Guave

Production locations 

• Java, Indonesia
• Amsterdam, Netherlands

Working Conditions & living wages

This brand works with small batik entrepreneurs from Java, Indonesia to source batik fabrics. Working with these small businesses for long periods of time not only ensures their ability to monitor more sustainable workplace practices, but also contributes to preserving the ancient craft and its artisans in modern society. The brand also makes sure to visit often, and pay fair prices for the materials sourced. 

The fabrics come from Enschede Textielstad, a Dutch weaving company that produces high-quality fabrics. This local production reduces transport emissions and guarantees fairer and safer working conditions.

Final stages of production, including stitching and assembly are conducted locally in Het Gildelab as well as Guave’s own studio in Amsterdam; keeping part of the production in-house makes it easier to ensure healthy working environment and fair wages. 

10% of the proceeds of their waistcoats collection is donated to Indahnya Sedekah Netherlands foundation, which supports people in Indonesia with education, food and relief during natural disasters. 

Materials 

• Cotton
• Recycled cotton
• GOTS certified organic cotton
• Polyester

Majority of Guave’s collections are made using Cotton, which being a natural product is beneficial to the environment as compared to synthetic fibres. Aside from conventional cotton, they also partly use recycled cotton, and GOTS certified organic cotton, which ensures more sustainable production and sourcing of the cotton material, and its minimum impact on the environment. 

A small percentage of their collection is, however, made of polyester. While this is a harmful product to the environment, it ensures the durability of the garment and keeps them out of landfills for longer. 

For haberdashery, they use buttons of corozo palm seeds, which are dyed with more environmentally friendly dyes. That being said, they still currently use harmful dyes for all their garments, in order to preserve the brightness of the colours.
In the batik scarf collection, the brand offers a choice: a padding made of fibrefill (polyester) material or an organic cotton padding. This way, there is an affordable option for everyone. In the future, the brand plans to replace the synthetic option with plant-based materials.

Packaging

To minimise waste and reduce environmental impact, Guave uses recycled paper and cardboard for packaging and shipping. Whenever possible, they also reuse boxes.

Water usage & chemicals

Traditional batik involves multiple dyeing and waxing steps. While this can be water-intensive, the handmade nature typically results in smaller production scales compared to industrial processes, potentially reducing the overall environmental impact.

Circular product design 

Guave works with mostly monomaterial, recycled, and natural materials such as 100% cotton. Some of their products contain an inner lining of polyester, which while not natural or biodegradable, is constructed in a way that makes recycling easy at the end of the garment’s use, preserving its circularity. 

Circular business models

The brand prioritises made-to-order production and small production runs to prevent overproduction and minimise waste. Clothing is made only after an order is placed, reducing excess stock. Additionally, select items, such as waistcoats, are produced in limited editions using vintage batiks, giving pre-existing materials a second life.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain 

• Java, Indonesia
• Yogyakarta
• Jeruk
• Lasem
• The Headquarter is located in Amsterdam

Guave sources most of its materials from small batik businesses in Java, Indonesia, such as in Yogyakarta, Jeruk, and Lasem. This increases the length of the supply chain quite a bit, but the rest of their materials are sourced from within the Netherlands, keeping it local to production, which is also conducted in Amsterdam. 

To reduce the number of links in the chain, Guave always has personal contact with each of its suppliers. This way, deliveries can be sent directly, and the brand also has more influence on the production process. 

Transportation 

There is no information available regarding the transport method used by Guave.

The brand does not make use of any animal materials.

Product design

Guave offers a range of clothing and accessories, with a focus on handmade items featuring traditional Javaanse batik fabrics. 

Slow fashion processes 

Guave personifies the definition of slow fashion, making the items only once an order is placed, and producing in small quantities. Hence, their garments are also personalizable, and you can contact them for different batiks or sizes. Their studio in Amsterdam can also be visited personally, for which an appointment can be made online through their website. 

Batik making is an ancient craft, which can lead to imperfections, however this being part of the process makes each batik item unique and one of a kind. They provide detailed care instructions for each item, in order to protect the environment and keep the item in use for as long as possible.

Each item of Guave has a story behind it, explained on each of their product pages, which makes the shopping experience very personal and helps consumers develop a connection with their garment. 

Transparency on product 

The website provides clear and transparent information about the origins of the products and the production process.

Transparency on processes

Guave attempts to provide 100% transparency in all of their activities. They have provided exact locations of all their material sources and production, even in most cases including names of the facilities and the working conditions within the facility. They could provide more information regarding their certifications, water usage, and transportation methods within the supply chain. However, considering the small scale of the business, Guava is doing really well regarding transparency.