
transparency:
Environmental Impact
The fashion industry is widely recognised for its substantial environmental impact, contributing significantly to resource depletion, water and air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity, and the generation of vast amounts of waste — ultimately accelerating climate change.
At the core of these issues lies fast fashion — a business model driven by the overproduction of low-cost, trend-focused clothing designed to be rapidly consumed and discarded. This approach prioritises quantity over quality, with an estimated 100 billion garments produced globally each year, around 30% of which remain unsold. Unpurchased items are often discarded or destroyed, adding to landfills already overwhelmed by textile waste.
This excessive output stems from major brands competing in an industry where trends shift rapidly and consumer demand is unpredictable. In an effort to maximise profits, companies flood the market with countless styles, often with little regard for sustainability. Fast-paced manufacturing cycles and constant product turnover result in cheaply made garments that prioritise cost over durability and are intended for only brief use.
Consequently, the immense volume of clothing produced leads to significant waste. Many garments are designed with limited longevity in mind, worn only a few times before being replaced by the next season’s trends. This reinforces a "throwaway culture" — a societal tendency to discard items prematurely in favour of newer, often cheaper alternatives. Driven by consumerism and convenience, this mindset fuels overconsumption and intensifies environmental harm. The continuous cycle of new collections significantly raises the industry’s carbon footprint, with vast amounts of energy consumed throughout the supply chain — from sourcing raw materials, to manufacturing and packaging, followed by global transportation.
This high-volume, low-cost output drives unsustainable consumption and significantly contributes to environmental degradation.
Guided by our environmental values, we make deliberate decisions that reflect our commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. Sustainability is considered from the outset — built into every decision around what, how, and how much we produce.
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We take pride in offering limited edition garments that embody both quality and exclusivity. Our limited production runs are carefully curated to ensure that each piece aligns with our sustainability principles.
Producing in limited quantities makes it possible for us to operate more intentionally…
Controlled Output
Smaller production runs eliminate the risk of overproduction that afflicts much of the industry. By aligning output precisely with demand, surplus is avoided — making wasteful disposal through landfill or incineration unnecessary. This deliberate approach marks a clear departure from volume-driven manufacturing, favouring a restrained, purpose-led strategy that preserves material value and prevents systemic excess from occurring altogether.
Resource Smart
Reducing production volumes significantly lessens our environmental footprint. This decrease cuts energy use, water consumption, and emissions across the supply chain. With lower demand for inputs — such as textiles, dyes, and packaging — we diminish pressure on ecosystems. Crucially, tight volume control also enables more precise chemical management, helping to protect water systems and preserve biodiversity.
Focused Together
A controlled scale fosters close collaboration with skilled designers and makers who share our values. This deliberate limitation removes the pressures and rigidity of mass production, allowing us to remain agile and responsive. We adapt to changing needs thoughtfully rather than reactively — making decisions driven by principle, not pace. The result is an ethical, interconnected ecosystem grounded in mutual respect, shared standards, and creative integrity.
Timeless Appeal
Rather than pursuing high-volume sales and aggressive markdown strategies, we uphold the intrinsic value of each piece through intentional scarcity. Restrained production not only preserves long-term appeal but also reinforces a considered approach to consumption. By consciously distancing ourselves from transient trend cycles and surplus inventory, we encourage customers to make discerning choices — selecting garments that resonate personally, reflect enduring style, and represent a meaningful investment in quality.
Detail Oriented
With smaller batches, we dedicate care throughout every stage — from early design consultations and thoughtful fabric sourcing to precise construction and refined finishing. Each step is carefully considered to ensure quality and durability, resulting in a product made to last. With fewer units, each piece receives more focused attention — refining details, perfecting fit, and ensuring durability. This slower, more deliberate approach champions craftsmanship and nurtures lasting connections between maker, garment, and wearer.
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By choosing our limited edition streetwear, you are not only acquiring a distinctive fashion statement but also supporting a brand dedicated to accountability for planetary health and the reduction of the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.
As a clothing brand, we acknowledge that we are inherently part of an industry contributing to environmental challenges. While we cannot claim exemption from this impact, we are committed to minimising our role within it — favouring meaningful, strategic evolution over inertia.
We recognise that there is always room for improvement. As our brand evolves, we remain steadfast in our responsibility to refine our environmental practices. We continuously evaluate and strive to reduce our ecological footprint across all aspects of our operations.
Responsible Packing
Whenever possible, we provide a range of eco-friendly packaging solutions tailored to the size and requirements of each order.
Product and Mailer Bags
Our product and mailer bags are made from 100% compostable materials, including PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) and PLA (Polylactic Acid) derived from renewable cornstarch. They also include natural mineral-based additives: calcium carbonate and talcum powder.
Created for nature, these compostable cornstarch bags biodegrade into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
This process leaves no harmful residues behind.
Composition
- PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate): A fully biodegradable polymer that enhances the film’s flexibility and elongation, allowing it to stretch without tearing. It breaks down efficiently under composting conditions, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.
- PLA (Polylactic Acid) from Cornstarch: A plant-based polymer that contributes to the film’s structural integrity and puncture resistance. Derived from renewable cornstarch, it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions during production.
- Calcium Carbonate: A naturally occurring mineral that enhances rigidity and optimises the surface for improved printing quality and manufacturing efficiency. Its inclusion lessens overall polymer use, improving material efficiency without compromising compostability.
- Talcum Powder: A mineral-based additive that reduces surface friction and prevents static build-up during extrusion and converting, ensuring efficient manufacturing and full compatibility with compostable films.
Our bags meet the highest standards of environmental responsibility. They comply with EN 13432, the European standard for industrial compostability, which ensures that packaging disintegrates, biodegrades, and leaves no harmful residues in composting environments. To further guarantee our commitment to sustainability, we also adhere to certifications issued by TÜV Austria, an independent and globally recognised body that verifies compliance with biodegradability and compostability standards.
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3 Estimated Degradation Timelines
1. Industrial Composting:
In an industrial composting facility, our bags typically degrade within about 3 months. These facilities provide optimal conditions — high temperatures, moisture, and active microbial activity — that accelerate the breakdown process. Under these controlled conditions, the bags fully decompose into natural, harmless elements. To use an industrial composting facility, customers should check with their local waste service to see if compostable packaging is accepted in food or garden waste collections, or locate a certified composting facility in their area that accepts drop-offs.
2. Home Composting:
In a well-maintained home composting system, the bags degrade within approximately 6 months. To compost at home, place the bags with other organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable scraps. For optimal decomposition, maintain the pile’s moisture level — similar to damp soil — and keep a consistent temperature between 50–70°C (120–160°F). To achieve these temperatures, it is essential to balance “green” (nitrogen-rich) materials with “brown” (carbon-rich) materials, maintain adequate moisture, and ensure effective airflow. A sufficiently large compost pile helps retain heat, while regular turning distributes heat and oxygen evenly, promoting microbial activity.
Below are examples of common “green” (nitrogen-rich) and “brown” (carbon-rich) materials for balanced home composting:
Green
- Fresh fruit scraps like apple cores, banana peels, and citrus rinds;
- fresh vegetable scraps such as carrot tops, potato peels, and leafy greens;
- fresh fruit and vegetable pulp such as juicing leftovers;
- fresh garden trimmings, including weeds, grass clippings, leaves, and flowers;
- fresh herbs/spices, used tea bags, tea leaves, and coffee grounds;
- fresh seaweed and algae;
- crushed eggshells.
Brown
- Dry leaves from trees like oak and maple;
- dry straw, hay, and grass clippings;
- dry garden trimmings including corn stalks, husks, and old plant material;
- shredded cardboard, brown paper, newspaper, and plain office paper;
- sawdust, wood shavings, wood chips, woody stems, twigs, and pine needles.
3. Landfill (if not composted):
If not composted industrially or at home, the bags take over 12 months to degrade in landfills. Decomposition is significantly slower in landfill conditions due to limited oxygen, low microbial activity, uncontrolled temperatures, low moisture levels, and compacted waste — all of which restrict the natural breakdown of organic materials. However, our bags decompose at a pace so vastly accelerated that it is incomparable to conventional plastics, which can take hundreds to over a thousand years to break down — often leaving harmful microplastics behind.
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Why Choose Compostable?
Plastic waste poses a significant threat to the environment, with conventional plastics taking anywhere from 500 to 1000 years to degrade. During this time, they cause lasting harm to ecosystems: wildlife often mistake plastic for food, leading to injury or death, while toxic chemicals leach into soil and waterways, disrupting both land and marine life.
Plastic packaging is the largest contributor to global plastic waste, accounting for around 40% of all plastic produced. Its widespread use is driven by low production costs and durability, making it the default packaging material for many brands. Globally, over 450 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated each year, and more than 90% of it remains unrecycled — with most ending up in landfills, incinerators, or the natural environment.
Compostable packaging provides a more sustainable alternative but remains more expensive than conventional plastic. This is due to factors such as the higher cost of bio-based raw materials, smaller production volumes, and the rigorous certification processes required for compostability claims. Therefore, despite its environmental drawbacks, companies often prioritise plastic packaging for its low cost, virtually endless shelf life, and logistical ease — delaying sustainability progress for short-term convenience.
While compostable bags may be priced higher and require careful stock management due to their short shelf life, they are a vital step towards minimising environmental harm. This investment is part of the broader movement to reduce plastic pollution and protect ecosystems for future generations.
Our bags decompose naturally, and contribute valuable nutrients back into the soil, promoting healthier ecosystems.
By choosing our compostable bags, you are helping to reduce plastic pollution.
Cardboard Boxes
For our larger shipments and/or specific products, we employ strong and recyclable cardboard solutions.
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No Hang Tags
We have removed hang tags from our garments to enhance sustainability and distance ourselves from industry practices that contribute to environmental harm.
Conventional hang tags, though small, are produced in the millions by fashion brands worldwide. They are typically made from mixed materials such as coated paper, plastic, metallic foils, and sometimes synthetic fibres, which makes them rarely recyclable. Their production consumes raw materials and energy, involves chemical treatments, and often includes synthetic coatings, fasteners, and strings. This entire process contributes to several environmental problems, including resource depletion, high energy use, carbon emissions, water pollution from chemical runoff, exposure to toxic chemicals, landfill waste, and microplastic contamination.
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Hang tags are frequently used as branding tools — designed to project perceived value, communicate brand identity, and justify price points. Despite their temporary usefulness, they have a significant negative impact on the environment, as they are often quickly removed and discarded immediately after purchase, typically ending up in landfills or incinerators. Yet, despite their short lifespan, hang tags remain a default element of garment presentation throughout nearly the entire fashion industry.
Few brands have eliminated hang tags, due to marketing norms and the ease of sticking to established processes. While often seen as essential for brand engagement, this mindset reinforces a disposable ethos that conflicts with sustainability.
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We believe that lasting change involves examining not just the apparent, but also the patterns we have come to accept. By removing hang tags, we eliminate an entire category of unnecessary waste. Essential garment information is provided digitally within each product description, instead of on hang tags. This allows us to reduce our material footprint, avoid inessential production processes, and design with integrity from start to finish.
This may be a small detail, but its impact is not. True sustainability demands scrutiny of every element — especially those that have long gone unquestioned.
Growing Sustainability
Plantable Seed Paper "Thank You" Cards
Guided by our sustainability values, we avoid sending our products to customers with accessories such as stickers, promotional flyers, excess packaging, tissue paper, plastic wrap, and non-recyclable gift items. While these items may be exciting to receive, we prioritise a more environmentally responsible approach.
The production of these accessories amplifies planetary strain, with stickers, for example, involving harmful plastics and adhesives. In landfills, these materials not only occupy space for centuries but also release toxic chemicals as they break down, further polluting the soil and groundwater. Alternatively, if they end up in incineration, they release toxic chemicals such as dioxins, furans, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, damage the atmosphere, and pose serious long-term health risks to humans, wildlife, and the environment.
Instead, when practicable, we include a “Thank You” card made from plantable seed paper. Each card is embedded with seeds that grow into a single type of easy-to-grow plant, depending on the card you receive with your order — ranging from vibrant flowers and fragrant herbs to fruitful plants, fresh leafy greens, and nourishing vegetables. Planting instructions are found on each card, so you will know exactly how to grow your little gift.
Our plantable seed paper cards have a short storage life of a few months and should be planted soon after receipt to ensure the seeds remain viable and can successfully grow.
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Planting a card is a small act — but its impact can be meaningful and lasting. We wanted to put a spin on the typical way brands send "Thank You" cards made from ordinary paper. Instead of sticking to the usual, we chose an eco-conscious alternative that expresses appreciation while promoting sustainability and a connection to the natural world.
Depending on the seed card included in your order, the plant you grow offers a range of benefits…
1. Environmental and Ecological Benefits:
Plants provide significant environmental and ecological benefits. They enhance air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, purifying both indoor and outdoor air. Plants also support biodiversity, attracting a range of insects, birds, and wildlife. Many naturally deter pests through scents or oils, offering a chemical-free alternative to pest control. As they grow and decay, plants enrich the soil by returning nutrients, improving its texture, moisture retention, and microbial life. They also contribute to carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change. Growing plants from seed paper reduces dependability on plastic and single-use items, promoting a zero-waste mindset. Seed paper plants are typically low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginners and urban gardeners.
2. Insect and Pollinator Benefits:
Plants play a vital role in supporting insects and pollinators, which are essential for maintaining ecological balance. Flowering plants provide nectar and pollen to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while also creating habitats for beneficial insects like ladybirds and hoverflies that help control pests. By sustaining small insects, plants support a broader food web, providing energy for other animal groups.
3. Personal and Practical Benefits:
Gardening reduces stress, boosts mood, and improves mental clarity. Many plants, such as herbs and flowers, provide calming aromas that enhance well-being. Edible plants, including herbs and fruits, offer fresh, nutritious ingredients for food and drink. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supporting a healthy diet. Certain plants also have traditional uses for natural remedies, such as easing digestion or relieving discomfort. Furthermore, plant extracts are often used in skincare products for their hydrating and antimicrobial properties. Growing plants provides an educational opportunity, fostering curiosity about nature and sustainability. Additionally, plants bring aesthetic value, adding colour and texture to any space.
Moral Compass
Fast Fashion: The Human and Environmental Costs Behind Cheap Clothing
It is easy to overlook the realities behind the clothes we wear. For some, fashion is a passion; for others, it is simply a practical need. Regardless of how engaged we are with it, fashion remains a significant part of daily life. Yet, what many consumers do not realise — or choose not to consider — is that the global fast fashion industry is built on a foundation of corporate irresponsibility, systemic exploitation, and environmental degradation. Behind every low-cost garment lies a complex and often disturbing supply chain that imposes an enormous cost on people and the planet.
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At the heart of the fast fashion model is a race to produce garments as quickly and cheaply as possible. This has given rise to a global supply chain that relies heavily on low-cost labour in countries where wages are suppressed, and worker protections are minimal. The garment industry currently employs approximately 75-100 million people worldwide, with women comprising more than 80% of this workforce. These workers are often paid poverty wages and endure excessive working hours to meet unrealistic production targets.
A living wage is the minimum income a worker needs to meet basic living costs such as food, rent, healthcare, transport, education, clothing, and other necessary expenses. In many garment-producing regions across South Asia and Southeast Asia, workers typically earn an estimated $2 -$6 per day, amounting roughly $50-$150 per month. In contrast, the estimated living wage in these areas ranges between $500-$1000 per month, depending on regional costs and household needs. This means many garment workers earn less than half, only 10–30% of what is needed to survive. To bridge this devastating gap, they often rely on underpaid or unpaid overtime, working 12-16 hours a day, 6 or 7 days a week.
These systemic issues reflect an industry where human rights are routinely overshadowed by commercial interests.
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Despite international conventions banning child labour, it remains a persistent issue in the fashion supply chain, particularly in its lower tiers. Children as young as 10 have been documented working in cotton farms, textile mills, and embroidery units. These children are often unpaid or receive minimal compensation and are denied access to education and basic healthcare.
While many garment-producing countries have laws against employing children, loopholes, weak enforcement, and economic desperation allow the practice to continue — especially in underregulated areas of garment production.
According to the ILO–UNICEF global estimates, over 130 million children are engaged in child labour worldwide, with the fashion industry being a major contributor to that figure. Of these, more than 50 million are involved in hazardous work — jobs likely to jeopardize their health, safety, or development.
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Fast fashion's demand for cheap, rapid production means that worker safety is often the first cost to be cut.
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Many factories around the world operate in dangerously unsafe conditions — overloaded structures not built to withstand industrial use, crumbling buildings weakened by poor maintenance, blocked or locked fire exits, hazardous electrical wiring, insufficient ventilation, and exposed machinery with few safety guards. These systemic failures can — and often do — lead to serious injury or death. This was tragically demonstrated in 2013 when the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed, claiming the lives of over 1110 garment workers and injuring approximately 2500 others who were rescued from the wreckage, marking one of the deadliest industrial disasters in modern history. Despite international outrage and promises of reform, unsafe working environments remain widespread, especially in smaller or subcontracted facilities that escape regulatory inspection.
These exploitative conditions are not the exception but the norm in many fast fashion supply chains, where speed and low production costs are routinely prioritised over human welfare.
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Upholding Ethical Principles
The root of these abuses lies in the structure of the fashion supply chain. Major brands outsource production to a web of contractors and subcontractors, creating deliberate distance between the brand and the factory floor. This enables companies to deny knowledge of unethical practices, even as they profit from them.
Lack of transparency means that only an estimated over 10% of global fashion brands can fully trace all the facilities involved in producing their clothes, highlighting ongoing challenges in supply chain visibility. With no legal obligation to ensure fair treatment of workers in overseas factories, many brands turn a blind eye to human rights abuses.
We recognise that labour challenges in global supply chains are complex, particularly in regions where worker protections are still developing. While no system is perfect, we remain committed to partnering with manufacturers who share our values and are actively working to uphold responsible labour practices. This commitment extends to our in-house and domestic teams, where we champion legal compliance, ethical workplace standards, and fair treatment.
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While concerns around ethical violations and environmental impact often shape the debate on overseas manufacturing, it's important to recognize that responsible international sourcing offers key advantages over relying exclusively on domestic production, such as in the UK. Many global regions bring decades of industry expertise, access to unique raw materials, and highly developed textile infrastructure. These strengths can enable broader design possibilities, provide access to materials unavailable or cost-prohibitive locally, and improve product quality.
Moreover, responsible global sourcing can play a significant role in supporting social and economic development in lower-income regions. When brands commit to working with carefully selected suppliers and uphold fair labour standards — such as safe working conditions, living wages, and reasonable working hours — they help foster long-term, stable employment. This, in turn, enables workers to support their families, invest in education, and access better healthcare, creating ripple effects that strengthen entire communities. Over time, such partnerships can contribute to greater economic independence and upward mobility for workers who might otherwise be vulnerable to exploitation in informal or unregulated sectors.
In addition, sourcing from multiple international locations enhances a brand’s resilience in the face of global disruptions. Relying solely on domestic production leaves companies more exposed to localised risks, while a diversified global supply chain can help spread and mitigate those threats. These risks include economic fluctuations such as inflation or recessions; extreme weather events like floods, heatwaves, or droughts that disrupt production or transport; and logistical challenges, including port closures, shipping delays, or changes in trade policy. By maintaining a well-managed and diversified supplier network, brands are better equipped to adapt quickly, maintain continuity, and reduce costly interruptions.
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Our journey toward ethical and sustainable manufacturing is ongoing. We are committed to consistently evaluating and improving the processes behind everything we create. By seeking innovative solutions and adopting standards that reflect fairness and accountability, we aim for our operations to uphold the values of integrity and respect for all individuals involved.
Animal Welfare
The fashion industry has a long history of neglecting animal welfare, making it essential for customers to be informed and make moral choices. This includes understanding the impact of materials that have traditionally exploited animals.
Impact of the Fashion Industry on Animals
- Animal Sourcing: The use of animal-derived materials, such as leather and fur, often involves cruel practices, including confinement and inhumane slaughter methods, resulting in the suffering of millions of animals each year to meet the demands of the fashion industry.
- Overbreeding and Genetic Manipulation: Selective breeding for fashion-oriented traits, such as finer wool or larger pelts, can result in deformities, health issues, and shorter lifespans for domesticated animals used in production.
- Illegal Wildlife Trade: Demand for exotic skins, rare furs, and feathers fuels illegal poaching and trafficking, threatening endangered species and undermining conservation efforts.
- Biodiversity Loss: Expansion of land for livestock farming contributes to deforestation, habitat destruction, and endangerment of species, severely disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Habitat Fragmentation: Infrastructure built to support animal farming or material transport — such as roads, fences, and warehouses — can divide natural landscapes. This fragmentation isolates wildlife, disrupts migration routes, and leaves animals more exposed to predators and encounters with humans.
- Environmental Pollution: Animal-derived material production, particularly leather, involves toxic chemicals that contaminate waterways and harm wildlife.
- Transportation and Global Supply Chains: Long-distance shipping of animal-derived materials contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation, which in turn impacts habitats and ecosystems animals depend on.
Common Animal-Derived Materials in Fashion
- Wool: A fibre obtained from the fleece of sheep. Concerns arise from painful shearing practices and poor handling, which affect animal welfare.
- Cashmere: A soft fibre sourced from the undercoat of cashmere goats. Overgrazing by large goat populations can lead to land degradation, desertification, and biodiversity loss.
- Angora: A lightweight, fluffy fibre obtained from angora rabbits. Handling and shearing practices frequently result in animal distress and significant welfare concerns.
- Mohair: A silky fibre taken from angora goats. Its production can contribute to land damage through overgrazing and raises ethical questions around animal care.
- Alpaca: A soft, insulating fibre obtained from alpacas, primarily raised in South America. Though often marketed as sustainable, ethical concerns arise around overbreeding and harsh shearing practices in commercial production.
- Camel Hair: A soft fibre gathered from camels, typically through shedding or shearing. Its ethical status depends on humane collection and proper herd management.
- Horse Hair: A coarse fibre collected from the manes or tails of horses, often as a by-product. Ethical concerns arise when horses are not treated humanely or sourced responsibly.
- Silk: A natural fibre produced from the cocoons spun by silkworms. Traditional harvesting methods are ethically controversial due to harm caused during extraction.
- Feathers: Natural materials derived from ducks and geese for use in insulation and padding. Practices like live-plucking and inadequate living conditions pose serious welfare issues.
- Fish Skin: A leather alternative made using the skin of fish such as salmon or cod. While it may reduce waste, ethical sourcing and environmental management remain essential.
- Leather: A material made from the hides of animals such as cattle, pigs, and goats. Its production involves toxic chemicals, intensive water use, and contributes significantly to environmental pollution.
- Buffalo Horn: A hard material used in buttons and accessories, generally a meat industry by-product. Responsible sourcing and waste practices influence its sustainability and ethical impact.
- Bone: A hard material sourced from animals, commonly used in buttons, toggles, and accessories. While often a by-product of meat production, its ethical and environmental impact depends on responsible sourcing and waste management.
- Fur: A textile made from the skins of animals like foxes, minks, and rabbits. Fur farming and trapping often involve severe animal cruelty and raise major ethical concerns.
- Pearls and Shells: Decorative materials sourced from molluscs, including naturally formed pearls and the inner shell layer. Unsustainable harvesting practices can harm marine ecosystems and endanger mollusc populations.
- Coral: A natural material sourced from ocean coral formations, often used in jewellery and decorative accessories. Unsustainable harvesting practices can harm marine ecosystems and threaten biodiversity.
- Beeswax: A natural wax produced by honeybees and used in coatings and textiles. Harvesting can place stress on bee populations, which are vital to ecological balance and food security.
Although we are not entirely closed off to using animal-derived fabrics, any such use is approached with careful consideration. Attention to ethical sourcing and animal welfare remains central to our decision-making.
We actively explore alternatives that align with our commitment to sustainability and responsible fashion, including:
- Recycled Wool: A regenerated fibre sourced from reclaimed wool waste. This sustainable option preserves the insulating and breathable nature of wool while significantly lowering environmental impact.
- Cotton: A natural fibre harvested from the cotton plant. It provides a soft, breathable, and vegan-friendly substitute for animal-derived textiles like wool and cashmere.
- Hemp: A fabric made from the stalks of the fast-growing hemp plant. Its durability, breathability, and low environmental footprint make it a smart alternative to wool and other animal-sourced fibres.
- Bamboo: A textile produced from bamboo. It is soft, resilient, and sustainable, offering a comfortable alternative to animal-based fabrics like silk and wool.
- Polyester: A synthetic fibre derived from petroleum-based materials. Valued for its strength and versatility, it resists wear and tear while being adaptable to various textures—though eco-friendliness depends on how it's produced and recycled.
- Satin: A smooth, glossy weave created using fibres like polyester, nylon, or rayon. It captures the elegance of traditional silk through modern materials, offering a luxurious feel without relying on animal-derived processes.
- Faux Leather: A synthetic material crafted to resemble genuine leather. It offers a cruelty-free alternative by eliminating the need for animal hides while still delivering a sleek, durable finish.
- Faux Fur: A man-made textile designed to imitate animal fur. It delivers both warmth and glamour without the ethical concerns tied to traditional fur production.
- Feather Alternatives: High-performance synthetic materials designed to replicate the insulating properties of traditional feather fillings. These options deliver lightweight warmth without relying on animal-derived materials.
While many alternatives to animal-derived materials are synthetic, we believe in staying informed and making thoughtful choices about their environmental impact. That’s why we aim to include material information in each product listing — allowing customers to shop with clarity and confidence.
We would also like to state that we are not perfect. The solution to the fashion industry's greatest challenges is to simply not exist at the scale it does; however, we believe in setting an example by actively addressing and mitigating avoidable issues.
Female Leadership
VARELMZ is proudly female-founded and led — an identity that informs our values, our vision, and our commitment to progress. We believe in capable, purpose-driven leadership and in building an enterprise that challenges outdated conventions and opens doors for others.
Through a Historical Lens
Historically, the business world was not built to include women — legally, economically, or socially. For centuries, women were denied the right to own property, manage finances independently, or enter into commercial contracts without the permission or legal authority of a male figure. Even in the early 20th century, the idea of a woman founding or leading a business was not only rare but often viewed with suspicion or outright resistance.
In many countries, well into the 1970s and 1980s, women faced legal and institutional barriers to entrepreneurship. In the United Kingdom, it was common practice until the mid-1970s for banks to deny women access to financial services — such as opening a bank account or applying for credit — unless they had a male guarantor or co-signer, often a husband or father. The Sex Discrimination Act 1975 made such practices unlawful by prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sex or marital status in the provision of goods and services, including banking. Similarly, in the United States, women faced challenges to obtaining business loans and credit without a male co-signer until the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, which improved access to financing and business support services.
Around the world, these longstanding limitations have delayed women’s full economic participation for generations. Although significant progress has been made globally, many regions — such as the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa — still face legal and societal barriers that restrict women’s access to business opportunities and their overall economic engagement. These ongoing challenges not only restrict individual potential but also hold back broader economic growth and innovation.
Despite these constraints, women have persisted — building enterprises, often under-recognised, that sustained households, communities, and industries. The historical challenges women have faced in business make today’s progress all the more significant — and all the more deserving of continued effort.
The Global Landscape Today
The last few decades have seen an encouraging rise in female entrepreneurship worldwide, with the following approximates:
- 40% of businesses in the United States are owned by women.
- 20% of businesses in the United Kingdom are owned by women.
- 30% of businesses in the European Union are owned by women.
- 30% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) globally are owned by women.
- 10% of CEO positions in large enterprises (LEs) worldwide are held by women.
However, these statistics only tell part of the story. One of the most persistent challenges women entrepreneurs face is access to finance. Start-ups founded solely by women receive just a small fraction of global venture capital — typically around 2–3% — compared to the overwhelming majority allocated to male-founded or male-led ventures. As a result, many female founders rely on personal savings or support from family and friends to fund their businesses. Even when investment is secured, it is often significantly lower than the amounts raised by their male equivalents — reflecting not a lack of capability or ambition, but deep-rooted systemic biases within financial institutions and wider society.
Equality
We are firmly committed to the principles of equity and representation. When it comes to equal opportunity, our stance is clear: it is not merely something we support in principle — it is something we prioritise in practice.
Fulfilment Centre
We are currently based in the UK, where we carry out essential aspects of our creative and operational workflow. This includes overseeing design decisions, reviewing samples, fulfilling orders, packing and dispatching products, and managing day-to-day logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We operate with a focus on efficiency, precision, and customer satisfaction. Our strategic location in the UK provides significant advantages in managing our logistics and distribution processes, enabling us to serve our diverse customer base effectively.
This has allowed us to enhance our market reach, including access to key regions...
1. European Access
Our UK location enables us to serve European markets with speed, efficiency, and reliability. Its proximity to key destinations allows us to facilitate prompt deliveries, streamline shipping operations, and maintain a high standard of service for our European clientele.
2. Global Access
In addition to our European reach, we offer comprehensive international shipping solutions to customers across North and South America, Oceania, Africa, and Asia. Our global fulfilment strategy is designed to facilitate timely and secure deliveries worldwide. Transit durations vary depending on location, and while we strive to maintain a smooth and dependable service, we appreciate our customers’ patience as we navigate international logistics.