HempAge

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• China 
• Tunisia 
• Hungary

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

HempAge were one of the first members of the Fair Wear Foundation, and was a ​‘leader status’ member until 2023. They state that they continue to focus on transparent supply chains today, and only stopped being part of the Fair Wear Foundation due to specific reasons and a change of software systems. They are currently a member of Fair Band, an association of small and medium-sized importers for Fair Trade products. 

The majority of their production is based in China, where they work with the supplier Hemp Fortex. Hemp Fortex states that they are a vertically integrated manufacturer, and therefore have stewardship over the entire manufacturing process, including spinning, weaving, and knitting. Their website states that they only work with facilities where careful audits and quality control staff ensure that strict standards are met. 

MATERIALS 

• Hemp
• Organic cotton 
• Elastane 
• Yak wool 
• Polyamide 

HempAge states that all the materials used in their clothing are Oeko-Tex 100 certified, and their organic cotton is certified by the Organic Content Standard. This guarantees that these products contain the percentage of organic cotton they claim to have. 

In our conversation, HempAge disclosed that they were involved in the start of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and are guided by it in their production processes. However, they do not currently offer any GOTS-certified products. 

HempAge does not certify their hemp, as they state that it is sourced from smallholder farmers, and certifications would add excess costs to their products. According to the brand, they can show that the hemp grows fully without pesticides or harmful chemicals, so certifications have no additional benefits. 

Hemp is often viewed as a more sustainable alternative to cotton, as it requires less land and water to produce. What to know more? Check out this article on the pros and cons of hemp. 

Where elastane and polyamide are used, it is always in small percentages. 

HempAge also states that since 2014, they have been sourcing 100% renewable electricity through Naturstrom! 

PACKAGING 

HempAge states that they have done extensive experimentation and trial runs with alternative packaging materials, but currently use plastic. They found that biodegradable plastic materials were not a good solution, because those materials only degrade in certain conditions. These conditions are, at the moment, not being met by industrial recycling facilities.

As plastics are recyclable, it is easier for consumers to correctly dispose of them compared to alternatives made from organic waste materials. 

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

HempAge’s products are Oeko-Tex 100 certified, ensuring that they are free from harmful chemicals. 

HempAge primarily uses hemp, and they state that this is grown without pesticides or herbicides, and with lower water consumption compared to cotton. The brand also uses organic cotton, which is requires less water and fewer chemicals to produce than traditional cotton. 

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

HempAge is yet to introduce any circular product design strategies. The majority of their products are material blends, which reduces the likelihood that they can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. 

HempAge states that 70% recycled fibres are used in some of their product lines, reducing their reliance on raw materials. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

HempAge does not disclose any circular business models on its website. 

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations: 

• China 
• Tunisia
• Hungary 

The majority of HempAge’s production is based in China, whilst their socks are produced in Hungary, and jeans in Tunisia. HempAge stated in a conversation with COSH! that they are currently phasing out production in Tunisia. 

The brand’s headquarters are located in Germany, and they offer delivery within Germany and Austria. 

TRANSPORTATION

HempAge’s website states that orders are shipped through DHL Go Green, reducing transportation emissions. HempAge has also disclosed that they haven’t used air transportation in over twenty years. 

• Wool 

HempAge does not disclose where they source their wool from, however they are able to guarantee that it is mulesing-free. Mulesing is a controversial practice where a small section of the sheep’s skin is removed to prevent harmful parasitic larvae infestations. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

HempAge offers men’s and women’s wear, including accessories and nightwear. As most of their products are available in multiple colours, you can be sure to find the perfect basics for your wardrobe. The majority of products are available in sizes S to XXL. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES 

As HempAge’s products are not made to order, they have a sales section on their website. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

On each product page, HempAge states what material the item is made from, although production countries are not provided. They provide a schematic overview of the full supply chain on their website, complete with production countries. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

HempAge published a Sustainability Report in 2020, and a Social Report in 2021. More recent information on their production processes has not yet been published on their website. 

COSH! Had the opportunity to speak with Robert Hertel, CEO of HempAge. In this way, HempAge held no secrets about their production!