Arpe

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Barcelona 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

At Arpe, they want their products to be connected to the place, the origin, and the people behind them. That’s why every Arpe product is made in-house, at their own factory in Arenys de Munt, Barcelona. Here the team can supervise every detail and ensure high quality products. 

Arpe states that each product is created with great care and love by their team of professional craftswomen. While one cuts the fabric, another prints the design, and the next sews the edges. A combination of handwork and teamwork that makes each product unique and imperfect, like no other. 

Arpe’s website states that they are a certified B‑Corp, ensuring that they meet high standards of social and environmental impact, transparency, and responsibility. 

MATERIALS

• Recycled polyester
• Polyester
• Polyamide 

Arpe’s microfiber towels are made with post-consumer recycled polyester, conventional polyester and sometimes polyamide. Their recycled polyester is certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), which ensures that the raw materials have been tracked and verified. 

Arpe states that they prefer to use synthetic and recycled materials. As humans, we are constantly producing and using new resources, which creates enormous amounts of waste. Waste that is either incinerated or remains on Earth, polluting a lot in both cases. Arpe states that they decided not be a part of this, and instead give a second life to existing waste. 

But how? Plastic bottles are melted down to create a super-soft microfiber yarn, which is then woven into large pieces of fabric. Arpe states that this material dries 5 times faster than a traditional towel. 

Arpe states that they have the ISO 9001 that certifies their quality management, and the ISO 14001 that recognises standards for environmental management systems. 

PACKAGING 

Arpe does not disclose what packaging materials they use in their supply chain or for e‑commerce. For wholesale orders, customers can choose from recycled paper bands, recycled cardboard folders, 70% recycled poly-bags, or reusable PVC sleeves. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Arpe states that they digitally print with OEKO-TEX certified inks, which are free of substances that are harmful to people and the environment. 

Arpe has calculated that compared to a traditional cotton towel, their products save 55% water, 58% energy, and 40% soap. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Arpe states that they will prioritise recycled and recyclable materials, eco-design their products with a life cycle vision, create durable products, and seek circularity in their processes. 

It is not yet clear whether they have achieved this. Arpe states that their towels are monomaterials, and can be chemically recycled, and the towels currently available on their website are 100% polyester. However, Arpe also offers tailor-made, customisable towels for wholesale. These products are sometimes material blends of polyester with 10% polyamide. Material blends are harder to recycle, and more likely to generate waste at the end of their lifespan. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Arpe has not disclosed any circular business models on their website. They encourage consumers to give their towels a second life through upcycling them into cleaning cloths or pet mats. Or, Arpe suggests that their towels could be donated to an NGO, sport centre, or animal shelter. If they are very worn, Arpe states that they can be taken to a textile container or a green point so that they can be recycled. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

Production locations: 

• Barcelona 

Arpe produces in-house in Barcelona, greatly reducing the complexity of their supply chain. Whilst some of their fabric suppliers are local factories in Barcelona, others are from Asia. 

Arpe offers worldwide shipping. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Arpe states that they avoid transporting by air freight to reduce their transportation related emissions. 

Arpe does not use any animal-derived materials. 

PRODUCT DESIGN

Arpe aims to create long-lasting, more sustainable towels. In fact, every towel is tested to last up to 9 years! Alongside their basic collection, which features minimalistic, monochrome towels, they also have some bolder designs and brighter colours. No matter your preferences, Arpe will have the towel for you! 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Arpe states that they produce in small quantities of around 20 units per design, helping to reduce the likelihood of waste from overproduction. As the brand does not produce made to order products, there is a sales section on their website. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

As every Arpe product is made in-house, it’s easy to know where your exact purchase was produced. Arpe also provides detailed product pages, which state the materials used, and care instructions to help you get the most from your purchase. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Arpe aims for in-house production, in their factory in Arenys de Munt. Here, they ideate, design, prototype, weave, laminate, cut, print, sew, manufacture, and package. They state that what they cannot do, they look for in local manufacturers who share the same values as them. 

On their website, you can find more information about their manufacturing processes, materials, values, and their environmental certificates. 

Arpe has also shared their suppliers with COSH!, and provided us with their certificates.