Fifth Origins

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• The Netherlands
• India
• Philippines
• Bangladesh

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Fifth Origins works exclusively with selected artisan craftspeople. 

Direct contact with suppliers, including regular visits, serves to ensure safe working conditions. The brand does not have its own production facilities, but works with a small number of carefully selected partners. 

All products are handmade. 

The brand does not mention any conventional certifications. 

MATERIALS

• Wool
• Bamboo
• Cotton
• Linen
• Cashmere
• Vintage Kantha
• Vintage saris (cotton) 

Fifth Origins uses a selection of natural and recycled materials such as wool, bamboo, cotton, linen and cashmere as well as vintage kantha and recycled cotton saris to create more resource-efficient, handmade products. Both new natural fibres and fabric remnants from existing textile cycles are used. 
Discover here what makes linen a remarkable fabric.

PACKAGING

• In E‑commerce: For shipping within the EU, products are sent in paper envelopes made from recycled paper, combined with envelopes made from recycled plastic for shipping labels. Orders shipped directly from the studio in India are shipped in recycled plastic envelopes.
• Within the supply chain: Products made from virgin natural materials are packaged in recycled cotton dust bags. Products made from recycled or upcycled materials are packaged in the form of reusable carrier bags made from recycled material, which can also be used as shopping bags. This solution not only protects the goods, but also extends the life cycle of the packaging.

WATER CONSUMPTION & CHEMICALS

The artisans rely on natural, locally sourced materials. They also safely recycle colour water and ensure greater economical water consumption. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Fifth Origins attaches great importance to circular design. Ideally, mono-materials are used to facilitate recycling.

As part of a take-back service for used items, collected garments are returned to the production cycle in a targeted manner, for example by upcycling or using them as deadstock. 

Although upcycling processes with mixed materials often make recycling more difficult, they also extend the life of the products. 

In addition, many products are designed to be repair-friendly and easy to dismantle.

In collaboration with Anthill, versatile rope belts are created from production remnants and fabric waste. These are handmade in Filipino villages on traditional looms, giving each belt a unique pattern and character. This approach actively reduces textile waste while supporting traditional craftsmanship.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Customers within the EU have the option of returning purchased products for repair free of charge within one year of purchase.

Customers outside the EU can have their products repaired locally, with the brand reimbursing the cost of the repair (also within one year of purchase). In addition, the brand provides repair patches from its own waste-to-wonder leftovers to support independent repairs.

The brand also provides instructional videos and tips for self-repair. 

It also has its own take-back system, the ReLove programme. Customers can send in used items, which are then either upcycled or reused via a second-hand channel. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• The Netherlands
• India
• Philippines
• Fifth Origins is headquartered in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.

TRANSPORTATION

• Currently, the products that are shipped from India are transported by air freight.
• In e‑commerce, the company uses climate-neutral shipping methods. 

• Wool

The wool comes exclusively from local Himalayan sheep that are cared for by the Gaddi community. This community has a protected status from the Indian government. The sheep are sheared ethically and professionally by trained professionals appointed by the Himachal Pradesh Wool Association.

The brand is committed to traceable sourcing, which is currently documented using blockchain verification (implementation in progress). The most important wool partner is Woolmark-certified, which guarantees both quality and more ethical standards. The brand also explicitly supports traditional sheep farming, which has cultivated a harmonious balance between animals, people and nature for generations.

PRODUCT DESIGN

The label offers a selection of capes and ponchos, complemented by accessories, jewellery and bags. The range also includes a reLove category and a no-waste ​‘sale’ section.

Many products are designed to accommodate different body shapes.
The label focuses on versatile styling options, with products such as the Kantha Vest, which can be worn in different ways.

Fifth Origins only releases very few collections a year – once a year at most – and constantly supplements its range with occasional, non-seasonal, limited drops.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

It is possible to make customised adjustments to selected products.

TRANSPARENCY OF THE PRODUCT

The product pages contain detailed information on materials, sizes, care instructions and handcrafted production – including information on the production sites. The history of each product, such as the origin of the vintage fabric or the Kantha technique, is also told. 

In terms of traceability, Fifth Origins is working on its own blockchain solution, which will provide detailed information about where and under what conditions each product was manufactured.

TRANSPARENCY OF THE PROCESS

Fifth Origins provides detailed insights into its production processes and the origin of the materials. The label’s information pages focus in particular on artisanal production and close collaboration with selected partners.

To improve traceability, Fifth Origins is working on implementing its own blockchain solution. This technology is being developed in cooperation with the Dutch embassy in Colombo and Selyn Textiles, with the aim of increasing transparency in hand-woven textile production and enabling fairer value creation along the supply chain. The focus is on innovation, co-creation and a contribution to a circular and decolonised future. At present, however, the published information still mainly relates to general manufacturing processes.