Unfortunately, textile production is one of the leading causes of environmental pollution and chemical waste in the world today. Oliveira Textiles is working to change that - one piece of beautiful, sustainable, printed fabric at a time. Their creations begin with sourcing the finest hemp and organic cotton, fibers which are sustainable and not treated with harmful pesticides. Although hemp isn't grown in the U.S., it is an incredibly hardy crop which doesn't depend on chemicals to be grown commercially.Cultures throughout the world have been using hemp as a material for textile production for over 6,000 years. It can be combined with other fibers like cotton or flax to produce different textures and weights, making it extremely versatile. Should a specific fabric design require the hemp fabric to be lightened from its natural color, Oliveira ensures that this process is performed with gentle and non-toxic hydrogen peroxide rather than chlorine dioxide. Organic cotton was a natural fiber choice when Oliveira founders Dawn and Deborah were researching the most sustainable materials. Unlike hemp, organic cotton is grown in the United States, and thus offers much of the same sustainability and versatility without the environmental costs of international shipping.
Supporting the production of organic cotton is also essential because of how destructive the conventional cotton industry has become in terms of pollution and pesticide use. Cotton production takes up less than 5% of the world's agricultural land, but comprises 25% of global yearly pesticide use. Sourcing organic cotton promotes responsible cotton growing practices, and demonstrates that the use of harmful chemicals isn't necessary to produce a viable commercial crop. Oliveira Textile's founder, Dawn Oliveira, spent 20+ years creating textiles for brands including Polo Ralph Lauren, Stark Carpet, and Dana Buchman before deciding to leave New York and move back to home state of Rhode Island to begin her own line with business partner Deborah Olson.
After a serious illness in Dawn's family, the two women decided to use their work to think about how environmental toxins play a role in human health, and to work to create better production methods for the textile industry. Their fabrics feature printed designs inspired by imagery of water and the sea, like 'Anemone' and 'Kelp Me.' They are playful and lively, while also reflecting the company's commitment to eco-friendly practices and a respect for the environment that informs all of the company's policies and activities. The unique printed patterns of Oliveira Textiles are what makes their fabrics so iconic. The majority of their textiles are hand-screen printed at a local New England mill with water based pigments approved by the Organic Trade Association.
Oliveira Textiles works closely with Partners with The Organic Trade Association and VoteHemp.org to ensure that their practices are environmentally sound, and to optimize processes as advancements become available. All of their fabrics are also fully certified by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which ensures that they contain no traces of harmful chemicals. Oliveira Textiles aim to be highly versatile, because they believe that sustainable fabrics are not just a specialty niche of the textile market, but rather the future of the fabric industry at large. Whether designing a new dress or a new armchair, Oliveira Textiles' fabrics not only add the perfect pop of character, but are materials you can feel proud about using.