Owl

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Spain (Barcelona, Mataró, La Cellera)
• Bangladesh (for sweatshirts, T‑shirts and trousers, which are then finished in Barcelona)

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

Stricter labour laws in Spain ensure that workers’ rights and safety standards are upheld. The country has an experienced textile industry, particularly in the production of sweatshirts, T‑shirts, and trousers.

In Bangladesh, working conditions can be problematic, as the country is known for precarious employment and low wages. There is also a risk of an opaque supply chain, especially if the brand does not conduct regular inspections. It is unclear whether Owl has direct control mechanisms in place to ensure fair working conditions in Bangladesh.

The brand holds the following certifications:

• GOTS and OCCGUARANTEE for organically grown and undyed cotton.
• Re-EcoTextiles Cotexmo Organic and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX for organic cotton with elastane.
• Re-EcoTextiles Cotexmo Recycled and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX for recycled materials.
• SEAQUAL fibre made from recycled ocean plastic.
• PETA Approved Vegan for its T‑shirts, sweatshirts, and jogging trousers.

Owl operates its own workshop in Barcelona, housed in a former bakery from the early 20^th century. The brand collaborates with the Emili Papirer workshop and sewing school of the Roure Foundation, as well as the Diomcoop cooperative, which supports people without financial means in gaining professional integration. Through these partnerships with social workshops, Owl actively contributes to the inclusion of disadvantaged individuals in the labour market. Many of its garments are produced in small workshops or in its own Barcelona-based facility.

MATERIALS

• GOTS® and OCCGUARANTEE® certified organic cotton 
• Organic cotton (certified by Re-EcoTextiles Cotexmo Organic® and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®)
• Cotton fibres 
• Recycled fibres
• SEAQUAL® fibre (made from recycled PET bottles from the sea)
• Recycled polyester (certified by Re-EcoTextiles Cotexmo Recycled and Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®)
• Elastane
• Sampled nylon paragliders (for jackets and outdoor clothing)

Since its beginnings with underwear, Owl has been committed to biodegradable, natural materials. Are you interested in organic cotton? Then read our exciting report on the fibre and learn about its benefits. 

If you want to learn more about one of the invisible environmental impacts of the fashion industry, read more about polyester here.

PACKAGING

There is no information on which packaging materials are used in the supply chain or in e‑commerce.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

Owl deliberately chooses more environmentally friendly materials, reducing water consumption, chemical use, and synthetic dyes. By using undyed organic cotton, which retains its natural colour from the plant, the brand eliminates the need for dyeing and bleaching. This not only saves water but also minimises the use of potentially harmful chemicals.

The cotton fabrics used by Owl are GOTS and OCCGUARANTEE certified, ensuring strict environmental and social standards throughout the supply chain.

Another material incorporated by the brand is SEAQUAL fibre, made from recycled plastic bottles collected from the ocean. While this helps reduce plastic waste in marine environments, the potential release of microplastics during washing remains a concern.

For linings, Owl uses a blend of 50 percent cotton and 50 percent recycled polyester. However, there is no information on whether the brand has implemented measures to reduce microplastic emissions.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Owl places a strong focus on upcycling and recycled materials, using both mono-materials and material blends. The undyed organic cotton is a mono-material, making it easier to recycle. At the same time, the brand incorporates recycled polyester fibres and blended fabrics, such as linings made from 50 percent cotton and 50 percent recycled polyester, which can complicate recycling processes.

A notable example of the brand’s upcycling approach is the use of decommissioned nylon paragliders for jackets and outdoor clothing. This repurposes materials that would otherwise become waste, transforming them into high-quality products. However, nylon is a synthetic material that is more difficult to recycle than natural fibres.

There is no specific information on whether Owl designs its products for easy disassembly or repair. However, the brand is currently exploring ways to transform production waste from upcycled nylon into textile padding to extend the lifespan of materials.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS

Owl follows a zero-waste strategy by repurposing production offcuts or exploring new ways to use them.

The brand’s on-demand approach helps reduce overproduction, thereby minimising textile waste.

There is no information on whether Owl offers its own repair service or collaborates with external workshops.

The brand does not mention an official take-back programme for worn clothing, so it remains unclear whether customers can return used Owl products for recycling or second-hand resale.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF SUPPLY CHAIN

• Spain (Barcelona, Mataró, La Cellera) 
• Bangladesh 
• Owl is located in Barcelona, Spain.

Owl produces and processes some of its garments locally in Barcelona.

Several of its suppliers and garment workshops are located less than 100 kilometres away, from its own workshop in Poblenou (Barcelona) to locations such as Mataró (Maresme) and La Cellera (La Selva). This proximity helps to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transport and material sourcing.

However, some garments, including sweatshirts, T‑shirts, and trousers, are produced by a supplier in Bangladesh before being customised locally in Barcelona.

TRANSPORT 

• The brand does not provide any details on which means of transport it uses for the goods.
• Owl does not specify which shipping methods are used in e‑commerce. 

Owl is a vegan brand. The T‑shirts, sweatshirts and jogging bottoms bear the PETA Approved Vegan seal, which guarantees that the products do not contain any animal ingredients.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Owl offers an urban fashion collection with a gender-neutral design. The collection includes underwear, T‑shirts, sweatshirts, jogging bottoms, jackets and outdoor clothing.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Owl follows a slow fashion approach and does not produce seasonal collections.

The brand focuses on a continuous collection to which new designs are deliberately added.

Their sales with the ​‘On Demand’ service help to produce only what is sold, minimise waste and reduce the carbon footprint.

The brand is also exploring ways to reuse production offcuts (e.g. as textile upholstery for fashion & interiors).

TRANSPARENCY OF PRODUCT

The material, its properties, the size chart, the place of manufacture and relevant certificates are communicated on the product pages.

TRANSPARENCY OF PROCESSES

Owl provides detailed material specifications and design information on its product pages, highlighting sustainability aspects and offering customised orders upon request. However, full traceability of individual products is not available.

COSH! had the opportunity to speak with the brand’s founder and can confirm that Owl operates transparently. He shared detailed information about production locations, named suppliers, and even disclosed certifications.