Kalani linen

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Belgium, France and the Netherlands, flax growing
• Italy, linen yarn spinning
• Portugal, linen weaving and finishing

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Kalani claims that all of its production partners meet strict social standards, working to the standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and complying with European labour law. The ILO criteria include no forced labour, no child labour, no discrimination, freedom of association, reasonable working hours and safe conditions.

For the linen chain specifically, the brand states that its Portuguese finisher is Sedex certified and holds ISO 9001. Sedex relies on independent audits, which supports the claim that conditions at this supplier are checked by an outside organisation.

On wages, Kalani states its factories pay ​“above the local minimum wage”. 

MATERIALS

• European linen

Linen is a natural fibre made from flax. Kalani states that the flax is grown in Belgium, France and the Netherlands, then spun into yarn in Italy. According to the brand, flax is a hardy plant that needs few pesticides or chemical fertilisers, and no chemicals are used during processing. The brand does note, however, that the mechanical processing of flax is very energy-intensive. The finished fabric is a monomaterial, which makes it easier to recycle.

PACKAGING

• Kalani ships its products in recycled cardboard boxes, with gaps filled using recycled twisted paper. 
• The brand states it wraps products in FSC-certified tissue paper and sends no plastic to customers. 
• It adds that the production plastic used to protect goods in the warehouse is unpacked and recycled on site across up to ten waste streams. 
• Linen duvet covers and pillowcases arrive in a reusable cotton bag that customers can keep for storage.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

According to Kalani, growing flax needs little water, pesticide or fertiliser, and no chemicals are used during processing. The brand also states its products are REACH compliant. (REACH is the EU chemicals regulation, so this reflects a legal baseline rather than a standout achievement.) Read here more about linen. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

The linen duvet covers, pillowcases, tablecloths and napkins are made from 100% linen, a monomaterial. Monomaterials are easier to recycle at end of life because no fibres need separating. Kalani also runs a take-back scheme.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS

Kalani runs a take-back and recycling programme called ​“We recycle”, with three routes: reuse or upcycle old linen yourself (10% coupon), drop it in a local textile recycling bin (10% coupon), or post used bed and bath linen back to Kalani’s warehouse (15% coupon). The brand states that returned textiles are sorted and sent to charities, to cotton recycling, or to local upcycling partners. Choosing durable, high-quality linen is itself a way to reduce replacements over time.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• Belgium (flax)
• France (flax)
• The Netherlands (flax)
• Italy (spinning)
• Portugal (weaving and finishing)

The linen supply chain is relatively short and entirely within Europe. Kalani’s headquarters are in Belgium (Genval).

TRANSPORTATION

The brand states that selling almost exclusively online cuts out the footprint of physical shops and of customers travelling to them, though it does not publish data comparing this to conventional retail.

Kalani states that all of its linen tablecloths, napkins, duvet covers and pillowcases contain no animal-derived ingredients, and that this vegan bedding range is PETA-Approved Vegan. 

In 2019 the brand won PETA France’s award for Best Vegan Bed Linen. 

PRODUCT DESIGN

Kalani weaves its linen at a 300 thread count, which the brand says offers the best balance between durability and a luxurious feel. It also blends different qualities and fibre lengths of flax into one fabric to make it soft, strong and long-lasting. The linen is stone-washed, which makes it softer, gives it a relaxed look and means it does not need ironing. The brand highlights good breathability and thermoregulation, so the bedding suits both summer and winter.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Kalani works with a permanent collection, adding new pieces now and then. The brand describes its approach as ​“slow marketing”: a small team, controlled growth and no big seasonal campaigns. It also states its timeless colour palette is designed so customers can re-order and complete or replace sets over the years, rather than buy into fast-changing trends.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

On Kalani’s product pages you find a care guide, certifications and a dedicated transparency section. The description sets out the fabric composition and construction and names the production countries directly. 

Kalani explains each fabric on a dedicated page and offers fabric and colour samples to order before buying, which helps customers choose consciously and avoid returns.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

The brand is open about the origin of its materials, its certifications, its suppliers and its overall costs, and publishes a pricing table breaking down what it costs to produce the textiles. Kalani names its certifications with reference numbers. 

The company has been recognised externally: a Textile Exchange ​“Leader” rating in the Material Change Index (2020 and 2021) and a Belgian Sustainability Professional award for founder Bruno Van Steenberghe (2022).