Spinning, weaving, dyeing, creating, stories on sustainability, passion and excellence

The Department for the Monitoring and Protection of the Environment and for Biodiversity Conservation of the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA, in collaboration with “Donne in Campo” of the Italian Confederation of Farmers, CIA, have conducted a survey on the eco-compatible production of fiber from natural and/or recycled sources and natural dyeing employing environmentally friendly materials and methods. The results of the study are hereby presented.

The research has shown activities and products of excellence so markedly varied as to be hardly classified in sectors. Some of these realities have been described, most of them little known to the public, but all being living examples of sustainability, biodiversity and circular economy.

A notable finding is that this popular knowledge, which is part of the Italian cultural heritage, rarely benefits from any support from the Government.  It should be noted, however, that many of the young people contacted have revisited the tradition with surprising creativity.

History tells that it is not a coincidence that the spinning and weaving supply chain, with many interconnected activities, is often in the hands of women.  This "proximity" between women and weaving is very vivid even today to tell us about the great contribution of the female world to the sustainability of the supply chain.

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