Christian Wijnants

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Bulgaria 
• India
• Lithuania 
• Portugal 
• China 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

Christian Wijnants does not disclose any information about the working conditions in their supply chain. Although we can assume that clothing production in most European countries is conducted ethically, this is not always the case. Additionally, much of Christian Wijnants production takes place outside Europe, where working conditions may be lower. Without any information or certifications, the ethics behind the production of Christian Wijnants clothing cannot be accurately determined. 

MATERIALS 

• Cotton
• Organic cotton
• Silk
• Nylon
• Spandex
• Rayon
• Viscose
• Acetate
• Wool
• Cashmere
• Linen
• Recycled polyester

The majority of materials used by Christian Wijnants are natural, whether they are animal-derived materials such as wool and silk, or plant-based such as cotton. Christian Wijnants also uses rayon, acetate, and viscose, man-made, plant-based materials typically made from wood pulp. However, Christian Wijnants provides no certifications for the materials used. This makes it difficult to determine if they have been sustainably sourced. 

Additionally, synthetic materials are sometimes used by Christian Wijnants. Most commonly, nylon is used for some items, and this is a man-made, plastic-based, material. For some of Christian Wijnants’ wool-based items, mercerised wool is used. The treatment of mercerised wool involves chemicals, and a fine layer of silicone polymer.

PACKAGING 

Christian Wijnants does not disclose what packaging materials are used in their supply chain or for e‑commerce. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Christian Wijnants does not disclose any methods to reduce water or chemical usage in their supply chain. Although they sometimes use organic cotton, which requires less water to grow than conventional cotton, and no chemicals or pesticides, the brand does not provide any certifications. Additionally, some of their items contain synthetic materials, which will release microplastics when washed. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Several items currently available on Christian Wijnants’ website are monomaterials, which increases the likelihood that they can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Unfortunately this is not the case for all their products. Some items are material blends of natural materials such as silk with synthetic fibres. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Christian Wijnants does not disclose any circular business models on their website, such as a return or repair scheme. Unfortunately this means that if their products become damaged during their use phase, they are more likely to become waste. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations: 

• Bulgaria 
• India
• Lithuania 
• Portugal 
• China 

Christian Wijnants’ headquarters are located in Antwerp, Belgium, and they offer worldwide shipping. This complex and lengthy supply chain means that the associated transportation emissions are likely to be very high. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Christian Wijnants does not disclose what transportation methods they use in their supply chain or for e‑commerce. 

• Silk 
• Wool
• Cashmere

None of the materials used by Christian Wijnants are certified in relation to animal welfare, or said to be sourced ethically. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

The products are often designed to be timeless and innovative, eluding temporary trends. This helps to ensure that they will continue to be used over time. Be sure to take good care of your garments and cherish them forever. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

As Christian Wijnants does not produce made to order clothing, there is a sales section on their website. Additionally, Christian Wijnants releases multiple collections each year, suggesting that their business model is not in-line with slow fashion principles. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

The product pages state what material each item is made from, and the production countries are stated. This means that although Christian Wijnants does not provide any further information on their production, you will always know where your specific purchase was made. However, material certifications are not provided, so whether the materials were sustainably sourced is unclear. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

The transparency of Christian Wijnants is very lacking. The brand does not share any information about their processes, and does not publish an annual report on the social or environmental aspects of their brand. This makes it difficult to determine their true sustainability efforts.