Magee 1866 are proud to champion sustainability as a fundamental part of our ethos which has evolved over the last 150 years. Our Magee Weaving Mill pre-dominantly uses natural fibres like wool and linen, which are biodegradable, renewable and the high-quality fabric is then manufactured locally. Quality is our principle product value and is evident from our fabric to finished garment. Our design philosophy promotes the sustainable concept of 'slow fashion' through timeless collections, where our garments/products are designed and made to be worn/used time and time again. Sustainable fabric and high quality, long lasting products define our brand DNA. We are currently in the process of understanding which of the various environmental and sustainability certificates best align with this company ethos. It is a 5th generation family business and the Temple family behind Magee 1866 are committed to manufacturing in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way possible. The Temple family have planted over 150 acres of forestry to off-set carbon emissions, grow their own organic vegetables & breed a small herd of their own organic grass-fed cattle.
Being the most significant employer in South West Donegal for the past 150 years, Magee 1866 is an established part of the local community and continues to provide employment in a highly skilled business in a rural area. Magee 1866 employ 130 people in Ireland. We are an equal opportunities employer with the workforce at 50% men and 50% women. This ratio is apparent across all levels in the group from junior roles to senior management and at board level.
We focus on weaving and producing garments using 'Noble Natural Fibres':
- - Wool: biodegradable & renewable. It is sourced by our trusted spinning partners within the E.U. Countries of origin include: Ireland, Norway, Peru, Australia, New Zealand. We are working on specific projects with complete traceability of wool to the farm source.
- - Linen: biodegradable & renewable. Our Irish Linen is grown in Northern France, spun in Poland and designed, woven & finished in Donegal. Linen also uses considerably less water than cotton and grows on poor land.
- - We also work with alpaca, cashmere, mohair and silk. All are biodegradable & renewable.
- - We do on occasion use a small % of man-made fibres in our fabrics in order to enhance performance - e.g stretch and add design detail - e.g. lurex.
- - All fabric is tested by third parties ICQ and Intertech to industry standards.
- - Warping, weaving, and finishing of fabric is done in house, allowing for complete control and high standards ensured at all times.
- - Within Magee Weaving, synthetic dyes are used to cater for a large colour palette. Reactive and acid dyes used on our fibres comply with EU standards. Please note that natural dye alternatives require heavy metals to adhere to the fibre, which can be as harmful to the environment. We conclude that natural dyes are not necessarily a better alternative.
- - Mild detergents are used, similar to those of domestic washing machine concentrations.
- - Cardboard waste is re-cycled. We are researching recycled fibre merchants.
- - Magee 1866 purchases electricity from the mainstream grid and endeavours to choose providers that offer green energy alternatives (e.g. hydro or wind) where possible.
- - Oil is used to generate heat in the absence of any other alternatives in our geographical region e.g. there is no natural gas pipe line Co. Donegal. Alternatives to fossil fuels are being urgently sought, costed and plans drawn to invest in solar power within the next 3 years.
- - Local water is used in our production of cloth. Due to the fact that Donegal has a high volume and frequency of rainfall, (1600mm p.a.), this resource is not under pressure from a shortage.
