Sustainable brands top 5
At Holzhaus we believe in the power of sustainable fashion and are proud to offer a selection of brands that prioritize sustainability in their operations and supply chain. This top 5 provides insight into the 5 suppliers that are furthest along in their development. Of course, this is independent of the weight of the suppliers in the store, we only look at the business operations of the brands themselves.
1. Kuyichi
Kuyichi is a denim company that we believe can call itself a leader in the sustainable fashion movement.
In 1998 in Peru, South America, the founders of Kuyichi were exploring the cotton industry and were shocked by the pollution and poverty it caused. This had to change. Given their huge focus on sustainability in every part of the clothing chain, and their origins based on a sustainable vision, we believe they deserve the top spot.
Honest Materials
At Kuyichi they take great care in designing honest products. The focus is on developing timeless products that will become your all-time favorite. They should not only be able to withstand the constant change of trends, they should also be worn until they break. They prefer high-quality materials to make the lifespan of jeans as long as possible.
Fair Production
Clear and transparent. Transparency is the first step towards a sustainable production chain, according to Kuyichi. If you know where your products are produced, you can implement improvements throughout the entire production chain. They are proud of every collaboration we enter into and therefore choose to explicitly name and explain all our suppliers. Read their full story here.
2. Armed Angels
The goal "We are not here to make fashion. We are here to make change." and the vision "create a planet we are proud to pass on to future generations." make it clear why Armed Angels gets a convincing second place in our rating!
Made to make a difference
Everything they do and make revolves around combating climate change. For example, they use textile waste to change the fashion chain from a linear to a circular process. They offer a professional repair service with original spare parts, and are actively involved in livingwage projects in the fashion supply chain.
Ladies from Togo
Togo is the country in Africa with the most women in leadership positions. In collaboration with the Togolese-German photographer Delali Ayivi, they show and celebrate a group of inspiring women who are all committed in their own way to protecting the environment and Togolese culture. This is an example of one of the initiatives/sources of inspiration that makes this brand excel in terms of sustainability.
Their fully transparent strategies can be found on their website.
3. G-Star
G-star, which comes in a respectable third, is a pioneer in sustainable denim production, using innovative techniques to minimize its impact on the environment.
Their ambition is to improve the social and environmental impact of their products and give back to the communities in the countries where they produce. They work with expert partners to accelerate change and develop sustainable solutions for the future of fashion. Watch the cool teaser about their sustainable developments here .
People
Their priority is to achieve fair, safe and healthy working conditions and to protect the human rights of the people involved in our supply chain.
Planet
They minimize our impact on the planet by selecting the most sustainable materials and working on circular solutions, while operating and producing responsibly.
Philanthropy
Through the GSRD Foundation, we aim to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of people in countries where G-Star RAW is produced. Together with our partners, we provide education and stimulate entrepreneurship through PHILANTHROPIC efforts, including training and coaching. Read their full story here.
4. Mac
In our opinion, Mac deserves a 4th place in our rating because they are fully developed in the field of environmentally friendly materials, innovative way of working, and operate in a completely climate-neutral head office.
MAC goes a step further by using eco-friendly and biodegradable materials in their clothing, so that their clothing has a minimal impact on the environment. With their innovative approach, MAC proves that fashion can be both stylish and sustainable.
Environmentally friendly materials & own standards
A pair of trousers consists of many different components – from the outer fabric via accessories (such as yarns, buttons, etc.) to the hangtag and packaging. Their goal is to select more sustainable materials and production processes for as many of these components as possible. To achieve this, they have developed their own internal sustainability standard that defines clear specifications for the requirements of a sustainable product.
5. Elvine
Elvine is a must in our top 5 as this brand is known for their sustainable approach to fashion. From timeless designs, to technically advanced and environmentally conscious design choices.
Known for their commitment to sustainability, Elvine embraces a conscious approach to fashion. By using eco-friendly materials and responsible production methods, Elvine creates timeless pieces that stand the test of time while minimizing their environmental footprint.
Commitment to sustainability
Elvine's main contribution to the fashion industry is designing and producing clothing in styles and qualities that last.
Through conscious material choices, they are constantly looking for improvements. For example, they use a down imitation that is completely based on recycled PET bottles. They work with a small group of long-term suppliers, which has ensured that they share ethical views as partners and meet the required international standards. Finally, they are part of many sustainable initiatives, such as the Fur Free Retailer initiative (so they do not use fur, down or leather).
Responsible production methods
Elvine works with solution-dyed and recycled polyester fabrics. This method requires 85-95% less water, less harmful chemicals and less energy compared to traditional dyeing of fabrics. They have come a long way in avoiding harmful chemicals, and developing fully sustainable impregnations for the jackets. Read the whole story about this on Elvine's sustainability page.