Embroidery Threads - Ecology from the very Inception
Embroidery threads are frequently used for tiny, intricate and beautiful details. Embroiderers embellish garments, hats and other products for both personal and commercial applications. Ecologically minded people can rest assured that when they purchase GUNOLD products, preservation of nature has been fully considered.
GUNOLD is also recognized worldwide for day-in and day-out, producing the most consistent and highest quality embroidery products available. In their production process, GUNOLD simply does not compromise two things - their standards of high quality and their respect of nature.
GUNOLD's rayon thread, SULKY, for example, starts out as a substance called “viscose” and is processed by ENKA, the producer of the finest viscose available anywhere. To manufacture viscose, ENKA utilizes the wood of a unique, specialized pine tree that is grown on a protected, controlled plantation. This results in a sustainable, renewable and bio-degradable resource.
slice of wood: ENKA viscose. Raw material for SULKY, made of cellulose, which
is extracted from very special pine trees. ENKA viscose is an organic and renewable
raw material. It is biodegradable, and is produced utilizing environmentally
friendly processes.
ENKA cuts no corners in the creation of its viscose. They insist on allowing nature to age their product for a full 30 days until it reaches perfection, much like a fine wine. The viscose must pass a rigorous inspection before being released for further production.
Because GUNOLD obtains 100% of their viscose from ENKA, GUNOLD's rayon thread
SULKY is the only embroidery thread entitled to wear ENKA's coveted Gold
Seal award. This recognizes GUNOLD's steadfast refusal to dilute their
thread with
inferior viscose products which would negatively impact quality, as well
as the environment.
The Next Steps - Ecology Focus Continues When Converting Natural ENKA
Viscose into GUNOLD's Completed Thread Products
The next processing steps are to turn the viscose into thread, then to dye
and twist this beautiful thread onto master cones. This is accomplished by
BEERLI AG, owned by Urs Isler, who also owns 50% of GUNOLD. During these
processes, the
intensive spotlight continues to focus on preserving nature while maintaining
high quality. The following impressive list of BEERLI AG production facts
is nothing short of inspirational:
- Each year, BEERLI AG invests millions of Euros in state-of-the-art ecology and quality assurance technologies in their production sites in Austria and Switzerland. For many years, the investments have focused on anti-pollution measures such as waste heat recovery and steam boiler maintenance.
- Results from these investments are a substantial reductions in annual emissions: 310,000 kg less carbon dioxide emissions, 1,200 kg less sulphur dioxide emissions, and approximately 18 million liters of water saved.
- Only reusable cores are utilized in the dyeing process.
- For storage of unfinished goods, aluminium containers have replaced
cardboard boxes (one time usage) many years ago.
ENKA label: Because GUNOLD uses exclusively high-quality ENKA viscose for the production of 100% of it's class-leading SULKY thread, SULKY products are entitled to wear the coveted ENKA Gold Label.
Ecological Safety for the Consumer
We have emphasized that throughout the entire production process,
saving energy and resources while manufacturing the highest quality
thread is the central theme. Christoph Gunold, Managing Director of
Gunold GmbH further explains, “The consistent implementation and compliance with the ÖKOTEX Standard 100' certification requirements enables our customers to work with embroidery thread that is completely safe for humans and the environment.”
ÖKOTEX Standard 100' was introduced 15 years ago and represents all types of textile products that are ecologically harmless for humans. This internationally binding test catalogue is based on scientifically proven parameters and is revised annually to conform to the latest legislation and research. However, GUNOLD's limit values often far exceed the legal requirements.
GUNOLD's superb viscose thread is branded under the SULKY trademark,
is available in 30 and 40 weight and comes in a lush 390 different shades.
POLY is high quality polyester thread, available in 40 weight
and is offered in 300 colors.
POLY 60 weight is especially suitable for intricate embroidery and comes in 21 different shades.
COTTY thread made of 100% mercerized cotton, comes in 30 and 12
weight and is offered in 126 colors.
FILAINE is a specialized thread with a wool-like finish, is made of 100% acrylic and comes in 12 weight with 108 colors from which to choose.
BOBBY is our bobbin thread which is available in several types, all certified with the ÖKOTEX 100' label.
Christoph Gunold states, “We are fully aware of the importance of environmental protection and, therefore, we get involved in quality management based on the principles of human ecology and support environmentally safe production processes.”
GUNOLD GmbH, who has distributers and subsidiaries all over the world, has played a key role in leading the embroidery industry for the last 80 years. By consistently expanding their product range and employing the latest state-of-the-art technologies, they take care to honor their commitment to preserving and protecting the environment.
With Christoph Gunold as Managing Director, the 3rd generation of the
Gunold family business feels that enhancing the productivity of the embroidery
industry is the most important priority. BEERLI AG, as co-owner, also
ensures that production, distribution and a superior embroidery thread
go hand-in-hand.
About GUNOLD:
It is natural that after 80 years of experience, GUNOLD GmbH, based in Stockstadt, Germany, plays a key role within the embroidery industry. As a worldwide reliable resource and partner for everybody who embroiders, GUNOLD constantly expands its product line. Their products are manufactured utilizing state-of-the-art technology. GUNOLD holds dear the core value of continually enhancing efficiency and productivity within the embroidery industry. GUNOLD simply insists on leading and driving industry direction. With Christoph Gunold as Managing Director, the third generation of the Gunold family continues to be successfully and ever more deeply established in the embroidery industry. BEERLI AG, as the co-owner of GUNOLD, further ensures that the words quality and ecology can be spoken together in the same sentence with absolutely no contradiction. Make no mistake: at GUNOLD, ecology and quality go hand-in-hand. Further, those who try GUNOLD products almost always love them and quickly become life-long loyal GUNOLD customers. To serve these valued customers best, GUNOLD has placed distributors and subsidiaries all over the world.