Happy Earth Day 2024
Where we started
Pendleton is a heritage brand, with a weaving legacy that stretches back to 1863. Early on, our founders zeroed in on mill waste as a concern. Wool was valuable and it was important to make the most of this precious resource. Certain blanket programs were developed to use remnants from dye lots and the tail ends of yarn spools. Our Camp Blankets were originally made from leftovers. Today, these blankets are thoroughly planned and absolutely standardized, but back in the day they had variations in ground and stripe color that were based on what needed to be used up.
Where we are now
Over the century plus of weaving in America, we have found ways to make sure that very little wool is wasted in our mills. Today, you can sometimes find “Weaver’s Choice" blankets in our stores. These vary from day to day, as our loom operators have creative freedom to combine yarns in stripes of their own devising. At our Woolen Mill Store in Portland, trimmings, scraps, and selvages are sold by the pound and bag for use in craft projects. Mill waste is given a second life in weavings, rugs, and other creative endeavors. We do our best to live up the example set by the generations that came before.
Where we’re going
Sustainability is more than eliminating waste, and sustainability is a key part of Pendleton’s mission. In recent news, both of Pendleton’s USA woolen mills have earned OEKO-TEX® STeP certification. This is a milestone on our path to certified sustainability for all our mill products. The process is long and requirements are stringent. Members of our mill teams worked tirelessly to collect and submit the needed data. Using their knowledge and expertise, they identified and initiated projects, and collected the data needed to obtain this certification.
Pendleton offers you beautiful products that are beautifully made. As part of that, we will continue to do our utmost to meet and surpass sustainability standards.
Any questions?
WHAT IS OEKO-TEX? Based in Zurich, OEKO-TEX® consists of 17 independent institutes in Europe and Japan. They have been around since 1992, and operate in 40 countries. Together they are continuously developing test methods and establishing values for the textile and leather industry. Their mission is to create trust in textiles, and they are one of the best-known labels certifying responsible manufacturing.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Having an OEKO-TEX certification on a product means that the maker has passed rigorous standards for safety and responsible manufacturing processes. There are different levels and categories of certification which cover manufacturing processes and materials, and testing for harmful substances.
NEXT STEPS? Our mills are in process for full OEKO-TEX certification. Now that the initial STeP certification level has been completed, we will be moving on to completing the requirements for the next level, STANDARD 100, on our way to MADE IN GREEN. Learn more about the certification process at www.oeko-tex.com
Where to learn about mill ends and scraps? Visit the Woolen Mill Store in Portland Oregon to see what we have to offer! Many of the products are featured on the store’s website, as well. Woolenmill.store
What about Pendleton Eco-Wise Wool throws and blankets? These mill-woven products are especially green, having undergone testing to make sure that they are sustainably produced, and will be a biological nutrient when returned to the Earth at the end of their lifespan. Pendleton Eco-Wise® Wool
Where are the mills? The Pendleton Woolen Mill located in Washougal, WA is located at 2 Pendleton Way, Washougal, WA 98671 and the Pendleton Woolen Mill located in Pendleton, OR is located at 1307 SE Court Pl, Pendleton, OR 97801. Both mills offer tours year round.
