Himalaya Clothing

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.

Supporting Certification for Suppliers:

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.

Empowering Women in Auroville:

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.

Cultural Sensitivity and Comfort:

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.

Founder’s Personal Engagement:

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.

Quality Control and Certification:

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.

The brand primarily uses natural fibres, with a significant portion of the cotton in its clothing and accessories sourced from controlled organic farming (kbA cotton). This choice not only ensures a reduction in the environmental impact but also supports sustainable agriculture practices.

Certifications and Standards:

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.

Toxic Substance Testing:

Himalaya 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.

Use of Natural Fabrics:

The brand strongly advocates for using natural materials, including cotton, wool, viscose (LENZING ECOVERO), linen and silk. Apart from a minimal amount of elastane, synthetic fibres are completely avoided. Furthermore, many of Himalaya Clothing’s organic products are GOTS-certified, reflecting their commitment to environmental stewardship and quality.

Packaging and Recycling:

In alignment with its sustainability ethos, Himalaya uses minimal packaging, opting for compostable bags made from cornstarch. They participate in the Dual System of the Green Dot, ensuring compliance with the Packaging Act (VerpackG). This system facilitates consumer separation, recycling, and recovery of packaging materials. By participating in this dual system, Himalaya ensures proper disposal and recycling of all their packaging.

Wool Products:

Their wool products are certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), ensuring that the fibres are sourced from farms with a progressive approach to managing their land and practising holistic respect for animal welfare.

Their choice of transportation for orders and shipments from production sites remains undisclosed.

Understanding the importance of a circular economy in the fashion industry, Himalaya actively works towards reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of its products.

Natural Material Use:

At the core of Himalaya’s circularity endeavours is their choice of materials. Natural fibres like organic cotton and Merino wool are in theory biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact in this aspect than synthetic alternatives. However, COSH! cannot guarantee this as there are no certifications or evidence to support this. However, the small portion of elastane featured in certain items hinders effective recycling and renders specific items non-compostable.

Reducing Waste in Production:

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.

Eco-Friendly Packaging:

Himalaya’s commitment to circularity is also reflected in its packaging choices. Using compostable bags made from cornstarch and participating in the Green Dot dual system ensures that their packaging has a minimal environmental impact and contributes to the circularity of resources.

Future Steps in Circularity:

While Himalaya has made significant strides, there is always room for growth and improvement. Continuously exploring more recycling and upcycling technologies and 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 strategy could be a potential future endeavour.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certification:

A cornerstone of Himalaya’s supply chain is its adherence to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This certification ensures that all stages of production, from manufacturing to the final product, meet stringent ecological and social criteria.

Responsible Sourcing of Materials:

Himalaya prioritises natural fibres such as Merino wool, organic cotton, and Viscose (LENZING ECOVERO), which are sourced from responsible, certified suppliers.

Empowering Communities in Production Locations:

The brand’s production is primarily centred in Nepal and India, where they work closely with local communities. By producing in these regions in certified and regularly audited facilities, Himalaya supports local economies and provides employment opportunities under fair working conditions.

Quality Control and Ethical Manufacturing:

Himalaya maintains a high-quality control standard through constant supervision in its production facilities. They ensure that their ethical standards are upheld in every aspect of manufacturing, from labour practices to environmental management.

Supporting Suppliers in Certification:

Himalaya extends its commitment to sustainability by assisting some of its suppliers in achieving GOTS certification. This collaborative effort raises the standards within their supply chain and contributes to the broader movement of ethical fashion.

Continual Improvement and Transparency:

Himalaya is dedicated to continually improving its supply chain processes. They strive for greater transparency and efficiency, seeking to minimise their environmental impact while maintaining high ethical standards. More transparent communication with their customer base would further strengthen their supply chain. Details such as names and addresses are not disclosed.

Himalaya prioritises animal welfare in its production processes, particularly evident in their use of wool. The brand ensures that the wool used in its products is 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.

While Himalaya’s commitment to animal wellbeing is clear in their wool products, the brand does not provide specific information regarding the sourcing and treatment of silk used in their products. Silk production can have various implications for animal welfare, particularly in conventional sericulture practices. Furthermore, details regarding the leather featured in their felted slippers are 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.

Himalaya’s approach to slow fashion is dedicated 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.

Biannual Collections with a Sustainable Approach:

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 sustainability and quality.

Embracing Handcrafted Techniques:

In a bold move against the industry’s inclination towards industrial mass production, Himalaya 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.

Sustainability Through Uniqueness and Quality:

By focusing on handcrafted garments, Himalaya contributes to the slow fashion movement by producing clothing that is not only unique but also made to last. This approach reduces the need for frequent replacements, thereby decreasing consumption and waste.

Impact Beyond Fashion:

Himalaya’s commitment to handcrafted techniques also supports skilled artisans, preserving traditional crafting methods. This enriches the cultural value of each piece and ensures fair and ethical practices in the production process.

Sales and Discounts:

The brand offers individual items from its collections for sale throughout the year and organises a twice-annual warehouse sale.

The brand currently does not offer repairs.

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. 

Similarly, 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.

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.