Craft

Craft Sportswear has taken steps toward ethical practices, highlighted by certifications with the Business Social Compliance Initiative Code of Conduct (BSCI) and the Fair Labour Association (FLA), especially in final production phases. Yet, challenges persist, such as insufficient proof of ensuring living wages for workers. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Craft’s lack of transparency regarding worker protection policies highlights room for improvement in its commitment to ethical standards and worker safety.

Craft has incorporated lower-impact materials in their collections, including recycled materials. However, there’s no substantial evidence of efforts to minimize textile waste, reduce water use, or protect biodiversity within its supply chain.

About 50% of their running, training, cycling and skiing apparel contain reused and repurposed fibres and materials, such as recycled polyester.

Craft uses solution dye a colouring method where the dye is fused with the synthetic fibre rather than added to the finished fabric. Solution dye requires 75% less water in the production process and reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions by 30%. By adding the colour granules to the liquid polymer solution, there is no need for additional dyeing, rinsing and drying. The result is a colour-fast, UV-resistant fabric that won’t stain or bleed.

Craft Sportswear’s ​“Craft Circle” is their way of making sportswear more sustainable, aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. They’ve set ambitious goals to cut carbon emissions by half by 2030 and make 20% of their products available through circular programs, such as renting or reusing apparel.

Craft collaborates with various organizations to achieve these aims, emphasizing durable design, sustainable materials, and environmentally conscious production methods.

Their production chain is extensive.

Their sourcing offices and production sites are located in China, India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. They aim for full traceability by 2025 and require suppliers to use renewable energy by 2030. Craft also plans to produce 50% of garments closer to markets by 2030 to reduce transport needs.

Craft avoids using fur, exotic animal skins, and angora but incorporates wool and down in its products. However, the brand’s animal welfare efforts are limited by the absence of a detailed policy and the lack of traceability for these materials.

Their goal for 2025 is that all wool used in their garments is produced in accordance with the Responsible Wool Standard (RSW), a global program focused on promoting environmental sustainability and animal welfare in the wool industry.

Craft sportswear aligns with the principles of slow fashion, as athletes prioritize high-quality, durable technical wear that withstands rigorous use. Additionally, the rental services offered allows consumers access to high-quality gear without the need for constant purchases.

Unfortunately, they do not offer repairs.

Craft Sportswear is aiming for full traceability of its products by 2025.

Currently, they face challenges in achieving complete oversight of their complex supply chain, which spans multiple countries and involves numerous suppliers. This complexity makes it difficult to track every aspect of production from raw material to finished product. Nevertheless, their effort to include all tiers of suppliers in their auditing programs by 2023 marks a step towards this ambitious goal.