Elsien Gringhuis runs her atelier with a small, dedicated team and ensures that all her production takes place 100% in the Netherlands. By producing in her own atelier, she can guarantee ethical working conditions and oversee every stage of the manufacturing process. Elsien believes in supporting local craftsmanship and works closely with skilled tailors to ensure the highest quality and more sustainability. Their approach combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design, making her collections both timeless and aware of environmental protection.
Elsien Gringhuis is focused on materials e.g. cotton, hemp and linen which are certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to ensure that the use of harmful substances is prohibited. In addition, GOTS mandates that wastewater must be treated before discharge which also minimise the environmental impact.
In a special project for belgian linen she produces this kind of material on her own. For some specific material Elsien still needs to consider synthetic fibre to keep the quality and function of the product. The longevity is a crucial aspect of her collection and a key element when we´re talking about protecting the planet.
All paper packaging materials are recycled and FSC certified which means that plastic material has been fully eliminated.
Most of the fabrics which Elsien Gringhuis is using in her collection are monomaterial which ensure a quite high rate of recycling possibilities. By using GOTS certified materials, e.g. cotton, hemp and linen she can assure non-harmful chemicals and dye-stuff which will have a positive impact for a circular process.
To minimize the waste leftover or cut-off material will be used to create new articles, like home-textile or accessories.
A service to repair the garments is absolutely self-evident although each product is designed and manufactured to live a long life anyway!
As 100% of the production will take place in own atelier in Arnhem (Netherland) Elsien Gringhuis can consider a very short supply chain which offers a lot of positive impacts, e.g. short transportation and low CO² footprint. By keeping her clients mostly in Europe she is also trying to use as many green delivery services as possible. Materials and haberdasheries are coming from Europe but are not disclosed from Elsien except the belgian linen which will be produced on their own in a special project.
For just a few articles Elsien Gringhuis is using GOTS certified wool material which ensures mulesing-free methods. As this is an absolutely endorsed approach we would appreciate it if Elsien could communicate a little bit more about this topic to bring transparency into it.
Elsien Gringhuis is working with an “Ongoing” collection which means that she has her own rhythm without any seasons or sales. All articles are produced “on demand” which avoid any kind of overproduction or stock. As the design is minimalistic and timeless each article is made for longevity!
Most of the fabrics are certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the production takes place only in Elsien Gringhuis own atelier in Arnhem. The source of materials and haberdasheries are not disclosed in detail yet but one kind of belgian linen will be produced within a specific project.
Conclusion
Elsien Gringhuis stands out as a visionary in the fashion industry, seamlessly blending more sustainability with sophistication. By maintaining all production in her Dutch atelier and working with highly skilled seamstresses, Elsien ensures that every piece upholds the highest standards of quality and responsibility. Through her timeless creations, Elsien not only champions more sustainable fashion but also celebrates the artistry and integrity of traditional craftsmanship. A small label which likes to remain small but with a high attitude!
