Linen textile is made from the fiber of flax, a herbaceous plant from the Linaceae family.

This plant is characterized by its long and thin stems, as well as its lanceolate leaves. Flax is mainly grown in regions with temperate climates, where it benefits from nutrient-rich soils. Its fibers have been used for millennia to make durable and comfortable fabrics, while its seeds are a valuable source of edible oil rich in essential fatty acids.

The first traces of the use of linen date back several millennia. Archaeological excavations have revealed fragments of linen fabrics in Egypt dating from around 8000 BCE, indicating that this plant was already being cultivated and made into textiles at that time. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to master the cultivation of flax and make it an essential part of their economy and culture. Since then, flax has continued to be cultivated and used throughout different civilizations, becoming one of the most important natural fibers in human history.

Most of the production of
linen (80% of world production) is produced in France, Belgium and
Netherlands (between Caen and Amsterdam more precisely).

Linen manufacturing involves several steps. First of all, the flax plant is grown in specially prepared fields. Once the flax stalks reach maturity, they are harvested, usually using agricultural machinery. Then the stems are separated from the seeds through a process called retting, where they are exposed to moisture to break down plant tissues and facilitate fiber extraction. After retting, the stems are dried and combed to separate the long, fine fibers from the short, unwanted fibers. These fibers are then spun into linen threads, which can be used to weave fabrics or for other textile applications. Flaxseeds, on the other hand, can be pressed to extract their oil or used as a source of nutrition.