WOLVIS IMPACT GUIDE 2023 ENG

RESPONSIBILITY

Wolvis’ mission is to create exquisite knitwear pieces: tangible narratives that inspire, touch the heart, and foster genuine connections. We bear the weight of responsibility in developing novel products, always mindful of our impact on the environment.

This journey is a constant evolution, where we challenge conventions, seek innovative materials and production techniques, attentively listen and explore, and diligently refine our approach. Transparency is key: we openly share our small steps, aspirations for the future, as well as the challenges we face and areas where improvement is needed.

We unveil this commitment in relation to the choice of wool fiber, design, production, retail, consumption, and end of life.

RAW MATERIALS

YARN

Our primary resource is the exquisite yarn with which we knit and weave. The market offers a myriad of yarn options. To make well-considered decisions, we set guidelines for ourselves – an order of priority that enables us to make swifter and more targeted choices.

YARn COLOUR SELECTION

In our quest for new yarns, color choice becomes the decisive factor. Wolvis makes no compromises when it comes to color. Not all yarn suppliers offer a stock range, as it is called: yarns available in specific colors, varying from season to season, and always in stock. For Wolvis, such a stock range is essential, as our productions are too small to order colors ‘on demand.’ Therefore, we are compelled to collaborate with yarn suppliers who maintain an extensive stock range.

NATURAL FIBERS

Furthermore, we aspire to work predominantly with natural fibers, such as merino wool or cotton. The CONTOUR winter collection ‘23 is primarily crafted from 100% extra fine merino wool.

Merino wool fibers are extremely fine. A human hair measures approximately 70 microns (μm) in thickness, while that of a merino sheep ranges from only 14.5 to 24.5 μm. The merino yarn used in the CONTOUR collection is 19.5 μm, which is considered extra fine. This means that the yarn is exceptionally soft, incredibly lightweight and non-irritating. A yarn thickness of 19.5 μm is commonly used for baby clothing or thermal underwear - garments designed to be worn close to the skin. A perfect choice for a Wolvis piece!

Monomaterial

We prefer to work with 100% merino wool or 100% cotton, mainly because it makes recycling a garment much easier. However, in certain cases, we may make a concession to extend the quality and/or lifespan of a piece.

Nevertheless, we have set a minimum threshold of 50% natural fibers for an end product.

In the wrist cuffs of mittens and gloves for instance, elastane is added to provide stretchability and shape retention, ensuring a snug fit around the wrist. Similarly, in socks, polyamide is added to increase durability in the heels and toes.

CERTIFIED YARNS

We aim to embrace yarns with quality labels, yet encounter a few challenges along the way. Yarns with certifications often come with higher price tags, though this does not necessarily guarantee superior quality. Moreover, a variety of certificates is flooding the market and the process of obtaining them has turned into a somewhat ambiguous practice, often entailing significant expenses. As a result, the task of discerning the most suitable choices has become increasingly challenging.

Nevertheless, we keep our eyes on the evolving legislation in this domain and sense that changes are underway. Our ultimate goal is to achieve full transparency across the entire supply chain: from grazing sheep to the soft merino wool scarf wrapped around your neck.

PRINTING & PACKAGING MATERIALS

For printing and packaging materials, we adhere to the following fundamental principles:

• All shipping boxes are made from certified (FSC) and preferably recycled materials. Shipping boxes for retail purposes primarily consist of reused boxes from our own (yarn) deliveries.

• All printed materials are produced on certified (FSC) and 100% recycled paper, limited to a minimum.

• All other accompanying promotional materials or gift packaging are recyclable.

DESIGN

Throughout the design process, we keep in mind three fundamental principles:

1. Our designs are timeless and not tied to passing trends

2. Our designs have an intrinsic quality and can be cherished season after season

3. We strive to minimize production waste

In our quest to reduce cutting waste and elevate the quality of our products, we have decided to seek a new production partner specializing in 3D knitting.

PRODUCTION

We maintain 100% of our production within Europe, with 90% in Belgium and 10% in the Czech Republic.

All our scarves, socks, and garments are skillfully knitted in Belgium. However, our gloves, mittens and beanies are crafted using specialized machines, which, unfortunately, have become rare in Belgian knitting ateliers. We discovered a new partner in the Czech Republic that aligns perfectly with our production standards and values.

To ensure good synergies with our production partners, they embrace our “Code of Conduct” (currently in development), an ethical and legal framework that outlines our production standards and values. This commitment ensures that we share the same principles with our esteemed partners.

In our journal on www.wolvis.be, we engage in conversations with our production partners because we believe it is essential for our customers to know the artisans behind their Wolvis pieces. Each of our partners boasts a rich family history in the industry, making their stories all the more captivating.

ORIGIN

• Merino wool: Australia, New Zealand and South America

• Spinning mill: Borgosesia, Italy

• Dyehouse: Borgosesia, Italy

• Production scarves & gilets: Waregem, Belgium

• Production socks: Oudenaarde, Belgium

• Production gloves, mittens & beanies: Borová u Policky, Czech Republic

CONSUMPTION

The entire Wolvis range is available for rent on the Dressr rental platform, ensuring that customers with a smaller budget can delight in a Wolvis piece season after season.

Our mission is to encourage every Wolvis item to be cherished, passed on, and cherished further. We aim to assist in the impeccable maintenance of your piece. With every online purchase, customers receive a document detailing the care instructions for their purchase. Additionally, the website offers maintenance guidelines for various materials.

Presently, customers can return items with minor damages, such as (moth)holes, for repair. For a modest fee (depending on the size of the hole), we mend the pieces by hand. As our hands are already full with other endeavors, we are in search of a partner to alleviate some of this labor-intensive work.

This autumn, we will launch repair tutorials and written instructions, enabling skilled customers to handle minor repairs themselves.

RETAIL

This Impact Guide aims to inform Wolvis retailers, who, in turn, can educate their customers. Additionally, the Impact Guide can be found on our website, for those who wish to delve deeper into our commitment to sustainability.

By winter ‘24, we aspire to attach a QR code to each product, allowing customers to trace its production journey. Our ultimate goal is to make as many links in this chain visible, with the ultimate aim of ending at the grazing sheep.

Starting from Winter ‘23, we will initiate a pilot project with Cargovélo. On the Wolvis webshop, customers will have the option to choose between standard shipping via Bpost or Cargovélo, the sustainable alternative, for a nominal extra charge.

END OF LIFE

In autumn ‘23, we intend to explore possibilities for upcycling a • wolvis. We hope that through these experiments, several upcycling projects will emerge, inspiring our customers to create something new from a discarded (for example, shrunken) • wolvis piece.

As there is currently no separate waste collection or sorting system for 100% wool in Belgium, we are creating our own answer to this. Unwearable and irreparable scarves can be returned to us, and we will ensure they find their way into the appropriate waste stream.

BEHIND THE SCENES

GRIET

Wolvis was founded in 2013 by Ghent-based architect Griet Depoorter. After a few years of working in architecture studios, she decided to follow her passion for knitwear.

She explored new horizons and started playing and experimenting with both classic and innovative materials and techniques.

What is your favourite season?

I like spring and autumn, the interseasons. Or the start of a new season. The first rainy day after summer or the first rays of sun after a rainy winter.

What book is on your nightstand?

I am currently reading ‘I Am An Island’ by Tamsin Calidas. My new favourite!

ISABEAU

Isabeau was the very first one to join the team. What started as an internship during her textile design studies, has now become a versatile all round job. Isabeau is known for her creativity, analytical mind and passion for numbers. Some days she is occupied with designing and other days she’s working on marketing, social media or researching sustainability. She assists Griet in all aspects of building a brand.

What song always puts you into a good mood?

There’s no way in which I won’t turn up the volume whenever I hear a Macklemore song. ‘Glorious’ or ‘Can’t hold us’ for example. Whenever I hear these songs, beware of dance moves and singing out of tune…

If you could become any other person for a day … who would it be?

I have always been a big Formule 1 fan, so I would love to be the Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc for a day. I think it would be super cool to be able to race around a circuit with a Formula 1 car without limit. (Preferably the Spa-Francorchamps circuit).

Meet Griet, Isabeau, Cornelia & Louise. The women behind Wolvis.

CORNELIA

Cornelia got her degree in 2016 as an illustrator. After studying, she got her teaching degree and started a career in education. She loves to transfer her love for art to children and help them construct their own imaginary world. Cornelia and Griet have a shared love for wool and their children. Cornelia also has a weakness for all shades of pink.

What’s the most beautiful city you have ever been to?

15 years ago I fell in love with Amsterdam. I have been visiting the city every year ever since.

Which movie makes you nostalgic?

Frida. A movie (and woman) that left a big impression on me. I still listen to the soundtrack from time to time. Music often makes me nostalgic and brings back feelings from the past.

LOUISE

Louise joined the team in October 2021. With a degree in textile design and a natural curiosity, she helps making all kinds of aesthetic decisions during the design process. More practical things such as stitching labels are also on her weekly to do list. She’s a listener with her eyes.

What is your earliest memory?

As a child, I once hid in the hay while a cow was giving birth. There was a lot of tension in the stable. When the baby calf seemed healthy, everyone present felt a big relief. Nothing is more beautiful than such a small new life.

What kind of flower best matches your personality?

Scabiosa. This flower has small, soft petals and a thin stem. It’s known as a fragile flower that blooms nicely. It represents joy, pureness and love