It's no longer acceptable to consume to the extent we are as a species without making every possible effort to minimise our impact on the environment.
So, we made a commitment to ourselves and our customers towards sourcing, printing and packaging our products in the most ethical and sustainable way possible. It's just the right thing to do and we are continuously seeking ways to improve.
Here are some of the things we're doing right now...
GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Not all cotton is created equally.
We only work with suppliers who source, process and manufacture organic cotton to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) which, in the case of VÉLOKIND's suppliers, are independently certified by the Soil Association.
GOTS is the world's leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres which defines high-level environmental criteria along the entire organic textiles supply chain and requires compliance with social criteria as well.
Ethically Manufactured GarmeNts
All VELOKIND garments are manufactured under the Fair Wear Foundation programme which ensures a safe and healthy working environment for employees. Fair Wear was founded in 1999 with the ambitious mission to improve labour conditions in the garment industry.
Water-based Inks
When it comes to screen printing garments, there is a fundamental choice between using plastic-based inks (plastisol) or water-based inks.
Most commercial screen printers use plastisol inks, which are easy to use and produce a 'bright' print. However, the majority of plastisol inks contain PVC and phthalates that are harmful to the environment.
Our water based inks do not and require fewer chemicals to clean the screens after they’ve been used.
Our inks are 100% solvent free, yet still deliver a superb quality, superior 'soft hand' feel, excellent breathability and durability.
Gentle on your SKIN
All VÉLOKIND organic cottons and inks are tested and certified under OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is an independent testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate and end products at all stages of production. It tests for harmful substances and focuses on the actual use of the textile.
The more intensive the skin contact of a product, the stricter the human ecological requirements to be met.
All VÉLOKIND organic cottons and inks meets Class I criteria for textile items for babies and toddlers up to 3 years, the highest of the four classes of certification.
RESPONSIBLE GARMENT DECORATION & PACKAGING
We think hard about every single element to ensure that it is sourced responsibly and functions optimally without being excessive.
Here are some of the things were are doing:
Woven labels - 100% recycled polyester
Woven label thread - 100% organic cotton (GOTS)
Hang tags - 100% recycled card
Hang tag thread - 100% organic cotton (GOTS)
Tissue paper - 99% recycled paper
Boxes - 80% recycled, 20% FSC certified virgin card
Self-adhesive tape - kraft paper
All paper, labels & envelopes - 100% recycled paper
Bookmark decoration - used inner tube, various brands ;)
We're proud to say our packaging is plastic free and fully recyclable.