastics, chlorine, latex, or carcinogenic materials; because of this they are safe and cause no harm to the most sensitive vaginal area of the women’s body. Since they are free from plastics and other chemicals, they are easily compostable, contributing to a greener and plastic-free earth.

So, What Are the Conventional Sanitary Napkins Made of?

The sanitary napkins have dramatically evolved over the years from being bulky to thin, and now ultrathin, with wings, adhesive, leak-proof layer, etc. Likewise, the ingredients used in the sanitary pads also changed from cotton to superabsorbent gel, feel-dry non-woven plastic layer, and plastic back-sheet as the leak-proof layer.

Apart from these, the following are the chemicals that go into sanitary pads manufacture:

Chlorine: The sanitary pads are made to look white by bleaching them in chlorine. This gives them their pure white and clean appearance. The bleaching procedure creates Dioxin, which is a highly toxic pollutant.

Rayon: A synthetic fibre derived from wood pulp, cheaper than cotton and enhances the absorption capacity in pads. But it is harmful to the softer skin of women.

Glyphosate: Cancer-causing pesticide, yes you read it correct! Most of the sanitary pads are tested positive for this chemical, as it can stay on the cotton for long after it has been harvested.

Fragrances: The sanitary napkins now come with odor neutralizers and artificial fragrances, which can enter the bloodstream causing side effects, allergies, and other reactions.

The disposable pads that claim themselves as cottony soft pads aren’t made of cotton. This horror truth hit the nail on our heads to look for healthier, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternatives.

Below are the 5 reasons why you should switch from conventional sanitary pads to sustainable and biodegradable organic sanitary pads:

So, What Are the Conventional Sanitary Napkins Made of?

The sanitary napkins have dramatically evolved over the years from being bulky to thin, and now ultrathin, with wings, adhesive, leak-proof layer, etc. Likewise, the ingredients used in the sanitary pads also changed from cotton to superabsorbent gel, feel-dry non-woven plastic layer, and plastic back-sheet as the leak-proof layer.

Apart from these, the following are the chemicals that go into sanitary pads manufacture:

Chlorine: The sanitary pads are made to look white by bleaching them in chlorine. This gives them their pure white and clean appearance. The bleaching procedure creates Dioxin, which is a highly toxic pollutant.

Rayon: A synthetic fibre derived from wood pulp, cheaper than cotton and enhances the absorption capacity in pads. But it is harmful to the softer skin of women.

Glyphosate: Cancer-causing pesticide, yes you read it correct! Most of the sanitary pads are tested positive for this chemical, as it can stay on the cotton for long after it has been harvested.

Fragrances: The sanitary napkins now come with odor neutralizers and artificial fragrances, which can enter the bloodstream causing side effects, allergies, and other reactions.

The disposable pads that claim themselves as cottony soft pads aren’t made of cotton. This horror truth hit the nail on our heads to look for healthier, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternatives.

Below are the 5 reasons why you should switch from conventional sanitary pads to sustainable and biodegradable organic sanitary pads:

1. A Safe and Hygienic Menstruation

The chemicals present in the normal sanitary pads are highly toxic to the most absorbent part of your body, the vagina. The top layers of the natural sanitary pads are very soft when compared to the conventional sanitary pads in which top layers are made of synthesized plastics. Hence the organic sanitary pads keep your vagina free from rashes, irritation, and skin allergies. The risk of getting an infection due to the bacteria is very less when using these natural pads.

And also, the organic pads are made of plant-based ingredients permitting a better flow of air, which allows the trapped heat and moisture to evaporate. Owing to this reason, your sensitive vaginal skin can breathe easily.

2. Environment friendly

A single ordinary sanitary pad is equivalent to four plastic bags and it takes a minimum of 800 years to decompose. On average 12.3 billion sanitary napkins are disposed causing pollution and harm to the soil of our earth.

Whereas, the organic sanitary pads are free of plastics and made from natural ingredients like kenaf fibres, cotton, corn, and bamboo, etc., and they are easily biodegradable. The organic and natural sanitary pads decompose within 2 months to 2 years, which brings an effective and positive change in building an eco-friendly sustainable environment.

3. Free from harmful chemicals

Polyolefins present in conventional sanitary pads are responsible for irritation in your skin. Also, Dioxin, a by-product of the bleaching process worsens the damage. To avoid health issues, choosing the organic alternative is the better solution recommended by gynaecologists, as these pads do not cause allergies and are also rash-free.

The natural substances present in the organic sanitary pads make them soft, cushiony, and highly comfortable for wearing the same.

4. Help farmers and animals

The farmers who provide raw materials required for the manufacturing of these sanitary pads, grow them organically without using any harmful pesticides or herbicides. This protects their land from the health impacts of dangerous chemicals so that they remain fit for growing crops.

Since insecticides are not used in organic farming, birds, insects like bees, and butterflies are protected from unintended and unnecessary harm. This increases the pollination and also, the population of the insects. So, if you wish to have fertile earth, it is wise to choose organic sanitary pads.

5. Reasonable price

There is a misconception that natural sanitary napkins are highly priced and unaffordable for middle-class people. But that is not true. Despite all the benefits, the organic pads are available at a much reasonable price, after all, spending on a healthier, comfortable, and eco-friendly option is a good bet when it also contributes to a safe and green environment.

Why Bliss Naturals is the Best Organic Sanitary Napkin in India?

Bliss Natural Pads are made out of Kenaf fibre extracted from the stem of the plant Gongura Greens. This fibre acts as an absorbent and has natural anti-microbial properties.

Bliss Pads are herbal pads and are very resistant to mildew and rot. Therefore, they are very soft, light-weight, comfortable, and provide a rash-free menstrual experience.

Since Bliss Pads are made with plant-based components, they are biodegradable and take only six months to decompose. Switch to bliss pads for a better and sustainable environment.

Being the organic sanitary pad, bliss natural pads are free from plastics and chemicals. Deodorants and artificial fragrances are avoided to ensure irritation-free periods.

Good menstrual hygiene should be available to all women irrespective of their status. Bliss Pads are the only organic pads in India that are available at a very cheaper price of Rs.99 for a pack of 12 herbal sanitary pads.

Message from Bliss Naturals

The arrival of organic and natural sanitary napkins is the new beginning and a bold change towards healthy, hassle-free menstruation. Why think when you get so many benefits not only for your body but also for the environment? Choose biodegradable Bliss Pads and make this period a healthy one for you and our earth!

[gothhabiba]

We’ve written extensively on the economics of a lot of products in Morocco and as always the result is the same: artisans are paid next to little while middlemen take extensive mark ups. But in a land where exploited artisans is the norm, the scale of exploitation with sabra was unmatched.

The sabra product made in those windswept towns are places where middlemen in Marrakech set up their workshops and where most products you find on Instagram or in the Marrakech medina are made. The areas are out of the eye of tourists as well as the clients of middlemen and much too inconvenient for buyers to visit for themselves. The artisans are simply too far away to know what is actually happening in the market and are largely unaware. It’s a perfect environment for a made up story to thrive.

In one of the most well known towns where sabra product is made there isn’t one single official cooperative. All the women work as individuals, who middlemen pit against each other to extract the cheapest price and turn around times. When we talked to the women, they laughed at the thought that they could sell their sabra pillows, which take them 5 days to make, for more than 50 MAD ($5 USD). That is 10 MAD a day ($1 USD per day) in a country where the minimum agricultural wage is 70 MAD per day. Oftentimes, the women are expected to pay for the material which comes out of the 50 MAD price they are paid. A middleman likely tells their buyers the artisans are happy with what they pay, and the women may very well be because they do not know any better.

[...] Collectivco (and we can list many other similar companies) just recently launched their new line of Sabra pillows for just $50 USD each. You can assume that they’re at least working with a margin of at least 50%, so they paid at most $25 USD for a pillow in the Marrakech medina, which falls in place with the break down above. To any ethical seller, you’d know that something isn’t quite right with a handmade product of such detail price at just $25. At that price either artisans are getting exploited or the material isn’t what the customer thinks it is. In the case of sabra rayon products it is both. While people in Morocco may just not know any better, that excuse does not extend to many foreign companies who benefit most from the deception and often drive such trends.  And let’s be real: if a company like Collectivco is selling you sabra is anything else they say legitimate?

-"The truth about Moroccan sabra: everything you ever wanted to know about the mythical cactus silk agave fiber"