Himalaya Clothing

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• India
• Nepal 

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES 

Himalaya’s approach to social responsibility is deeply embedded in its production process. The brand’s Merino wool and organic cotton garments are primarily manufactured by their main New Delhi-based supplier, certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This certification is not just about organic materials; it also encompasses acceptable social standards and humane working conditions. It ensures that the workers involved in the production of Himalaya’s garments are treated with dignity and respect, working under conditions that would be considered fair from a global perspective.

Himalaya extends its commitment to social responsibility by actively aiding a few suppliers who are yet to be certified in achieving GOTS certification. This support reflects Himalaya’s dedication to its standards and elevating the entire industry’s approach to ethical production.

By sourcing hand-knit garments from the southeastern Indian city of Auroville, Himalaya supports a unique project. Here, women from impoverished backgrounds can work under conditions favourable even by European standards. This initiative offers these women a stable income and benefits like health insurance and pension funds, contributing significantly to their empowerment and financial independence.

In these production facilities, cultural sensitivity and comfort are prioritised. For instance, the knitters prefer working on the floor in the traditional sitting posture, leading to a unique workplace rule: both employees and visitors must adhere to a barefoot policy, respecting local customs and ensuring comfort for the artisans.

Himalaya’s journey, initiated by Alexander Frieborg’s adventure and vision in the 1970s, has led to robust business relationships with producers on the Indian subcontinent. His son and successor, Benjamin Friedberg, continues to engage with these partners personally, ensuring quality and ethical standards are maintained. Additionally, the manufacturing of Himalaya’s clothing and accessories is conducted under the constant supervision of the brand’s in-house quality control team in professional facilities in Nepal and India. To meet its high standards at every stage of production, Himalaya has been GOTS certified since 2012, showcasing its unwavering commitment to environmental and social sustainability aspects.

MATERIALS 

• Cotton
• Wool 
• Viscose 
• Linen
• Silk 
• Hemp 
• Leather
• Elastane 
   

The brand primarily uses natural fibres, including wool, cotton, and linen. Apart from a minimal amount of elastane, synthetic fibres are avoided. A significant portion of the cotton in its clothing and accessories is sourced from controlled organic farming (kbA cotton). This choice supports more sustainable agriculture practices as artificial fertilisers and pesticides are prohibited. 

Where viscose is used, it is always EcoVero viscose from the Austrian company Lenzing. This fibre is man-made from wood pulp, sourced from responsibly managed forests. EcoVero boasts 50% less water consumption and 50% less CO2 emissions compared to conventional viscose fibres. 

To validate their high standards, Himalaya regularly undergoes certification by the renowned Dutch ​“Control Union,” ensuring that the raw materials used meet the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This certification is crucial as it includes environmental and social criteria throughout the production process.

PACKAGING 

In alignment with its sustainability ethos, Himalaya aims to minimise its packaging use, and opts for potentially compostable bags made from cornstarch. The brand participates in the Dual System of the Green Dot, which ensures compliance with the Packaging Act (VerpackG). By participating in this dual system, Himalaya enables proper disposal and recycling of all their packaging.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

GOTS certified materials are guaranteed to be free from harmful chemicals. Himalaya also extends its commitment to ecological responsibility by conducting rigorous testing of materials not covered by GOTS certification. The international Intertek Testing Laboratory examines these materials for harmful substances, including AZO dyes, heavy metals, PCP, TeCP, pesticides, and phthalates in prints. Products only proceed to production once they have passed all these stringent tests.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Understanding the importance of a circular economy in the fashion industry, Himalaya actively works towards reducing waste and extending the lifespan of its products. At the core of the brand’s circularity endeavours is their choice of materials. Natural fibres like organic cotton and merino wool are potentially biodegradable, and have a lower environmental impact in this aspect than synthetic alternatives. 

Unfortunately, some products are material blends with a small percentage of elastane, which will hinder effective recycling. 

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

In their production facilities, Himalaya emphasises minimising waste. By optimising cutting patterns and choosing knitting over weaving for a significant part of their product palette, they significantly reduce the amount of waste generated during the manufacturing process. This conserves resources and aligns with the principles of a circular economy. 

While Himalaya has made significant strides, there is always room for growth and improvement. Continuously exploring more recycling technologies and recycled fabrics, expanding upcycling initiatives, and further reducing waste in all aspects of its operations will strengthen its position as a leader in circular fashion. Furthermore, piloting a rental or repair strategy could be a potential future endeavour.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Production locations:

• India 
• Nepal 

The brand sources their yak wool from yaks living in the Himalayas, in relatively close proximity to their manufacturing facilities. However, their conventional wool is sourced from New Zealand, and details about the sourcing of their other materials are not disclosed. This makes it difficult to determine the overall length and complexity of their supply chain. 

Himalaya offers worldwide shipping from their headquarters in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION 

Himalaya does not disclose what transportation methods are used. 

• Wool 
• Silk
• Leather 

Himalaya’s wool products are certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS). This certification is crucial as it guarantees that the wool is sourced from farms where sheep are treated with respect and care and where their welfare is a primary concern. The RWS certification covers critical aspects such as sustainable farming practices and humane treatment of animals, ensuring that wool production does not harm the environment or the sheep.

The brand does not provide specific information regarding the sourcing of the silk used in their products. In conventional silk production, the silk worms are boiled alive to obtain the silk thread, and whilst peace silk and organic silk are more ethically farmed, it is not specified which the brand uses. 

Furthermore, details regarding the leather featured in their felted slippers is also not offered. For a brand with a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices, further transparency and information about its silk and leather sourcing and production methods would enhance its commitment to animal welfare. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Himalaya’s approach to slow fashion is characterised not by a slower pace of work but by a dedication to creating long-lasting, high-quality products. Recognising that durable materials contribute to less environmental impact, the brand focuses on the longevity of its garments, aligning with the principles of slow fashion.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Contrary to the fast fashion trend of frequent, mass-produced collections, Himalaya releases just two thoughtfully designed collections each year. This approach allows for careful planning and attention to detail, ensuring that each collection adheres to the brand’s high standards of improved sustainability and quality.

In a bold move against the industry’s inclination towards industrial mass production, Himalayas has embraced the art of hand knitting for its collections. This choice not only sets them apart but also emphasises quality and uniqueness. Each hand-knitted garment by Himalaya is a testament to skilled craftsmanship, making every piece a unique work of art.

The brand does offer individual items in their collections for sale throughout the year, and organises a twice-annual warehouse sale. 

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

The product pages state what material the garment is made from, and where it was produced. However, details on the sourcing and treatment of certain raw materials, including linen, silk and leather, are not provided. This omission raises questions about the sustainability and ethical considerations in these areas of their supply chain.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES 

Himalaya’s transparency efforts in their production and sourcing practices present a mixed picture. On one hand, the brand is open about certain aspects of its supply chain and manufacturing processes. They have shared details about their commitment to ethical standards, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification for their wool products. Additionally, they have provided information about their hand-knitting production in Auroville, highlighting their support for local communities and traditional craftsmanship.

However, there are notable gaps in Himalaya’s transparency. The brand has not disclosed the names and addresses of most of its production sites, excluding Auroville. This lack of specific information makes it challenging to understand the conditions and practices at these facilities fully. 

Moreover, Himalaya does not offer insights into the true cost of production or price transparency. Such information is increasingly crucial for consumers seeking to understand the value and ethics behind the price they pay for products.

In summary, while Himalaya is committed to certain ethical standards and sustainable practices, its transparency has room for improvement, especially regarding its full supply chain, specific material sourcing, and cost breakdown.