Drykorn

Drykorn not only monitors its production facilities itself but also has them inspected by external social audits to exclude child and forced labour and to ensure social standards such as safety, fairness, ethics, and appropriate wages.

Drykorn is a member of the Better Cotton Initiative and uses 93% more sustainable cotton (organic cotton, recycled cotton, Better Cotton). Additionally, they utilize viscose, cupro, lyocell, and wool. 
For synthetic materials, they rely on recycled polyester and the more sustainable Sorona® polyester fibers made from 37% renewable plant-based raw materials. Some suppliers even meet the conditions of the ZDHC MRSL (Manufacturing Restricted Substances List), which prohibits the use of certain chemical substances. 

To protect the environment, Drykorn focuses on reuse and reduced plastic in packaging. By using thinner polybags, they save 3.4 tons of plastic per year. The German company ensures climate neutrality in shipping and compensates for all air travel. Domestic flights are completely avoided, and returns are not allowed to be destroyed at Drykorn.

The recycling process is made more difficult by the use of mixed fibres. Drykorn offers a Care Guide, as well as a Repair, Resale, and Recycling Guide on its website. This contributes to the appreciation of textiles and informs customers about possible forms of the circular economy. The guides include repair services, advice on care and washing, and a take-back system in collaboration with TURNS, ensuring an effective recycling loop.

The company, based in Kitzingen (Germany), primarily works with long-standing producers in Europe. However, 22% of the clothing is produced in Asia and 9% in North Africa (Tunisia). Which greatly lengthens the distances in the supply chain. The outer fabrics come from Italy, Portugal, France, and Turkey.

The company uses animal materials such as leather and sheepskin, but only if they are by-products of the food industry. To support animal welfare, 84% of the wool knitwear is made from non-mulesed wool, and they work with a Leather Working Group (LWG) audited leather supplier. Through the natural tanning process used there, 30% of water is saved compared to conventional tanning methods. For the future, Drykorn plans to increase the use of non-mulesed wool and, in addition to the already used padding made from recycled PET bottles as an alternative to down feathers, incorporate more vegan leather.

While this is not calculated in the COSH! Brand Index, we do like to mention that the use of synthetic materials, like polyester padding and most vegan leathers, increases release of microplastics. The release of microplastic fibres in the environment poses great threats to marine animals and ecosystems.

The timeless, classic and versatile designs promise longevity, as they are not orientated towards trends. 

Drykorn communicates current challenges and long-term goals with regard to sustainability and confirms on its website that the brand is not yet sustainable (enough). 

The Code of Conduct, which focuses on ethical and social fairness and must be observed by every partner company, can be viewed on the website. Yet they do not disclose the names of the suppliers in their value chain