Question 1

What is WEGANOOL™?

Accepted Answer

WEGANOOL™ is a PETA award-winning natural 100% plant-based warm fabric, that offers a sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional wool and man-made textiles.

At the core of WEGANOOL™ fabric lies the remarkable Calotropis hollow cellulose fibers, which serve as its key component. These fibers, found in both the pod and stem of the Calotropis plant, possess insulating properties comparable to high-end wool fibers, such as alpaca and angora. Notably, the hollow structure of these fibers contributes to their excellent thermal performance, making them a perfect alternative for warm wool fibers.

Throughout the entire manufacturing process, from fiber extraction to finishing, WEGANOOL™ is produced without the use of any harmful chemicals, implementing the highest environmentally-conscious practices.

Question 2

What the name WEGANOOL™ represents?

Accepted Answer

"WEGANOOL™" derives its name from the harmonious fusion of two significant words: "vegan" and "nool." In the Tamil language, "nool" carries a dual meaning, signifying both "book" and "thread." This name beautifully encompasses WEGANOOL™'s purpose as a comprehensive guidebook, leading the way to the pinnacle of sustainability in textile production, achieved through the exclusive utilisation of 100% natural threads.

By blending these elements, WEGANOOL™ embodies its core values of being plant-based, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly, thus presenting an ethical and compelling alternative to conventional warmth-retaining fabrics. This unique fabric serves as a testament to our commitment to a sustainable future, where every thread weaves together a story of conscious choices and responsible practices.

Question 3

What is the difference between wool, cotton and WEGANOOL™ ?"

Accepted Answer

WEGANOOL™ stands out among other natural fabrics with its lightweight, soft, and temperature-regulating properties. This unique characteristic is attributed to the fine warmth-generating hollow cellulose structure of Calotropis fibers, measuring only 10-20 microns in diameter. Comparatively, Merino wool fibers are 21-24 microns in diameter, and cashmere averages 14-15 microns.

Unlike wool, which has scales that may cause skin irritation and allergies, Calotropis fibers are smooth and soft, making WEGANOOL™ gentle and non-irritating to the skin. Additionally, WEGANOOL™ exhibits antimicrobial properties.

Moreover, WEGANOOL™ offers a sustainable alternative to wool and cashmere, as it is sourced from Calotropis plants that help revive barren lands and promote reforestation, mitigating deforestation and climate change.

The combination of Calotropis and cotton cellulose fibers ensures breathability and easy maintenance. Unlike cotton fibers with twists on their surface, Calotropis fibers remain straight and smooth.

The adaptability of Calotropis fibers, with an average length of 3.5 cm for pod fibers and 4 cm for stem fibers, allows seamless integration into existing cotton yarn manufacturing processes. This versatility enhances the feasibility of incorporating Calotropis fibers into a wide array of textile applications.

The manufacturing process of WEGANOOL is designed to be waste-free, which sets it apart from traditional textiles that often generate effluent and sludge as byproducts.

WEGANOOL™ proves to be highly versatile, suitable for an array of end products, ranging from scarves and shirts to jackets and sweaters, and beyond. However, due to the absence of twists or scales in Calotropis fibers, the fabric may be prone to pilling, similar to to cashmere or angora fibers. To maintain the fabric's integrity, it is essential to follow the care instructions diligently.

Question 4

How does the toxicity of the Calotropis plant affect the fabric?

Accepted Answer

Calotropis holds a significant place in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic Panchakarma, where it is utilized to address various ailments. Managed appropriately, the plant's toxicity brings medicinal benefits.

As a result, Calotropis fibers exhibit remarkable anti-microbial properties. Numerous research papers highlight the plant's antibacterial effects on E. coli, pneumonia, and more. Test done on WEGANOOL fabric on Staph bacteria revealed positive results in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, known for causing skin infections and presenting clinical challenges globally.

In Tamil Nadu, the tradition of using a half-belt made of Calotropis stem fiber for newborns is deeply rooted. Half-belts made from Calotropis are contributing to the prevention of urinary tract infections in babies. Typically half-belts are made by newborn grandfathers, this process is beautifully captured in a short video available HERE.

Rest assured, our fiber extraction process meticulously removes the toxic sap, repurposing it into pest-repellent AARKA. Additionally, the toxicity in the sap naturally degrades as the Calotropis extract dries. Dry Calotropis leaves even find utility as animal fodder in deserted regions.

Question 5

What are the important characters of WEGANOOL™ fabrics?

Accepted Answer

The WEGANOOL™ fabric is distinguished by its antimicrobial properties and offers a unique texture and sensation, thanks to the remarkable characteristics of Calotropis' hollow cellulose fibers, which provide exceptional warmth, insulation, and antimicrobial benefits. The inclusion of cotton further ensures breathability and effective moisture-wicking, resulting in a well-balanced and comfortable fabric.

With its softness and relatively lightweight nature, wearing the fabric is a delightful experience. in its undyed form, WEGANOOL™ a beautiful natural ecru color. To enhance its softness even further, the woven and knitted fabrics undergo a meticulous brushing process, adding to the overall luxurious feel.

Being sourced from plant-based Calotropis fibers, WEGANOOL™ stands as a 100% biodegradable fabric, naturally breaking down over time.

Question 6

What can be made out of WEGANOOL™ fabrics?

Accepted Answer

The fabric's softness and relatively lightweight nature make it a delight to wear, and it looks beautiful even in undyed state. WEGANOOL™ proves to be highly versatile, catering to a wide range of end products, from scarves and shirts to jackets and sweaters, and more.

To enhance its softness further, the woven and knitted fabrics undergo a brushing process, adding to the luxurious feel. However, it is important to note that due to the absence of twists or scales in Calotropis fibers, the fabric may be susceptible to pilling, similar to cashmere or angora fibers. To preserve the fabric's integrity, it is crucial to adhere to the care instructions diligently.

Question 7

What fabric constructions are available?

Accepted Answer

Currently, woven, jersey, and fleece WEGANOOL™ fabrics are available, with ongoing research and development efforts aiming to refine and expand the fabric options further.

Question 8

Where can I buy WEGANOOL™ and how much it costs?

Accepted Answer

As for the pricing, it depends on the specific construction of the fabric and the quantity you require. If you are interested in the availability and pricing of our products, please don't hesitate to contact us through the website contact form or via email at info@faborg.in.

Before we proceed, we would like to get to know you better. Please share a brief introduction about yourself, and if you have any specific WEGANOOL™ end-products in mind, we would love to hear your ideas.

On a side note, we want to emphasize that WEGANOOL™ fabric is not an "off-the-shelf" product. Instead, it is meticulously crafted from scratch, starting from the fiber level. Both woven and knit fabrics require entirely different yarns, and as an ongoing research project, we continuously strive for improvement in each spinning and fabric development process.

Unlike mainstream fabrics like cotton, the production of WEGANOOL™ demands suppliers with technical expertise. Fortunately, we have competent supply partners who excel in handling this unique fabric. However, we kindly request our clients to keep an open mind regarding certain aspects, such as the final GSM (grams per square meter) and width of the fabric, as slight variations may occur.

Our ultimate goal is to establish long-term collaborations with clients who share our passion for re-emerging sustainable fabrics. It requires genuine interest, commitment, and a willingness to understand the fabric's social, environmental, and economic impact. In return, we promise transparency throughout the production process and offer insights into other potential developments that align with our shared values.

Question 9

Why WEGANOOL™ is dyed only with natural dyes?

Accepted Answer

At the heart of WEGANOOL™'s dedication to sustainability lies its steadfast reliance on natural dyeing techniques. By exclusively employing natural dyes, the fabric adheres to rigorous ecological standards, embodying its environmentally conscious ethos. Impressively, the residue produced during the fiber extraction and natural dyeing processes serves a purposeful second life as valuable resources for farming sector. These remnants are ingeniously repurposed into beneficial substances like manure and an affordable insect repellent for farmers, aptly named "AARKA."

Through this innovative approach, WEGANOOL™ continues to exemplify its commitment to harmonious and responsible practices, creating a fabric that not only enhances our lives but also nurtures the environment and communities around us.

Question 10

I am interested in the swatch of WEGANOOL™. How do I proceed?

Accepted Answer

Please reach out to info@faborg.in with a brief introduction about yourself and your brand.

Question 11

Can WEGANOOL™ be blended with other fibres.

Accepted Answer

In the future, WEGANOOL™ fibers may be blended with other naturally processed plant-based fibres.

However, FABORG remains firmly committed to its ethical principles and does not support blending natural fibres with polyester or regenerated cellulose (viscous fibres ) such as bamboo, TENCEL, etc.. These materials often require intensive chemical processing, pose risks to traditional farming livelihoods, and can mislead consumers about their true sustainability. Additionally, even a 1% addition of elastane makes a fabric non-recyclable.

FABORG upholds genuine sustainability, transparency, and the responsible use of natural resources, continuously striving to set new standards for eco-friendly practices in the textile industry.

Question 12

Can I purchase WEGANOOL™ yarn?

Accepted Answer

Currently, our primary focus and expertise lie in the production of WEGANOOL™ fabrics. We offer a small range of sustainable and eco-friendly fabric options - wovens and knits, with a commitment to preserving their integrity throughout the entire process, including post-knitting/weaving steps like bio-scouring and natural dyeing.

While we do not presently offer WEGANOOL yarn, we will certainly consider the possibility of providing yarn in later stages as we continue to expand our offerings.

Question 13

What would be a care instruction for naturally dyed WEGANOOL™ fabric?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the lasting beauty of WEGANOOL fabrics, specific care measures are essential when dealing with their natural dyes:

Hand washing is recommended for optimal results, but if machine washing is necessary, use a gentle, short cycle at room temperature.
Separate colors during the initial wash to prevent color bleeding.
Preserve the fabric's surface by washing clothes inside out, minimizing friction.
Use pH-neutral detergents, natural soaps, or delicate wash soaps like Amway SA8, SPAR pH-neutral liquid detergent, Genteel, Ezee, or any wool wash soap to maintain color vibrancy.
For stains, soak the fabric in cool water with pH-neutral soap before washing.
Avoid bleach, as it may damage the fabric and cause color fading.
Limit washing to when necessary to prevent excessive wear and maintain color richness.
If tumble drying is required, opt for low temperatures.
Dry the fabric in the shade, as natural colors are sensitive to light.
When wearing naturally dyed garments, avoid contact with lemon or citrus fruits, as citric juice may act as a natural bleach and affect the fabric's color.

By adhering to these careful care instructions, owners of WEGANOOL garments can effectively maintain their impeccable condition, ensuring the fabric's softness and vibrant colors remain intact for an extended period.