Materials

One of the keys to nia's commitment to the environment is based on the quality of the organic and biodegradable materials with which we make our products.
Fabrics with soft finishes that make the bed the most comfortable place for a good rest.

100 % Cotton

Cotton is a highly prized natural resource due to the versatility of its fibers, which has many applications in the textile industry. In the case of bedding, cotton is the raw material par excellence, since cotton fabrics maintain body temperature and are breathable. And by not retaining moisture, the proliferation of mites and bacteria is prevented.
At nia, we use combed cotton - a much more special material that is obtained after a laborious process during cotton carding. In combers, the fibers are brushed; Impurities and short fibers are removed, resulting in a fine long fiber yarn, that is soft and resistant that has advantages that are obvious and feel wonderful to the touch:

• Skin friendly. Ideal for babies and people with eczema and other skin conditions. STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified.
• Maximum quality. The result is a fabric that is firm, yet soft to the touch, that creases to a minimum and is more resistant to washing, tears and general deterioration. Zero pilling or lint guaranteed.
• Permanent style. Combed cotton is ideal for digital textile printing. Prints hold better, so colors and designs hold up wash after wash.
•Durable and easy to maintain. We recommend following the instructions provided in our our care section to extend the life of the product in the best conditions.

Finishes that make the difference

At bedtime there are two types of people: those who are hot and can sweat, and those who need to sleep well wrapped up. The former look for light and breathable materials, while the latter prefer fabrics that maintain a constant temperature during the night. At nia, we manufacture combed cotton percale and 310 TC bedding, a light fabric that does not retain moisture and is warm enough for those who need a warm rest but without being overheated.

Percale

Percale is not a material, it is the structure of the fabric that is achieved by crossing a vertical thread for each horizontal thread successively, creating a tight but fresh and light (breathable) pattern with a matte finish.
This regular structure also gives it durability and a soft touch that becomes more pleasant with washing.
La forma de tejer es uno de los factores que determinan la calidad de la ropa de cama, aunque no es el único, también es importante la calidad del hilo, la densidad, los procesos de fabricación, etc.

Thread density. 310TC

Thread Count (“TC”) is the number of horizontal and vertical threads used in weaving per square inch of fabric (2.54 cm²).The higher the density of the threads, the higher the quality, softness, resistance and volume, as long as the threads are long fiber and single ply.Be suspicious whenever you see sheets with a TC greater than 500. It is very likely that the manufacturer has used multi-ply threads (thicker), so the sheets will be of lower quality, heavier and less breathable.
The market standard is 150 - 200 threads. At 310 TC, nia's bedding is considered top-of-the-line, like that used in the best hotels.

Details that matter

Corozo buttons

For the closures of our duvet covers we use buttons made from the seed of the fruit of the corozo, a palm tree of tropical origin, which has a finish similar to ivory with the advantage that it is a vegetable material, biodegradable and very resistant. As no two seeds are the same, each nia button is unique.

Presentation and packaging

Our products are presented in a simple and practical way, wrapped and labeled with recycled materials with low environmental impact. We would like that when nia reaches your hands, you can feel all the dedication and attention, and no plastic! that we have put into this project.

Resource management

Just raw material is not enough, a more sustainable product also means that it lasts longer, so the manufacturing processes are a key element. Water is an essential resource for everyone's life. In our case, it is also essential during the textile manufacturing processes. That is why our environmental commitment is especially focused on the treatment and consumption of water.

The water cycle in our manufacturing process

The water used in the production process passes to a pretreatment station (EPTAR system). From there, the water is taken to a treatment plant, managed by TRATAVE, for its final treatment that guarantees that the water is in the best conditions to return to the river. In addition to renewing wastewater, water consumption is controlled at our Guimarães plant through a monitoring and management system called SCADA that allows us to reuse clean water, which means the recovery of 35-40% of the water consumed in the process

Chemical products

The use of chemical products in the textile industry also generates controversy. We take charge. We work with a view to minimizing, and even eliminating, the impact of the chemical products we use on the environment. Following the guidelines set by European legislation, especially with regard to the Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH).

Plastics

We have managed to eliminate the use of plastic products in every step of our manufacturing process and in shipments. From the production of the cotton fibers until you receive the order at home, no plastic (or non-reusable) materials have been used.

nia’s commitment, or how to combine aesthetics with ethical and conscious business and commercial practices

Entrepreneurship is part of the problem. Running a business with a conscience makes a difference. Everything we do has an impact on the environment. Our vision allows us to be aware of this impact, and our mission is to ensure that it is as small as possible.
We want to live off what we do and go to sleep peacefully at night. nia's designs make our bed a comfortable place; knowing that our work philosophy is respectful and conscious of the planet, and fair to the people we work with, allows us a restful and peaceful sleep.

Certifications

To ensure that the entire process is faithful to this commitment, all our suppliers and collaborators share the same values and hold the certificates that accredit and guarantee their work in terms of consumer safety, manufacturing quality, respect for the environment, and social justice for the people who work with us. APCER (Portuguese Association Of Certification) is the Portuguese entity, member of IQNet, in charge of auditing and endorsing the certificates of our factory in Guimarães.

The launch of our project in the context of 2021 has forced us to focus on what is essential, and has given us the opportunity to have the necessary technological advances to be able to produce sensibly, consciously and consistently, tailored to some increasingly responsible consumers.

Currently, despite the fact that there are companies that claim to be so, total sustainability is not possible. Our work philosophy focuses on achieving a balance between quality, design, respect for workers and the environment. A challenge that we tackle daily with equal enthusiasm and commitment.