hessnatur

Hessnatur produces its garments in various countries. including Germany, Portugal, and India, ensuring that each location adheres to stringent ethical standards. It sources raw materials from countries that are also aligned with its commitment to sustainability, such as organic cotton from Turkey and wool from Patagonia.

A comparatively large proportion of hessnatur production takes place in low-risk European countries. Important aspects regarding working conditions also contribute to this: wages and living standards are generally higher than in risk countries. In addition, better social security systems are usually regulated by law and implemented in practice. In low-risk countries, hessnatur usually visits and inspects the manufacturers itself.

The brand adheres to a strict code of conduct that outlines the principles of fair labour practices, environmental protection, and corporate responsibility expected from all its partners. They have implemented a monitoring system to ensure fair wages that meet or exceed legal minimums and cover basic needs plus discretionary funds. This system, reviewed in their social report, includes detailed questionnaires and audits, and aims for living wages as verified by the Fair Wear Foundation.

The company holds several certifications that underscore its commitment to ethical production, including GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which is one of the world’s leading textile processing standards for organic fibres.

Currently 99.6% of the materials used in hessnatur’s collection comes from nature. 20 – 55% of the fabrics used in their range are organic. 

The brand uses materials like organic cotton, wool, and Tencel, which are produced under stringent organic and ethical standards, significantly reducing the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides that can contaminate water and soil. 

The remaining 0.4% corresponds to the use of elastane . Although whenever possible, they try avoid elastane, but because of its functionality, this addition is still difficult to replace in some qualities. 

They are exploring alternatives such as COREVA™. This stretch denim uses natural rubber instead of elastane for the first time. In addressing the issue of microplastics, Hessnatur advocates for careful washing practices, helping to minimize the release of synthetic fibres into the environment. 

hessnatur works with the classification and labelling of chemicals in accordance with GHS (Globally Harmonized System). The hessnatur production specifications go well beyond the legal requirements. For every item and every material used, they check throughout the entire textile chain whether the production meets their ecological standards. The data is documented, checked and evaluated and, if necessary, checked on site. The detailed documentation and checking of the items is also the basis for hessnatur’s certification according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). In addition to these measures, regular pollutant checks are carried out on the produced goods in accordance with hessnatur’s strict standard requirements, which are carried out by independent testing institutes. 

Good to know: There are no plastic buttons on any of their products. They use alternatives made from natural materials such as corozo nut or horn, which are in no way inferior to the durability of plastic buttons.

The following also applies to the packaging of each individual product: less is more. That’s why they ship the majority of the items exclusively in a band made of recycled paper. Only items that require special protection because the material is very fine or are underwear are still packed in polybags. However, they are gradually switching to packaging made of glassine paper. All orders arrive at your home plastic-free, in shipping boxes, which are made from 80% recycled material and are 100% recyclable.

In addition to its direct practices, Hessnatur supports environmental sustainability through donations to environmental charities, actively contributing to efforts that go beyond its immediate business activities to foster a healthier planet.

hessnatur exemplifies circularity in design by focusing on the recyclability of its products.

The brand carefully considers the material mix in each product to ensure that the end products are more easily recyclable. This is achieved by minimizing the use of blended materials, which are harder to recycle, and focusing instead on single-material items. To support the longevity of its garments, hessnatur offers a repair service, which helps extend the life cycle of its products, and collaborates with take-back systems that facilitate the return and recycling of used clothing. Moreover, hessnatur is involved in initiatives that encourage the circular use of garments, through their resale platform. 

These efforts not only provide customers with sustainable shopping options, but also significantly reduce the environmental impact by keeping clothes in use longer and out of landfills. Through these practices, hessnatur is advancing the principles of circular economy within the fashion industry.

Although hessnatur’s headquarter is still located in Butzbach, Germany, their supply chain spans an extensive network, covering a wide geographical spread of production locations. With factories distributed across 28 countries, ranging from Lithuania and Germany in Europe to Peru and India in other parts of the world, the brand manages a diversified global supply chain. A significant portion of its production is strategically placed within European countries, which allows the company to benefit from shorter transportation routes between production stages. This not only helps in reducing the environmental impact associated with long-distance logistics but also supports the preservation of regional craftsmanship and traditional practices.

Hessnatur is offering shipments within Europe.

hessnatur incorporates leather, wool, fine hair, silk, down and feathers in their collection. 

For every item and every material used, hessnatur checks along the entire textile chain whether the production meets clearly defined ecological standards. This requires that suppliers disclose relevant data. 

The leather quality guidelines mandate the use of waste product skins, European sourcing, and plant-based tanning without chromium. The process includes environmental management and non-toxic standards to ensure safety and ecological integrity.

The brand uses Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified Wool, which assures the consumer or the ethical sourcing of the material and no animal-cruelty.

High-quality alpaca fibres are sourced from Peru, promoting sustainability and improving living conditions for alpaca farmers. The company’s social projects include building shepherds’ houses and preserving cultural heritage through the ​“Quintal del Inca” competition, encouraging better farming practices.

The down and feathers are sourced exclusively from the meat industry, emphasizing no live plucking and full transparency via Responsible Down Standard certification. Down for bedding and clothing comes from small German farms, with all processing done locally.

hessnatur uses fine hair if there is transparency. They ensure compliance with these requirements by using materials from secure sources that have been tested and approved by hessnatur or materials with a corresponding certificate (e.g. Responsible Wool Standard, controlled organic animal husbandry).

hessnatur labels products as vegan if animal products were not used either as raw materials or as an aid in textile production.

The brand avoids fast fashion’s fleeting trends, creating timeless looks that fit various lifestyles and phases of life. This philosophy extends to their minimalistic colour use, encouraging a smaller, more versatile wardrobe, reducing the need to constantly buy new items.

hessnatur exemplifies transparency in its operations. The company openly shares comprehensive details about the materials used in their products, including extensive information on sourcing and all relevant certifications, and is transparent about its packaging and shipping methods.

This approach ensures that customers are fully informed about the products they purchase The company also discloses all its production locations through the Fair Wear Performance Check, where it consistently ranks as a leader.