OUR MATERIAL
We select our suppliers according to the following criteria: product quality, regionality, social and ecological production standards. In addition, we use as many natural fibres and as few synthetic fibres as possible. Unfortunately, not all criteria can always be met due to financial possibilities and structural circumstances. In order to promote companies with similar visions and challenges, we prefer to work with manufactories that share our values and try to make the textile industry more social and ecological on a small scale.
JERSEY
Each of our bomber jackets is lined on the inside with jersey, which feels especially supple against the skin. The jersey is made of 100% certified CMIA (Cotton Made in Africa) cotton and comes from local African production. The entire value chain from the cotton seed to the finished knitted fabric takes place in Africa, which helps to promote the African textile industry. The final step of processing into jersey fabric takes place in the 100% climate-neutral factory in Cape Town, from where it is shipped to Malawi. The local production as well as the shorter trade routes contribute positively to the climate footprint of the jersey.
HEMP IN DENIM STYLE
As a sustainable alternative to conventional denim, we use a hemp-organic-cotton blend in a jeans look. This high-quality fabric comes from our supplier Hempfortex, where high quality is combined with sustainability. Similar to our classic hemp fabric, this fabric is also made from a natural fibre blend of organically grown cotton and environmentally friendly hemp.
HEMP-ORGANIC COTTON BLEND
The classic black side of our reversible jackets and our fanny packs are made from a hemp-organic cotton blend. The current market share of textiles made from hemp is 0.1%. We are therefore in a niche market. Industrial hemp requires less water to grow than conventional cotton. Moreover, no pesticides need to be used, as its strong inherent odour alone repels pests. Of all natural fibres, hemp has the greatest durability and resistance to moisture. Combined with organic cotton, this fabric is therefore not only particularly hard-wearing but also sustainable.
CHITENGE
Chitenge, also called African wax print, are traditionally woven from cotton and printed with a batik process. Nowadays, this process is hardly used anymore and has been replaced by roller screen printing. What originally started in Indonesia has been an integral part of the everyday culture of West, Central and East Africa since around the 19th century. Initially produced in Europe, later mainly in Nigeria, Ghana and the Ivory Coast, today the fabrics mostly come from China. This is also the case with our Chitenge fabrics, which are bought locally on the market but imported from China. In the long term, we want to cooperate with local production facilities or even open one ourselves to strengthen the local textile industry.
SHWESHWE
This is custom heading element
ORGANIC-DIGITAL PRINT
Our certified organic Chitenge fabrics are purchased directly from our supplier Amsens in China. Since the fabrics from the local market come from China anyway, we decided to work directly with a GOTS certified producer for transparency reasons until we find a suitable production facility in South East Africa in the long run. The organic Chitenge is made of 100% organic cotton and is digitally printed in an environmentally friendly way.
ZIPPERS
We source our high-quality zips and buckles from YKK South Africa. These are manufactured in Swaziland and are Oeko-Tex certified.
CUFFS
Our cuffs for the jackets are machine knitted in South Africa by our partner Fleeceytex. At the moment, our elastic cuffs are made of 100% acrylic. In the long term, we are looking for a sustainable natural alternative.
LABEL
Our labels are printed in South Africa by the company Labels SA on poly-cotton (50% cotton 50% polyester) fabric. Unfortunately a 100% cotton fabric is not possible at the moment, we are working on that as well. Step by step we are approaching our vision of a 100% fair and sustainable value chain.