8beaufort.Hamburg

8beaufort.Hamburg aims to ensure fair working conditions and strives to positively impact the lives of workers and communities involved by working with certified production facilities in Portugal, Spain and Dhaka, Bangladesh. However, more detailed information about their labour policies, such as wages, working hours, and worker empowerment programs, would further validate their claims and assure consumers of their ethical practices. For example, although the Bangladesh facility is SMETA, BSCI, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, only ISO certifications detail the audit year, which dates back to 2015. Their other production partners, based in Portugal and Spain, adhere to the EU’s strict laws ensuring fair wages.

Their environmental stewardship is commendable. 8beaufort.Hamburg actively reduces its carbon footprint by sourcing locally, focusing on discarded, waxed cotton sails wherever possible, and offsetting transportation methods. Their use of natural materials and commitment to minimising waste aligns with their deep respect for the planet.

Materials

• Merino Wool: Using recycled, non-mulesing Merino wool from Spain with the EU’s required REACH certifications is a strong point. These certifications indicate a commitment to animal welfare and the reduction of harmful chemicals, respectively.

• Canvas: Their use of GOTS-certified organic cotton from STORTZ in Switzerland and GRS and GOTS standard canvas from Spain shows a dedication to high ecological standards. GOTS certification ensures organic status and considers environmental and social criteria during production.

• Leather: The brand’s use of LWG Gold certified, chrome-free and metal-free leather from Portugal aligns with more sustainable tanning practices, reducing harmful chemical use. However, the overall sustainability of using leather, even certified, is a complex issue, considering the high environmental footprint of animal agriculture and leather production.

• Natural Rubber: Natural rubber is a natural alternative to synthetic rubber, which releases microplastics. The brand’s natural rubber is FSC-certified and sourced from Portugal.

• Other Components: Focusing on recyclable metal closures, waxed cotton or recycled polyester shoelaces, upcycled sailcloth for labels, and recycled paper for hangtags demonstrates a comprehensive approach to sustainable material use. Yet, the overall environmental benefit also depends on the lifecycle analysis of each product.

Their manufacturing processes, including non-toxic treatments for shoes and bags, align with sustainable practices. But, details about energy usage, water conservation, and waste management in their production facilities would provide a clearer picture of their environmental footprint.

Transportation: The final products from the Portuguese facilities are shipped certified climate-neutral to Hamburg via road. CO2 emissions are offset through certified climate protection projects. DHL GoGreen is the logistics partner for online deliveries. These practices demonstrate an awareness of the carbon footprint associated with logistics. Reusing DHL return cartons and the option for REPACK packaging further highlight 8beaufort.Hamburg’s commitment to reducing waste in shipping. Offering local pickup and delivery via e‑bikes in Hamburg is an excellent example of reducing emissions at the local level.

8beaufort.Hamburg’s approach to circularity is notably innovative and forward-thinking, yet some aspects could be refined for greater impact. Their commitment to circularity is evident in several practices:

• Sneaker Construction: The fact that 8beaufort.Hamburg sneakers are sewn rather than glued is a significant aspect of their design for circularity. This method facilitates the recycling of materials and potentially extends the product’s lifespan due to easier reparability.

• Upcycling Sails: Their unique practice of upcycling used sails into sneakers demonstrates a creative approach to waste reduction. This gives a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded and reduces the need for new raw materials.

• Natural Materials: Their focus on combining upcycled sails with natural materials aims to minimise harmful substances often found in composites and laminates. This approach is commendable for its intent to reduce environmental impact.

Repair Services: Offering repair services, both onsite and soon online with REPAIR REBELS, is a significant step towards promoting product longevity. This service encourages consumers to repair and keep their products longer, rather than disposing of them, which is a key principle of circular fashion.

Product Lifespan: By designing more durable and repairable products, the brand encourages a shift away from the disposable nature of fast fashion. The brand enhances the effectiveness of these services by offering detailed care and repair information.

Pre-Production in Hamburg: The initial stages of their product development, including the design and material selection of discarded sails, occur in Hamburg. This localisation helps reduce transportation emissions and supports the local economy. 

Assembly in Portugal: The brand’s decision to assemble products in Portugal, overseen by a quality manager, suggests a commitment to quality and potentially fair labour practices. Nonetheless, these Portuguese facilities’ environmental and social impacts need to be transparently communicated. Information about these sites’ working conditions, wages, and environmental management practices would clarify the brand’s overall sustainability.

Material Sourcing and Certifications

• Merino Wool: Certified Recycled, mulesing-free Merino adhering to obligatory REACH certifications from Spain.

• Canvas: GOTS-certified organic cotton from STORTZ in Switzerland and GRS and GOTS-certified canvas from Spain.

• Leather: Chrome-free and metal-free LWG gold-certified cow’s leather. Whether the hides are of European origin remains undisclosed.

• Natural Rubber: FSC-certified natural rubber from Portugal.

• Other components: The origin of brass zippers, buckles and shoelaces remains unclear.

Shifting Production Locations

• From Dhaka to Europe: The move from producing bags in a certified facility in Dhaka to Europe in 2024 indicates a shift towards more localised production that adheres to stringent EU laws. This will reduce transport-related emissions and may align with stricter environmental regulations in Europe.

While certifications and oversight by a quality manager are positive steps, deeper transparency regarding the working conditions and environmental practices at each stage of the supply chain would provide valuable information to customers.

The use of certified, cruelty-free Merino wool and LWG Gold-certified cow’s leather is a positive aspect. Yet, even if certified, the broader ethical implications of using animal-derived materials can be a point of contention among environmentally conscious consumers. At the same time, most plant-based alternatives currently contain synthetic components that are not biodegradable and pose a potential ecological threat by releasing microplastics. Discover more about the critical aspects of vegan leather. Although the brand disclosed specifics to COSH!, the brand does not disclose relevant information to its customers about certification specifications or the origin of its wool.

8beaufort.Hamburg’s focus on durable, timeless designs aligns with slow fashion principles. Furthermore, the brand abstains from sales, seasonal collections or overproduction. Through their approaching collaboration with the repair partner REPAIR REBELS, the products’ life cycles are extended even further.

8beaufort.Hamburg is committed to transparency, especially in sourcing and production. Still, there is always room for more detailed disclosures. For instance, providing in-depth information about their individual suppliers, worker empowerment, production processes and materials through their website and product pages would enhance the credibility of their claims. Currently, story-telling remains the focal form of brand communication and transparency.