Christina Lundsteen

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Poland

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

With a background in the Danish fashion industry, Christina has an eye for details and a love for craftsmanship and traditional techniques. Every cushion is handmade in Europe, meaning production takes place under European labour law and supports local manufacturing.

Sourcing materials within Europe can support quality and keep the supply chain closer to the brand. On its own, though, it does not prove specific outcomes such as fair wages or safe working conditions. The brand does not provide information about the manufacturers involved in her supply chain on her website. The working conditions of the supply chain can not therefore be accurately determined.

MATERIALS 

• Cotton velvet
• Linen
• Down
• Nappa leather 

Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which cut threads are evenly distributed, giving it a distinctive soft feel. When this fabric is made entirely from cotton fibres, it’s called cotton velvet. Cotton velvet is known for its sturdiness and high-quality, making it suitable for items like upholstery that see a lot of wear. 

However, it’s worth noting that conventional cotton production can have environmental consequences. At COSH!, we’ve delved into these implications to better understand the impact: Read more about it here.

Linen is a natural fibre derived from the flax plant. Compared with cotton, the flax plant typically needs less water and fewer pesticides to grow, and the whole plant can be used in production, which reduces leftover material.

Christina Lundsteen also uses some animal-derived materials. Nappa leather is known for its soft texture and smooth finish. The leather undergoes a tanning process using agents like chromium or aluminium sulphate, which enhances its durability and longevity. Down comes from the soft under-feathers of birds like ducks or geese. Christina Lundsteen states that it is treated to enhance its longevity, reduce odours, and the need for frequent washing. 

PACKAGING 

Christina Lundsteen does not disclose what packaging materials are used. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Although nappa leather is known for its high quality, its environmental footprint is detrimental. The tanning process requires significant volumes of water and involves chemicals that can be harmful. Additionally, the livestock’s carbon footprint also has environmental implications. You can read more about leather here. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Christina Lundsteen’s cushion covers are made largely from cotton velvet, a single-fibre fabric. Monomaterials are generally easier to recycle than blends, where suitable recycling infrastructure is available. Given the construction of the cushions, the cover and the filling can be taken apart, which makes it easier to sort and separate the materials at the end of their life.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Christina Lundsteen does not yet offer any circular business models such as a repair service or return scheme. This would help to ensure that the products are kept in use for as long as possible, keeping them away from landfills.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations: 

• Poland

Fabric is sourced in Europe and every cushion is made in Europe too, which keeps the supply chain relatively short and supports local businesses. A shorter shipping distance can reduce transport-related emissions, although transport is only one part of a product’s overall environmental footprint.

TRANSPORTATION 

Christina Lundsteen does not disclose what transportation methods are used in the supply chain or for e‑commerce, making it difficult to determine the associated emissions. 

• Down
• Leather 

Christina Lundsteen states that the cushions are filled with an antibacterial down filling that she describes as ​‘animal-friendly’, and says that no animals were harmed in its production. However, it is important to note that the term ​‘animal-friendly’ can have nuances within the industry, and full transparency is crucial to validate such claims. Christina Lundsteen does not provide any information about the suppliers of the down on her website.

The collection also uses leather. The leather industry often faces criticism for its treatment of animals and the environmental impact of its processes. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

The Martindale test is a measure of fabric durability. It determines how quickly a fabric will wear out, which is particularly crucial for upholstery fabrics. Given the Martindale values provided by Christina Lundsteen on the website, the linen is of very high durability and should withstand extensive wear and tear. Christina Lundsteen also finishes every cushion by hand to ensure that each and every one is perfect. 

Both sides of the cushions can be used as the front side, which makes them easy to use even when you’re switching up your interior! 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

It is not clear how many collections Christina Lundsteen releases per year, however today the brand offers over 1,000 decorative cushions in over 500 different styles and colours. This suggests that the brand’s business model may not align with slow fashion principles. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

The product pages state where the final product was made, ensuring that you’ll always be sure where your specific product was produced. Further transparency on where the materials were sourced from, and information about the manufacturing facilities, would help to strengthen consumer trust further. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

Transparency within a brand is essential for building trust with consumers. While Christina Lundsteen may be a small independent designer, her lack of disclosed stakeholders and the absence of certificates raises questions about her claims. 

At COSH!, we understand that smaller brands might face challenges in obtaining certifications due to costs and processes. However, providing more insight into her practices would undoubtedly strengthen her brand’s credibility and consumer confidence.