Sustainability: It’s More
Than a Buzzword
Sustainabilitymightbethebuzzwordoftoday,butforus,it’salwaysbeenatthe coreofhowwedobusiness Thetruth?Weneverreallytookthetimetoputiton paper.Sohowdoyou"sell"somethingthatfeelslikesecondnature?In2024,we decidedtogoforit Wetookonthebigchallengeofpullingallthisknowledge andthesepracticesoutofourteammembers’headsandputtingtheminto words
Thisreportisn’tperfect it’sjustastart.It’sabaselinetoguideusaswe developorimprovepolicies,setgoals,andsharpenouractions Ithelpsus identifyblindspotsandrefreshourto-dos.Andyes,it’sstillawork-in-progress.
We’vedividedthisreportintotwobigbuckets:PeopleandPlanet.Wedecided tofocusonPlanetfirst.Why?Becauseit’swhereweknewwehadthemostto learn andwewerereadytodiveinheadfirst ThePeoplepart,ontheother hand,feelseasierforustotell.Wealreadyhavemoretext,articles,andpictures thatbringthisstorytolife Buthere’sthecatch westillneedtoputitall together Timecaughtupwithus!
Thinkofthisreportasourfirstdraft,onethatwillgrowandevolvethroughout theyear.Aswegainnewinsights,we’lladdmore,refinewhat’shere,andmaybe evensurpriseourselvesalongtheway (Staytuned!)
PLANET
PLANET
Raw materials
Raw materials
Responsible choice of materials
In 2024, we invested considerable effort in better understanding the materials we work with their origins and ecological footprints. When it comes to sourcing materials, determining the most sustainable option is rarely straightforward. The impact depends on a variety of factors: the material itself, the supplier, the production location, and more
To tackle this complexity, we created a Materials Matrix, a tool that visualizes the social and environmental impact of each material We’re super proud of the result! This comprehensive matrix will not only guide us in choosing the materials we prefer to work with in the future but also help us better support our clients in making informed, sustainable choices.
Peru
Our yarn purchases in 2024
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Raw materials
Peru
Working with Alpaca wool
Producing high-quality, long-lasting products is one of the most impactful actions we can take to support the planet, and alpaca wool aligns seamlessly with this mission Known for its exceptional warmth, softness, and durability, alpaca wool is an ideal fit for our business of crafting luxurious items designed to last for years Given Peru’s rich knitting traditions, using locally sourced alpaca wool in our handicrafts workshop was a natural decision. All of our alpaca wool is sourced from Peru and is Oeko-Tex certified, with GOTS, RAS, or RWS certifications available upon request
In 2024, 17% of our production was made with 100% alpaca wool (38% in 2023) Our research confirmed what we believed: alpacas have a minimal environmental footprint, as they are gentle grazers that require 25-30% less land than sheep and live in semi-wild conditions While our wool is sourced from small-scale farmers, transparency across the full supply chain remains a challenge Alpaca fiber naturally comes in a wide range of colors, which reduces the need for chemical dyes, though some chemical processes are still required for cleaning
More information on : https://whyalpaca.com/facts/
Peru
Working with Andean Highland or merino wool
In 2024, 20% of our clients chose to produce their products using Andean Highland Wool and Merino Wool natural fibers that share many of alpaca wool's qualities but offer greater durability, more stretch, and require less chemical processing These fibers, available in a range of natural tones, provide a more ecological alternative to dyed yarns
Our Andean Wool is sourced from Peru, Uruguay, or Argentina, staying close to our Peruvian workshop The Oeko-Tex standard certifies that the dyeing process has minimal environmental impact Additionally, our suppliers employ water purification processes to reduce contamination, allowing water to be reused for other purposes While our wool suppliers adhere to good social practices, certified by organizations such as GOTS and Fair Trade, full transparency across the supply chain remains a challenge Detailed information is available only upon request or for smaller-scale orders
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Raw materials
Peru
Working with Cotton
Much like alpaca, cotton is deeply rooted in Peruvian tradition, making it a natural choice for our products All our cotton is Oeko-Tex certified, ensuring minimal environmental impact during dyeing In 2024, 5% of the cotton yarn we purchased was organic, reflecting our clients’ awareness of its importance While organic cotton still requires high water consumption, it remains more sustainable than regular cotton by avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers Although recycled cotton is not yet available in Peru, we are open to using it in blends when feasible, as it may be too weak for most applications Regular cotton is used in smaller quantities where organic options aren’t viable, but our focus remains on promoting organic and recycled cotton
Peru
Working with Synthetics
While using 100% natural fibers is ideal, it stands for a high production costs and affects the long-term fit of garments Consequently, some or our clients prefer blends that include synthetic fibers, which offer advantages in terms of price, fit, and durability Synthetic fibers like polyamide, nylon, and acrylic are always blended with natural fibers However, the careful selection of these fibers is crucial, as choosing recycled alternatives can significantly reduce environmental impact Whenever possible, clients are encouraged to use blends of natural Peruvian fibers instead of synthetics The ultimate goal is to exclusively use recycled synthetic fibers and avoid blends with a high percentage of synthetic content
Peru Hardware
We’re actively seeking more sustainable hardware, as we are aware of the fact that the production of zippers, buttons, and labels lack transparency Unfortunately the availability of qualitative sustainable alternatives in Peru is still almost non-existent We have made improvements in recent years, switching most of our nylon labels to cotton ones Additionally, we can source corozo buttons instead of plastic ones, but as these come from Europe or Turkey, this doesn’t feel as a more sustainable option Due to high minimum order quantities (MOQs), offering sustainable hardware for small orders remains a challenge Our goal is to find sustainable local suppliers of high-quality items made with as much local material as possible
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Raw materials
India
Working with repurposed saris
In our Indian workshop, recycled saris are at the heart of our production These vibrant, preloved, and unique fabrics, mostly made from cotton or silk, carry stories of their own and provide a more durable alternative to virgin materials Traditionally, these saris are collected from wealthier households, where they are often given away after being worn for special occasions or simply going out of fashion The saris are gathered by intermediaries, known as wallas, who collect them door-to-door This cultural practice allows us to repurpose these beautiful fabrics, abundantly available and giving them a second life while drastically reducing waste, conserving water and resources, and minimising the need for new materials and transportation While this unique supply chain adds depth and character to our products, it still lacks full transparency We are committed to deepening our understanding of it and connecting with our suppliers to ensure fair working conditions and greater visibility across the entire process
For our kantha stitching, we prioritize using organic cotton threads, maintaining a commitment to sustainability in this traditional craft However, for machine stitching, we rely on polyester threads, as they provide the strength and durability required Some of our products are filled with soft cotton bedding, ensuring a natural and comfortable finish.
India
Hardware
Also in India, we struggle with finding sustainable hardware Highquality, eco-friendly options are limited, and high MOQs make them impractical for smaller runs For now, we use plastic zippers due to these challenges
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Raw materials
India
Working with waterhyacint
In our workshops, we craft baskets using water hyacinth, an abundant and invasive plant that grows in local waterways By turning this rapidly growing plant into durable, eco-friendly baskets, we help control its spread while creating sustainable products Water hyacinth is locally sourced, making it a highly sustainable material that minimizes the need for new resources and reduces environmental impact
India Working with Jute
Recently we started combining our work with Jute, known for its strength and versatility Often called the "golden fiber," jute is fast-growing, renewable, and biodegradable, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious products Its cultivation requires less water and fewer chemicals than many other crops, helping to keep its ecological footprint relatively low On the other hand, large-scale farming can sometimes cause soil depletion and water pollution if not carefully managed
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Raw materials
India
Working with cotton
In our kantha stitch pieces, we work exclusively with organic cotton threads For other applications, we currently use regular cotton, though we would love to fully transition to organic in the future The recycled alternative is unfortunately not viable for us, since recycled cotton is always blended with polymers to strengthen it - which means it cannot be recycled again
India
Dyeing
During the course of the year, we mapped our dyeing centre to gain insights into its operations. However, as our priorities evolved, we began exploring other options and potential collaborations This means that the mapping exercise will need to be revisited in the future to reflect new directions and opportunities
PLANET
Raw materials
Kenya
Working with sisal
Our beautiful Hadithi baskets are predominantly crafted from Agave Sisalensis, commonly known as ‘sisal’, a natural fiber renowned for its exceptional durability and strength Sisal thrives in Kenya’s semi-arid regions, which are unsuitable for food crops, making it an ideal sustainable choice By selecting sisal, Hadithi supports local agriculture by promoting a crop that requires minimal water and chemical inputs
In 2024, Hadithi Crafts established their own Dye Centre to tackle the environmental and chemical safety challenges that arose when artisans dyed sisal at their homesteads The Hadithi Dye Centre uses OEKO-Tex Standard 100 cationic dyes, follows stringent health and
safety protocols, and is equipped with a full wastewater treatment plant This allows them to manage dye waste effectively, safe for artisans and environmentally sound Additionally Hadithi offers baskets in natural colours, featuring 20 shades of browns, beiges, light yellows, pinks, and black, all achieved using traditional dyeing techniques They provide training to artisans on using these natural methods while maintaining health and safety standards, enabling them to continue working safely from their homes
Kenya
Palm leaves, leather or beadwork
In addition to sisal, some of our beautiful Hadithi baskets are crafted from palm leaves, a renewable and biodegradable material that is locally sourced To enhance the designs, locally sourced leather or traditional beads from the Maasai culture are used, adding unique cultural elements to the baskets while supporting local artisans and preserving heritage crafts
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Packaging
Responsible choices
When a product is made with love, packaging plays an important role in ensuring it reaches the client clean and in optimal condition
Our knitwear products, crafted in our workshop in Peru, are packed in biodegradable bags made from recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with a D2W additive We inform our clients that these bags should not be placed in the recycling bin because, although they resemble regular plastic, their chemical composition is different Instead, they can be composted in the regular composting bin or bag While we are pleased with this ecofriendly alternative, its environmental footprint is higher than local plastic options in Peru because these bags are produced and imported from Hong Kong.
To reduce the overall need for packaging, we reached out to our clients to increase the number of products per bag. Most clients embraced this change, helping us take another step toward minimising waste.ptions to achieve these goals
Our Indian products are shipped in recycled polyester bags sourced from a certified supplier in India, adhering to the Global Recycled Standard While biodegradable options are locally available, they often fail due to humidity and rapid degradation Consequently, we've chosen recycled bags, which are sturdier but still prone to tearing and essentially singleuse
We use recycled cardboard boxes from local suppliers in both India and Peru.
Our last B2C shipments were in 2024, as this part of our business is phasing out with the closure of Tales by Solid Products were mostly packed in recycled polyester bags and placed in reused or recycled cardboard boxes To minimize waste, we used compact packaging and sealed boxes with recyclable paper tape from Raja.
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Packing challenges
Finding alternatives to Plastic liners and films: Currently used to protect cardboard boxes against humidity during transportation Finding local suppliers of paper tape, that offers the same strong adhesion and tear resistance as PVC tape Limited availability of biodegradable or recycled packaging options, at a competitive cost, in Peru and India
In 2025, we aim to implement clearer and more prominent disposal instructions on our poly bags to encourage proper disposal and introduce customizable branding options that allow clients to add their logos, enabling the bags to be reused directly by end customers
Made to last a lifetime
Repair guides
Our products are designed to last a lifetime, which is why we use high-quality, durable materials To help extend the life of our products, we provide customers with care tips, and supply spare patches for minor repairs
https://issuu com/solidtalesbysolid/docs/solid knitwear take care of your handknitted produ https://issuu com/solidtalesbysolid/docs/tales by solid take care of your handmade kantha j
Care for your basket
Keep your basket away from direct sunlight The colours will fade if exposed to bright sunlight! Keep your basket dry, it is made from natural materials so it will deteriorate when it gets wet If your basket gets out of shape, you can spray lightly with water and reshape it with your hands, or / and put a pot of a similar shape inside it
If you use your basket as a plant pot, ensure you keep the basket dry Line your basket with a thick plastic or use a plastic pot inside your basket.
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Recyclability
Let’s be honest recyclability isn’t the first thing we think about when designing a garment. Our top priority is creating pieces that you’ll love and wear for years We’re all about using materials with a low environmental footprint, like alpaca wool and recycled saris, recycling what is already there!
While it’s theoretically possible to recycle knitwear, it’s not really happening in practice
Garments made from 100% alpaca or merino wool can be recycled, but most European textile recycling programs primarily focus on cotton, polyester, and mixed fibers Since wool garments in good condition are often resold or donated, pure wool fibers are less commonly available for recycling, and when recycled, the wool is typically used for blankets, insulation, or lower-grade products
Textile recycling, for garments made from blended materials like wool-synthetic blends, is complicated due to the difficulty in separating the different fibers Currently, most of these materials aren’t recycled back into new textiles Instead, they’re often downcycled into insulation, car seat padding, or cleaning rags
That said, our products from India, made from recycled saris, do offer some hope These items come with stories from their past lives, and once they’ve lived another full life with you, they can be recycled once more just remember to remove any hardware first
Our Sisal baskets from Kenya are crafted from natural fibers derived from the agave plant, making them fully biodegradable At the end of their life, sisal fibers can break down naturally in composting conditions, leaving no harmful residues While in theory they can be repurposed into ropes, mats, or paper, this is less likely to happen in Europe The long lifespan of sisal baskets reduces the need for frequent replacements, if well maintained
As a B2B producer, we focus on creating high-quality, sustainable products and supporting our clients in making environmentally responsible choices While we currently lack the infrastructure to manage garment returns, we encourage our business partners to explore local recycling options or programs in their regions
We know that we’re not perfect, and there’s still much to improve regarding recyclability, which also depends on advancing technology and increasing awareness As part of our own efforts, we've switched to cotton-only labels to make our garments easier to recycle Moving forward, we’re encouraging our knitwear clients to choose natural blends with better recycling potential, and share information on sustainable garment care
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Natural resources
Energy
At Crafts by Solid, we prioritize manual production methods like hand looms, knitting, and sewing, which naturally consume less energy while creating a maximum of employment opportunities
In our Peruvian workshop, energy use is modest, covering computers, lighting, steam/ironing equipment, washers, and dryers for garment care, as well as small appliances like kettles and microwaves for childcare and convenience The biggest consumers are the steamers, though they are already efficient. To further shrink our environmental footprint, we are exploring solar panel installation and regularly hold workshops to promote resource conservation among artisans
Peru
11,400 kWh/year
= 5 average Belgian households India
90% solar energy
In India, our energy needs are relatively small and primarily met through a 7.5 kW solar system, which powers lighting, computers, sewing machines, and irons Our daily consumption ranges between 40–50 kWh, depending on production levels, translating to 1,152–1,440 kWh per month when all machines are in use. Grid electricity is only used for product photography due to high-power lighting needs During power outages, we rely on a generator (power bank), especially in the monsoon months when solar production is lower
Water
At our production units in Peru and India, direct water use is minimal far less than what a typical Belgian family consumes Most water is used for essentials like toilets, while in India, some garments and saris require a rinse In Peru, the childcare facility at the back of the company accounts for the highest consumption To manage this, we are exploring installing a separate water meter to better track and control its usage
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Natural resources
Water
India
In India, we wash the saris carefully for the first time before they are used in production and rewash them afterward Currently, we use regular soap sourced from the market for these washes, and we plan to review its ingredients to ensure they align with our sustainability goals
Water
Peru - Supply chain
When we expanded our focus to include our supply chain in Peru, here’s what we learned:
In Peru, 17% of our clients work with 100% alpaca fiber Alpaca is a far more water-friendly material compared to conventional wool, as alpacas are adapted to thrive in dry climates
Our yarn suppliers mention the use of a circular water system, recycling water for irrigation purposes and optimizing washing stages using the New Zealand-based ANDAR system Additionally, they utilize closed dyeing systems or innovative approaches like the Cadira method, ensuring no harmful substances are released back into the environment For example, Inca Tops employs arm dyeing machines, which require only 13–25 liters of water to dye 1 kg of fiber compared to the 40 liters needed by traditional methods
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Waste
Waste
In our Peruvian knitting workshop, we reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible Yarn scraps and leftover fleece are repurposed for practice, workshops, or gifted to artisans, while empty wool cones are reused or crafted into school projects Items that don’t pass quality control are sold locally, unraveled for reuse, or repurposed At our Belgian head office, imperfect samples are sold in our pop-up store or donated to charity. Overproduction is closely monitored, and when it occurs, clients often take the extras
We’re tackling single-use plastic by encouraging reusable alternatives through awareness, and we partner with the local municipality in Peru on tree recycling initiatives that allow artisans to exchange waste for trees We continue exploring sustainable solutions for old labels
In India, our main waste materials are saris and sari ribbons These cotton rags are resold to garages, where they are used for dirty work in car repair, while silk ribbons remain in stock as we work toward finding a new purpose In general, India lacks an efficient waste recovery and recycling system, and most waste is ultimately burned on open dumpsites Therefore, we make every effort to reduce officewaste as much as possible.
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Corporate emissions
Our footprint
We believe that having good insight into our environmental impact is the starting point for improving it Since 2019, we have monitored our transportation emissions The graphs below display the trend of our transportation emissions over time
Carbon footprint (Only transportation & distribution)
Carbon intensity (Turnover versus emissions)
2024 marks the first time we have assessed our Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF), following the guidelines of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), accounting for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
In 2024, our total carbon footprint was 63 94 tons of CO₂, which corresponds to approximately 28 round-trip economy flights from Brussels to Lima Since 2024 was the first year in which we carried out such a complete calculation, we can’t fully compare this figure to previous years It is important to note, however, that this figure does not yet represent our full footprint Some parts of our Scope 3 emissions are still missing, in particular tier 2 data from our raw material suppliers, which we know is likely to have a significant impact As we continue to refine our methodology and data coverage, future calculations will provide a more complete picture of our total emissions 17
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Corporate emissions
Our footprint
Transport of goods is a major source of emissions in our industry From the start, we’ve been mindful of the impact of producing far from our markets, which is why we prioritize insetting within our supply chain and use sea freight as our default for international shipping However, the fast pace of fashion and the time-intensive nature of handmade production sometimes make air freight unavoidable to meet demand and delivery timelines
In our CO₂ emission calculations, we distinguish between upstream and downstream transport Upstream covers the journey of raw materials until they reach our production unit in Peru Once the materials are processed and become finished products, all further transport is counted as downstream from the production unit to our customers This is a slightly different interpretation than the standard definition, as shipments that then pass through our HQ in Belgium are also counted as downstream
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Corporate emissions
2024
In 2024 our total emissions were 63,94 ton.*
24 % of our shipments and our clients shipments go with boat
If everything had been transported by boat, it would have resulted in just 3 04 tons about 7% of the original emissions To put that into perspective, a single tree can absorb roughly 20 to 50 kg
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Corporate emissions
2024
Compared to much of the textile industry, our footprint is exceptionally low All of our goods are crafted by hand, requiring very little electricity or machinery In India, the limited energy we do use already comes from solar panels, and in Peru we aim to introduce similar renewable solutions soon
We prefer to source local natural fibers or up-cycled materials, that are logical to the context we work in While some natural fibers may have a higher ecological footprint, their biodegradability and end-of-life benefits make them a more sustainable choice. Our products never travel across multiple countries for finishing all work is done in our workshops Transport only happens once, when the finished pieces go to our headquarters or directly to the client
We work with staff, artisans, and partner communities to build awareness and skills around climate responsibility, embedding practices that keep our footprint low while strengthening resilience
Taking action
The transportation and distribution of our finished products from the workshops to Belgium or directly to clients currently accounts for the largest share of our CO₂ impact This is a complex challenge, as sustainable solutions for shipping and heavy transport remain limited, despite ongoing global innovation efforts
We are not waiting idly for more sustainable transport options to emerge Instead, we are already taking action:
Reducing air transport wherever possible This requires improved forecasting and early planning, particularly in collaboration with our partner Hadithi, since sea freight takes around four months compared to just a few days by air.
Encouraging clients to choose lower-impact delivery options
Optimizing packaging together with clients to reduce volume and waste
Offsetting remaining emissions
Exploring renewable energy, such as installing solar panels in Peru and Belgium
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Corporate emissions
Our strategy
Compared with conventionally produced garments which often zig-zag across continents and travel around 19,000 km our garments made in India or Peru cover roughly 7,000 km on average because the production of raw materials, dyeing, knitting or weaving, stitching, and finishing all take place in one region Even a fairtrade T-shirt sewn in Portugal typically uses cotton from India or elsewhere in Asia, adding an extra leg By reducing production sites from 20–30 to just 3-4, we cut handling and transport needs In both India and Peru, we also work with artisans using centuriesold, low-energy techniques, further lowering impact while supporting rural livelihoods
In short, we are aware that we don’t produce close to the end customer But what is often overlooked is how many steps and trips garments usually make before reaching the market Our approach is different: we keep those steps limited and concentrated By being transparent about this, we want to show that our strength lies in a localized, short, end-to-end value chain
Offsetting our emissions with Tree-Nation
While we work hard to keep our transportation emissions as low as possible, some emissions remain unavoidable To address these, we partner with Tree-Nation, a certified reforestation platform with the ambitious mission to plant one trillion trees by 2050
We have chosen to support the Swahili Coast Mangrove Restoration project in Kenya, where our close partner Hadithi empowers women through the sustainable production of handmade sisal baskets Planting mangroves here not only offsets our emissions but also protects one of the world’s most vital coastal ecosystems At the same time, it creates alternative livelihoods to environmentally harmful practices such as wildlife hunting and illegal logging
Through this partnership, we combine carbon offsetting with meaningful social and environmental benefits supporting landscapes and communities that are already close to our hearts
TRANSPARENCY
TRANSPARENCY
Traceability
At Crafts by Solid, we are committed to achieving full traceability of all components used in our products Our tier 1 suppliers are our own production workshops in Peru and India, which deliver the finished products Since we own and operate these workshops, we have full visibility and control over their manufacturing processes, ensuring that every product is crafted in alignment with our ethical and sustainability standards
> This year, we made significant progress by gaining better visibility across our tier 2 suppliers, learning more about our partner Hadithi or the suppliers of our workshops, that provide the raw materials, such as wool, yarn, or recycled saris A major accomplishment was consolidating all of our supplier information into a comprehensive and accessible document This initiative not only streamlines our internal processes but also provides our team and potential clients with a clear and organised overview of our supply chain The document shows our history of working with each supplier, highlighting their ethical and sustainable practices As part of this initiative, conducting regular visits to all suppliers will remain key
> While we have made significant strides in achieving full traceability across all tiers, full knowledge of our tier 3 and tier 4 suppliers remains challenging Wool, for example, often passes through multiple hands from small-scale farmers (tier 4) to intermediaries (tier 3) before reaching the yarn manufacturers (tier 2) that supply our workshops In India, language barriers and varying literacy levels further complicate mapping the full supply chain, and some larger tier 2 suppliers are protective of their own supply chain information, limiting transparency
Despite these challenges, we remain dedicated to expanding visibility and accountability throughout all levels of our supply chain, ensuring our products are ethically sourced and sustainably produced
4 suppliers (tier 2) were visited or audited in 2024, monitoring fair trade practices.
TRANSPARENCY
Certificates
Crafts by Solid
We know that "fair trade" isn’t always as fair as it sounds unless there's a legit certificate to back it up That’s why we went for the WFTO certificate it’s well-known and covers all the bases, making sure our dedication to sustainability, fairness, and quality is the real deal These certificates can sometimes sound like a lot of fancy words or be a bit confusing That’s why we’re giving you a quick rundown of what they really mean, so you know exactly what you’re getting
What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South Fair Trade organizations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission They, backed by their consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in comapaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade They can be recognised by the WFTO logo.
Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible It highlight the need for change in the rules and practie of conventional trade and shows how a succesful business can also put people first
Guaranteed Fair Trade
Is’s all about credibility
If you are buying something claiming to be Fair Trade, you want to know that it really is That’s why WFTO offers its Guaranteed Fair Trade label to members who have passed an independent, external audit
TRANSPARENCY
The Guarantee doens’t certify individual products but provides accountability that an organization has a Fair Trade supply chain and practices at its core It means you can be confident that organisations like Crafts by Solid are upholding the values of the Fair Trade movement, and that you can buy from us with confidence
Our Peruvian production unit has been WFTO certified since 2017, and Solid Crafts as a whole joined the ranks in 2023
Proud to be a People and Planet First member! People and Planet First unites enterprises that prioritize social and environmental impact over profit Verified members solve social/environmental problems, reinvest profits, and avoid greenwashing Verified through our WFTO certification
People and Planet First
TRANSPARENCY
Company certificates
Peruvian
workshop (tier 1)
PromPeru: As part of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), PromPeru helps to boost Peru's presence in international markets, ensuring that Peruvian products, like those we source, adhere to the highest quality standards and fair trade practices
Company certificates
Hadithi Crafts in Kenya (tier 2)
Nest Ethical handicraft - verified member for the beadwork production line.
Yarn suppliers of our Peruvian workshop (tier 2)
Fair Trade Peru: This Peruvian certification guarantees that producers are engaged in fair trade practices, ensuring they receive fair wages and work in safe conditions
Carbon Neutral Certified: A certification that measures and verifies the carbon footprint of production processes, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Certified B Corporation: Some of our suppliers are B Corp certified, meaning that they are meeting high social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency standards
Regenerative Organic Certified: Focuses on regenerative farming improving soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness
OEKO-TEX® STeP: ensures sustainable textile production by verifying environmental protection, fair working conditions, and responsible chemical management throughout the supply chain
TRANSPARENCY
Fiber certificates
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Ensures textiles are tested for harmful substances and safe for use
Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS): This certification ensures that Alpacas are protected from hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, disease, and distress, while also allowing them to express natural behaviours The RAS also promotes advanced farming techniques that protect soil health, biodiversity, and local species, ensuring that the entire production process is environmentally and socially responsible
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): This certification guarantees that wool comes from farms that practice responsible land and sheep management Sheep are protected from hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, disease, and distress, ensuring their well-being Additionally, RWS promotes sustainable agricultural practices that maintain soil health, support biodiversity, and protect local ecosystems The certification covers the entire supply chain, ensuring that every stage, from farm to finished product, meets rigorous standards verified by a trusted institution
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Ensures textiles are organic and meet environmental and social criteria
For a product to be certified under RAS, RWS, or GOTS, every entity in the supply chain, from the farm to the retailer, must be certified, ensuring full traceability and transparency With the costs outweighing the current demand, we have chosen not to pursue certification at this time but we are open to discussing potential solutions with interested clients Additionally achieving certifications like RAS often requires sourcing from larger companies, presenting a dilemma between supporting small producers and ensuring complete transparency.
PEOPLE
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