The greener hotspots in Rotterdam: shop local, social and more sustainably

Rotterdam is full of entrepreneurs showing that shopping can be done differently — more conscious, more ethical, local and with a focus on people and the environment. Whether you’re looking for a more sustainable department store with socially more responsible and environmentally friendlier products, a stylish clothing brand with local production, or locally made jewelry: this city will surprise you with its creativity. In this article, we’ll take you to the best places where circularity and social entrepreneurship are top priority. Get inspired by Rotterdam entrepreneurs who are making a difference and discover the joy of making a real impact with your purchases.

Stores and brands with more ethical production in local ateliers in and around Rotterdam

A • Brandsma

Clothing with timeless elegance, made with love in Rotterdam

In a atelier in the heart of Rotterdam, designer Amber Brandsma designs and makes her sophisticated women’s label A • Brandsma. From sketches to stitching, everything is made local and with care for people and the environment. Each garment exudes quality, craftsmanship, and is subtly inspired by vintage design.

With her timeless designs, Amber aims to offer more than just fashion: clothing that is not only beautiful to wear but also feels good to buy. Think: more sustainable and natural materials like linen, tencel, lyocell, viscose and cotton, as well as a refined style that transcends the seasons. A • Brandsma is for women who more consciously choose clothing with a story and a wardrobe that will last for years.

Furthermore, A • Brandsma works with a made-to-order system to prevent overproduction. This means that after ordering, the garment is made especially for you within 2 to 3 weeks. Want to try on a garment? Make an appointment and visit the A • Brandsma atelier in the center of Rotterdam, near Central Station.

Studio IRIS

Innovative and locally made jewelry with meaning

Looking for a unique piece of jewelry with a more sustainable vision? Then take a look at the Rotterdam jewelry brand Studio IRIS. Founder Iris, who learned the art of goldsmithing from her grandfather at a young age, combines her background as an architect with her passion for jewelry. Her designs are innovative, as she uses 3D modeling and parametric design to create unique shapes and designs that are difficult to create by hand. This approach is also more sustainable, as it minimizes waste during the manufacturing process.

Studio IRIS specializes in creating contemporary and personal jewelry with a story, made to last a lifetime. Interested in a custom-made piece from Studio IRIS? Schedule an appointment and visit her atelier in the creative Rotterdam workshop ZOHO.

Oxious

Stylish hammam towels with a more ethical story

At Oxious, it’s not just about beautiful, high-quality hamam towels and accessories, but also about how they’re made. Each item in the collection is the result of a more conscious commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and making a social impact. The soft plaids are partly produced locally in their own atelier in Rotterdam and partly in Turkey through the unique Women Project: an initiative that offers Turkish women a better and more independent future with providing them employment and their own income.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing moment for yourself or a meaningful gift: with Oxious, you’re choosing high-quality products that are good for both people and the planet.

MADE out of

Where local design and social impact meet

At Rotterdam-based MADE Out Of, sustainability takes shape – literally. In their own production atelier just outside Rotterdam, local artisans create unique lifestyle products that are not only beautiful but also meaningful. From recycled materials to social craftsmanship: every choice contributes to a fairer and more sustainable product.

Whether it’s custom work for companies or their own private label, available at various retailers, MADE Out Of shows how local talent and circular thinking can make a positive impact – on the world and on your interior.

Stores and brands with more ethical production in ateliers in or outside Europa

OSKA

Timeless fashion with a focus on people and nature

Step inside OSKA on the Nieuwe Binnenweg in Rotterdam and discover a collection that effortlessly combines comfort, style, and sustainability. In the bright, stylish store, you’ll find refined women’s clothing made from natural materials like GOTS-certified cotton, linen, wool, hemp, and lyocell. Each garment is designed with an eye for detail and goes beyond trends and seasons, so you can enjoy your clothes for many years to come.

Production mainly takes place in Europe, on top of a fair-trade partnership in China that already exists for over 25 years. Visit the OSKA store in Rotterdam and discover the collection of more ethically sourced, high-quality fashion.

Xzota

Handmade jewellery from Bali with a heart for the world

At the jewellery store Xzota in Rotterdam, you’ll find jewellery that not only sparkles around your neck, wrist or finger — but also has a more conscious story to tell. Designer Tessy creates unique, handmade jewellery from high-quality, partially recycled materials, with a strong focus on ethics and craftsmanship.

Together with her mother and local goldsmiths in Bali, she crafts refined rings, bracelets, and necklaces that seamlessly combine style and sustainability. Xzota is for anyone seeking meaningful jewelry — made with love and respect for people and the planet. Visit the Xzota store on the vibrant shopping street the Nieuwe Binnenweg in Rotterdam.

Wereldwinkel Rotterdam Centrum

Fairtrade gifts with a story

For an original gift that truly makes a difference, Wereldwinkel Rotterdam Centrum is the place to be. In this fair-trade shop, located in the sustainable department store De Groene Passage, you’ll find unique and more ethically made products from makers all over the world.

From handmade home accessories to more ethical chocolate and jewellery: every product is carefully produced with respect for people, the environment and tradition. A gift from Wereldwinkel Rotterdam Centrum is not only a beautiful gift to give, but also a wonderful gift to receive because of the story behind it.

De Groene Passage

The more sustainable department store in Rotterdam

In the heart of Rotterdam, you’ll find De Groene Passage: the ultimate department store for anyone who wants to live, eat, and shop more consciously. Here you’ll discover seven unique shops and initiatives, all committed to a human‑, animal- and environmentally friendlier approach.

Browse through more sustainable interior design at Van Binnen, choose a fair-trade gift at the Wereldwinkel, shop at the eco-friendlier supermarket Gimsel or enjoy an organic meal at Spirit restaurant. De Groene Passage is more than just a store — it’s a place where ideals and inspiration converge.

KOALA HUG

For those who love a soft, clean and more sustainable sleep

At KOALA HUG, a good night’s sleep starts with comfortable, soft, and more ethically sourced bedding. That’s why they make their bedding from the highest quality 100% TENCEL™ Lyocell, an innovative fiber derived from more sustainable eucalyptus wood, which also gives the brand its name.

The products in the collection are silky-soft, hypoallergenic, antibacterial and environmentally friendlier thanks to the materials used. Choose from duvet covers, fitted sheets, pillowcases, comforters and even bath textiles like towels and washcloths made from Tencel. Perfect for those who want to enjoy more conscious comfort, both in bed and in the bathroom.

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