Global Mamas

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Ghana (Cape Coast, Prampram, Odumase-Krobo, Ho, Abompe, Moree)
• Fabric from India

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

Global Mamas is a full member of both the World Fair Trade Organisation and Fair Trade Federation. These initiatives suggest proactive efforts to ensure living wages, and no forced labour. Producers receive advanced payment (>50%) and prompt payment upon product delivery.

All products are handcrafted by their network of over 350 women artisans. They regularly visit the facility and partner communities; governance includes open-door policy and producer consultation. They own and operate their Fair Trade Zone factory (FTZ) in Kpong. Global Mamas is a member of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO), and their practices ensure living wages, safe working environments, and democratic decision-making. The organisation supports artisans through long-term partnerships and entrepreneurial support. Global Mamas acts as a bridge, showing partners in the Global South what it takes to launch a brand on the European market, empowering them to become self-sufficient and independently successful. This hands-on approach fosters both economic independence and skill development for producers.

MATERIALS

• Organic cotton
• Recycled glass
• Water hyacinth paper
• Recycled cotton
• Bauxite stone
• Body care ingredients: coconut oil, palm kernel oil, unrefined shea butter, Cocoa pod ashes, Banana leaf

Using organic cotton reduces the environmental impact of the product, because no harmful chemicals are used in the production process. Read more about the benefits of organic cotton here.

Some products are made out of recycled materials and repurposed waste materials. The beads and water-hyacinth cycles support circularity. The material certifications of Global Mamas are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and FairTrade (FLO). 

PACKAGING

Global Mamas turns environmental challenges into creative solutions by incorporating water hyacinth paper, made from an invasive plant species in Ghana, into its paper products. For soap packaging and gift bags, the brand repurposes recycled sachet wrappers, while recycled coconut shells are used as containers for their shea butter products.

In e‑commerce and along the supply chain, products are not individually wrapped in plastic, but bundled together in one large bag, and delivered in cardboard boxes, to reduce the use of plastics.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

Global Mamas developed a water filtration system using moringa seed waste as a flocculant to help small-scale artisans filter wastewater from the dying processes more sustainably. For their batik production, they also use a solar-powered wastewater system, designed by an Austrian specialist, to treat water responsibly while minimising usage. Their FTZ facility plans to implement additional environmental performance improvements, including rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, solar energy, and biogas digesters.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

Global Mamas emphasises upcycling and low-waste design: beads are made from recycled glass; patchwork from fabric offcuts; bag linings from flour sacks and shea butter containers from coconuts. The brand states 70% of their products are upcycled, using dress straps or patchwork to extend the fabric’s lifecycle. Jewellery is crafted from upcycled glass, taken from bottles and windows, which is ground into a fine powder and transformed into vibrant handmade beads.

Products are handmade using mono-materials when possible. However, repairability is not mentioned, and no take-back service is offered.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

Global Mamas incorporates elements of a circular business model by minimising waste and prioritising handmade, low-impact production. A key aspect is their use of recycled and upcycled materials across product lines: for example, their shea butter containers are made from repurposed coconut shells, soap is wrapped in water hyacinth paper or plastic sachet wrappers collected in Ghana, and many of their bags are lined with flour sacks sourced from local bakeries. Beads are made from broken bead fragments and discarded window panes, further extending material life cycles.

The brand operates a small-inventory model and offers made-on-demand production for European and Australian markets. This approach helps reduce overproduction and limits unsold stock. Each artisan is paid based on the complexity and time required for each item, and production is scaled to actual demand. Global Mamas does not offer a repair service, run a take-back program, but mentions their garments are designed for long-term use. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Ghana
• India
• Global Mamas HQ is located in Odumase Krobo, Ghana

Global Mamas maintains a relatively short and transparent supply chain, primarily centered in Ghana, where the brand owns and operates its own production facility known as the Fair Trade Zone. This central hub in Odumase Krobo, Ghana, houses dedicated workspaces for batikers, seamstresses, weavers, beadmakers, and papermakers. It also includes areas for quality control, administration, and communal activities. By producing in a single facility, the brand keeps its supply chain streamlined and ensures greater oversight over working conditions and environmental impact.

While production occurs in Ghana, Global Mamas sources organic and fair-trade cotton from Silk’n Fab, based in India. These materials are shipped to Ghana to be transformed into finished products. The goods are then exported to distribution hubs in the United States, Germany, and Australia, where the brand also maintains offices or wholesale partnerships. This centralised production model limits unnecessary movement across different supply countries, helping to reduce logistical complexity and enhance traceability.

TRANSPORTATION 

While the brand does not specify its methods of transportation, the limited number of supply and distribution hubs suggests a contained logistics network. It is reasonable to assume that transportation to the United States distribution hub is done by air freight.

Given its localised distribution points, it’s likely that regional fulfilment reduces some of the carbon intensity typically associated with global delivery.

Global Mamas does not use any animal-derived materials. They do not mention the use of leather, wool, silk, feathers, or other animal-origin products.

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Global Mamas product range includes vibrant, handcrafted clothes for children and adults, accessories, home decor, jewellery as well as shea butter soaps and body care. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

Collections are artisan-driven, with gradual additions. This steady, intentional approach further reinforces the brand’s commitment to slower fashion values. While there is no made-to-measure service, the brand uses small batch and made-on-demand models to fulfil international orders. This means many items are only produced after a customer places an order, significantly reducing the risk of overproduction and textile waste. While the brand does take part in sales periods, it does not indicate whether these are seasonal or driven by inventory cycles.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

Global Mamas demonstrates a high degree of transparency when it comes to its social practices and supply chain. On its website, many product pages include detailed information about materials, sizing, and even the individual artisan who made the item through their ​“Meet the Mamas” initiative. Some pages also specify where the item was made, offering customers meaningful insight at the product level.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

The brand publishes annual reports that offer substantial details about its social mission, working conditions, and fair trade practices. These reports emphasise support for women artisans and capacity building through education and training. However, environmental reporting is less detailed, with only limited information about the ecological impact of materials or production.

Global Mamas does not currently provide public cost breakdowns per item. Still, it discloses that artisans are paid based on the time, complexity, and quality of each item they produce. Additionally, artisans are supplied with raw materials upfront, sparing them the financial burden of purchasing inputs, a system that effectively acts as a 50%+ advance payment.