Materials
As stated before, Leela Cotton supposedly works exclusively with 100% organic, GOTS certified Aegean cotton. Originating from the Turkish region where the cotton is grown and harvested using well-defined methods and controlled environment to protect the natural resources and reduce the impact on the environment by prohibiting the use of synthetic and toxic pesticides. The use of GMO-containing seeds is strictly prohibited by law and strict penalties are enforced.
Packaging
The products are packaged without using polyester bags for each garment, only using reusable, recyclable and compostable packaging. All paper material used is FSC certified, ensuring ethical management of forests and its local communities.
Water usage & chemicals
The company uses 100% organic Aegean cotton, cultivated and coloured in accordance to their list of restricted chemicals, which has no harm on the farmer and wearer. This conscious use of non-hazardous chemicals also keeps the water in the ecosystem from being polluted, which would as a result endanger the health of the worker in the supply chain. Even their buttons and zippers are said to be made from mostly natural materials such as wood and nickel-free metal, which prevent long-term harmful effects on the human body.
Chemical additives are not used to process organic cotton, formaldehyde, flame resistant, moth resistant inhibitors are not applied. The chemicals are GOTS certified as well, ensuring their non-toxicity.
The wooden buttons used in their clothes are also more beneficial for the environment compared to the conventional plastic buttons, as it can easily biodegrade at the end of its use.
Employees are regularly trained regarding waste reduction, recycling and other conservation. They also support their team in more environmentally conscious practices such as taking alternative transportation to and from the office, and gathering ideas on how to reduce their ecological footprint in the workplace and other operations.