RE:CLO prides itself on being transparent about our manufacturing and printing process. We want sustainable streetwear to be exactly that – sustainable. Read on to find out more about the materials and processes we use, and why these are important for sustainable and ethical business.
Garments:
Materials:
Our garments are made up from 100% organic cottons (note our hoodies have a 20% recycled polyester blend to provide extra hard-wearing strength and thickness to this type of product) which save ~2,457 litres of water in comparison with more common synthetic materials, whilst producing 62% less CO2 and achieving 26% less potential for soil erosion and 70% less acidification of land and water. These meet the following certifications:
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – This guarantees that the cotton is organically grown without the use of genetically modified seeds or any harmful chemical products. It ensures traceability of products from the field to the final customer, including transaction certificates at each and every stage of production, and ensures the garments contain at least 95% organic fibre, are not treated with bleach, formaldehyde or any other toxic substances and use non-toxic dyes.
Global Recycle Standard (GRS) – This is an international, voluntary, full product standard that certifies a product contains only recycled content as claimed.
The Organic Content Standard (OCS) – A standard that verifies the presence and amount of organic material in a product by tracking it’s journey from raw material to use.
OEKO-TEX 100 Standard – An internationally recognized label for textiles tested for harmful substances. Each individual textile article is rigorously tested for harmful substances to comply with the strict OKOTEX-criteria, ensuring garments are harmless for the planet and the people. From the threads to the prints, all products carrying these 100 standards signify trust.
PETA Approved Vegan - PETA Approved Vegan which approves their ingredients, formulations and finished products have not been tested on animals and that they do not contain an animal-derived products.
Processes:
All of our garments are proudly manufactured at sustainable manufacturing sites in Bangladesh which are managed by a company that has recently been listed among the ‘Top 16 Leading Brands in Sourcing Sustainable Materials’ by the Textile Exchange (TE).
These sites operate in ‘fair-wear’ conditions which means our manufacturers are committed to finding a fairer way to make their garments where:
Employment is freely chosen
There is no exploitation of child labour
No discrimination in employment
Legally binding employment relationships for all employees
Payment of a living wage
Reasonable working hours given
Safe and healthy working conditions provided
Workers have freedom of association.
All sites are also continuously monitored to minimise their environmental impacts and are equipped with state-of-the-art Effluent Treatment Plants which remove toxic elements from the water used to manufacture the garments and ensure it is safe for reuse.
Prints:
Materials:
The inks used for our prints are water-based and free-from harmful chemicals such as PVC, phthalates and solvents which cause environmental contamination, pose threats to animal and human health and cannot be recycled. The prints used meet the following certifications:
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – This guarantees that the inks are made from materials organically grown without the use of genetically modified seeds or any harmful chemical products. It ensures traceability of products from the field to the final customer, including transaction certificates at each and every stage of production, and ensures the inks contain at least 95% organic fibre, are not treated with bleach, formaldehyde or any other toxic substances and use non-toxic dyes.
OEKO-TEX 100 Standard – An internationally recognized label for textiles tested for harmful substances. Each individual textile article is rigorously tested for harmful substances to comply with the strict OKOTEX-criteria, ensuring the inks are harmless for the planet and the people.
Processes:
All of our printing is proudly completed in the United Kingdom’s first ever printing company that exclusively and completely uses water-based inks. The prints are created using direct-to-garment (DTG) printing to achieve a high-detail, vibrant image that is fully washable and durable.
Our printing partners use 100% renewable electricity to power their facility, reuse all packaging received from suppliers who do not meet their request for plastic-free delivery, minimise their plastic usage wherever possible for example using recycled boxing tape and are a living wage employer.
Packaging:
Materials:
Our printing partners use 100% renewable electricity to power their facility, reuse all packaging received from suppliers who do not meet their request for plastic-free delivery, minimise their plastic usage wherever possible for example using recycled boxing tape and are a living wage employer.
OK Compost! Certified - Packaging or products featuring the ‘OK Compost!’ label are guaranteed as biodegradable in an industrial composting plant. This applies to all components, inks and additives.
Processes:
All of our packages are made in Poland at sites that responsible employment standards set by the EU Labour Law. The site engaged in data analytics to continuously improve the efficiency and sustainability of its manufacturing process by optimising the volume of materials used per package and off-cut wasted as well as minimising weight of packaging to reduce the net carbon emissions of our deliveries.
The extra mile ...
At RE:CLO, we are always looking to further develop our sustainable practices and so if you ever have any comments and thoughts on how we could improve these please reach out via our contact page!