GREEN KNIT

GREEN KNIT’s ethos is deeply rooted in a commitment to those crafting its luxurious pieces, setting a new standard for responsible accessories. At every stage of its production process, from yarn sourcing to the final touches on its handbags, the brand strongly emphasises ethical practices and the well-being of individuals.

The journey begins with yarn produced in GRS, GOTS Standard 100, ISO 9001, 14001 and 5001 certified factories in Portugal and Spain, renowned for their commitment to workers’ rights and sustainable textile production. The manufacturing process continues in Austria, where GREEN KNIT employs cutting-edge 3D knitting technology in an ISO 9001-certified factory. 

This reflects its dedication to maintaining high standards of labour practices within the European Union, known for its rigorous protections for workers. The final production stage is intended to take place in Frankfurt in a social factory employing immigrants. By providing employment opportunities to immigrants, the brand supports their integration into the community and the workforce, offering them a platform to develop skills and contribute meaningfully to society.

In its commitment to the planet, GREEN KNIT pioneers sustainable fashion practices through innovation that significantly reduces environmental impact. Central to its ethos is GRS-certified, 100% recycled nylon yarn sourced from post-production waste. The brand’s ambition extends to transitioning this practice to incorporate yarn derived from post-consumer waste, such as discarded fishing nets and carpets, further advancing its mission to repurpose materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill or ocean pollution.

The production of GREEN KNIT’s handbags utilises a revolutionary 3D knitting technique, which starkly contrasts traditional manufacturing methods known for their high waste levels. Traditional cut-and-sew techniques typically result in about 30% of material wastage. In comparison, GREEN KNIT’s method of directly knitting bag bodies from yarn significantly minimises waste, aligning with the brand’s dedication to a zero-waste philosophy. This innovative approach ensures efficient use of resources and exemplifies the brand’s commitment to creating environmentally friendly products without sacrificing quality or aesthetics.

Furthermore, GREEN KNIT’s design philosophy embodies a circular mindset, with each handbag crafted to facilitate ease of recycling at the end of its lifecycle. The incorporation of monomaterials in the design process reflects GREEN KNIT’s vision for a future where fashion is both sustainable and circular. The brand aspires to implement a take-back system to transform materials into yarn for future production, thereby minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. 

The brand’s manufacturing processes and the fibre production factories in Portugal, Spain and Austria adhere to stringent environmental standards. The highly automated production is powered by renewable energy sources, including solar panels and hydroelectric power, further underscoring the brand’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint throughout its entire production chain.

GREEN KNIT’s approach to circularity is a cornerstone of its brand mission. The brand’s initiatives and products are designed to redefine the lifecycle of fashion products through innovation and strategic partnerships. This commitment to circularity is evident in several key areas of GREEN KNIT’s operations:

1. Use of 100% Recycled Materials

GREEN KNIT’s commitment to circularity begins with its choice of materials. The brand exclusively uses 100% recycled nylon yarn, primarily sourced from post-production waste. This innovative approach gives new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste and significantly reduce the demand for virgin nylon, which is resource-intensive. By planning to extend this practice to include yarn derived from post-consumer waste, such as old fishing nets and carpets, GREEN KNIT aims to close the loop further, turning potential environmental pollutants into high-quality fashion items.

2. Zero-Waste Production Through 3D Knitting

The brand’s adoption of 3D knitting technology is a game-changer regarding production efficiency and waste reduction. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that can waste up to 30% of materials, GREEN KNIT’s 3D knitting process creates bag bodies directly from yarn, resulting in nearly zero waste. This method optimises material use and reduces the carbon footprint associated with producing and transporting additional materials.

3. Designing for Recyclability

Each GREEN KNIT handbag is designed with circularity in mind. The mono-material approach, using only nylon yarn, simplifies the recycling process, enabling the bags to be more easily broken down and recycled at the end of their life. This design philosophy is a proactive step towards a circular fashion system, where products are made to be remade.

4. Aspiring for a Take-Back System

Looking to the future, GREEN KNIT envisions implementing a take-back system where customers can return their used handbags. While still in the planning stages, this system represents GREEN KNIT’s commitment to minimising waste and actively contributing to a regenerative cycle.

5. Advocating for Material Circularity

GREEN KNIT is actively involved in monitoring developments in nylon recycling technology, aiming to participate in and promote the fibre-to-fibre recycling that is crucial for achieving true circularity in fashion.

GREEN KNIT’s journey towards sustainability starts with the ethical sourcing of materials. The brand ensures that its nylon yarn is ethically sourced from reputable suppliers in Portugal and Spain. The heart of the brand’s production process lies in Austria, where it employs state-of-the-art 3D knitting technology to create its handbags. By choosing Austria for its manufacturing base, GREEN KNIT aligns itself with a region known for its rigorous environmental and labour standards, ensuring that every handbag is produced under fair and sustainable conditions. The final production stage will occur in Frankfurt, where GREEN KNIT plans to collaborate with a social factory that employs immigrants. Furthermore, GREEN KNIT continuously seeks ways to improve its supply chain, from exploring more sustainable hardware options to enhancing its social impact programs, embodying a proactive approach to corporate responsibility.

The brand uses no animal fibres or products.

GREEN KNIT embodies the slow fashion ethos through its thoughtful approach to design, production, and consumer engagement. At the heart of this philosophy is its commitment to creating long-lasting, high-quality products that transcend seasonal trends, emphasising timeless style and durability. This is further portrayed by GREEN KNIT’s innovative made-to-order approach, which ensures that each product is crafted with intention, minimising waste and promoting more sustainable consumption.

Bespoke, Made-to-Order Approach

By producing bags only when an order is placed, GREEN KNIT effectively reduces overproduction, one of the fashion industry’s most significant environmental challenges. This approach ensures that each handbag is crafted to meet specific customer needs. Knowing their choice directly contributes to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry and allows for a more personal connection between the consumer and their product. Furthermore, the bags are customisable, adapting to the needs and preferences of the individual buyer. 

Long-Lasting Products

Durability is a cornerstone of GREEN KNIT’s product philosophy. Each handbag is designed and constructed with longevity in mind, using high-quality, 100% recycled nylon yarn that stands the test of time. The innovative 3D knitting technology allows for precision and efficiency in production and contributes to the products’ overall durability. GREEN KNIT’s commitment to creating long-lasting items encourages consumers to invest in pieces they will cherish and use for many years.

Timeless Design

Beyond the physical longevity of its products, GREEN KNIT also focuses on timeless design. The sleek and minimal aesthetic ensures that each piece remains stylish and relevant regardless of fleeting fashion trends. This focus on classic, versatile design further embodies the slow fashion ethos, encouraging a more mindful and sustainable approach to personal style.

GREEN KNIT exemplifies transparency in every facet of its operations, setting a new standard in the fashion industry for open communication about its supply chain, business practices, and challenges. The brand takes pride in its ethical sourcing, with yarns procured from Portugal and Spain, and its innovative production methods that utilise 3D knitting technology in Austria before final assembly in Frankfurt in collaboration with a social enterprise. This journey from yarn to finished product is communicated openly to customers, providing a clear view of each step’s ethical and sustainable considerations. 

GREEN KNIT also candidly addresses the challenges inherent in striving for complete sustainability and ethical manufacturing, engaging in an honest dialogue with its audience and COSH! about the complexities of achieving these goals in the fashion industry. To further its commitment to transparency, GREEN KNIT offers customers detailed information about its products’ materials, design, and durability. A transparent price breakdown illustrating each purchase’s value and ethical investment would further enhance the brand’s transparency. However, the existing openness cultivates trust between GREEN KNIT and its customers and encourages an informed and conscious consumer base that values sustainability as much as style.