PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- Germany
- Peru
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
The brand works with PERU FAIRTRADE-certified producers who guarantee fairer wages and safe working conditions. De Colores maintains close and long-standing partnerships with three main suppliers in Peru: Waka‑s, Textil Viso and RUNAKAY.
The brand visits its producers regularly, checks the production conditions on site and promotes a direct, trusting exchange.The products are either handmade in Peru or manufactured using modern knitting machines, combining traditional techniques and high-quality materials.
By working with Peruvian producers, De Colores supports more than 60 families and contributes to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. Investments in infrastructure, such as childcare and more sustainable production, improve the quality of life of local workers.
De Colores favours diversity and promotes the integration of craftspeople and small producers from different economic backgrounds. Close cooperation with suppliers ensures fairer working conditions and fair representation in the supply chain.
MATERIALS
- Baby alpaca wool
Alpaca wool is a natural material that is completely biodegradable. The fibre offers excellent warmth and breathability, is durable and lightweight. Thanks to its smooth surface, it is particularly soft, hardly irritates the skin and also has an antibacterial effect, which minimises odours.
The products from De Colores often contain baby alpaca wool. However, this does not mean that newborn animals are involved. The term baby alpaca refers to the fineness of the fibre, which must always be below 22 microns to qualify as ‘baby’. These are therefore the finest and softest hairs from an adult alpaca.
PACKAGING
The products are delivered in collective packaging, which avoids individual packaging and unnecessary plastic waste.
Packaging materials such as cardboard boxes and reusable bags reduce the need for new purchases and, according to De Colores, keep plastic consumption below 100 kg per year throughout the company.
Packaging materials are taken back by the company, reducing waste and contributing to the circular economy.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
The alpaca wool is processed by the partners in Peru using more environmentally friendly infrastructure. The water is heated with solar energy at one of the main producers, Waka‑s, which reduces energy requirements.
The company only uses dyes that comply with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and does not use optical brighteners or chemical after-treatments on its products.
As the products are made from natural alpaca wool and contain no synthetic materials, the release of microplastics is avoided.
The dyeing processes are designed to minimise the use of chemicals and ensure that the dyes are more environmentally friendly and low in harmful substances.
The partners in Peru are PERU FAIRTRADE certified, and the INCATOPS spinning mill from which the yarn is sourced fulfils strict ISO standards for environmental protection, occupational health and safety and wastewater treatment.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
De Colores products are made exclusively from mono-material, baby alpaca wool. No plant-based and synthetic materials are combined in one product, which improves recyclability and reduces the environmental impact.
The products are characterised by their durability, which enables longer use and is therefore part of a more sustainable consumer behaviour.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL
According to the company, the focus is on high product quality in view of the long-lasting collections, the strict quality controls and the low returns rate, which means that repairs are rarely necessary.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
- Peru
- Germany
- De Colores has its headquarters in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany.
TRANSPORTATION
The products are transported by air freight. The company is aware of the environmental impact of this decision, but emphasises that it allows local people more time to manufacture the products with care and peace of mind.
- Baby alpaca wool
- Alpaca wool comes from Peru, where it is produced by small farmers in the Andes.
De Colores’ Peruvian production partners are PERU FAIRTRADE-certified, which guarantees fairer and more ethical standards.
According to De Colores, alpacas in Peru are kept in a traditional and species-appropriate way, without industrialised factory farming. They are shorn by hand once a year.
PRODUCT DESIGN
De Colores offers timeless knitted accessories such as scarves, hats, headbands, cuffs and hip warmers. These products are aimed at both men and women. De Colores products tend to be unisex and are suitable for a wide target group.
De Colores offers a variety of knitting styles that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The techniques used include right-to-left knitting, rib knitting, jersey knitting, double face, wave knitting and cross ribbing.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
De Colores offers a permanent collection that is continuously available. During the autumn and winter season, the collection is regularly kept in stock and new designs can be added as required.
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
On the product pages of the website, customers can view the available colours and call up detailed product information. In addition, the general website offers the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about the manufacturing processes, materials used and the production site.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESS
De Colores provides detailed information on its website about the manufacturing processes, the materials used and the production sites.
It also discloses that the brand works with PERU FAIRTRADE-certified partners in Peru.
Conclusion
De Colores offers high-quality knitted accessories made from baby alpaca wool for the whole family. Discover the diverse and timeless designs that combine comfort and style on the COSH! map below.
