Leela Cotton

Production locations 

• Izmir, Turkey

Working Conditions & living wages

The brand is headquartered in Bremen, Germany, and its production facility is in Izmir, Turkey, with which they maintain a close relationship for 30 years and they are well aware of how they operate. 

Besides their GOTS (Global Organic Cotton Standard) certification (verified by COSH!) that covers all steps from their processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling and trading, they also have their own set of codes to ensure healthy work-life practices. The certification on top of that verified their ethical and more sustainable practices. They stress the importance of freely chosen employment, no forced overtime, freedom of association and collective bargaining, no child labour, zero discrimination, maternity and sickness benefits, no payment under minimum wage, etc.

Materials 

• Organic cotton 
• Elasthan 

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. 

Circular product design

Leela cotton has mostly monomaterial cotton products, which ensures recyclability at the end of use. There is a very small percentage of products that contain a blend of 2 – 5% elastane, which is still under the threshold to make recycling easy later. 

Circular business models

They do not have a return/repair/take-back platform as that they only sell to commercial resellers, however, considering the temporary nature of childrens’ clothes, setting up a circular system may be beneficial to the brand as well as the planet. 

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Izmir, Turkey
• The HQ is located in Bremen, Germany.
• Leela Cotton only conducts commercial sales, also including a B2B platform with many other more sustainable brands, which encourages consolidated orders which reduces the environmental footprint of less packaging, less waste, and fewer carbon emissions from transport. 

This company is located in Bremen, with its warehouse there. Their production facility is in Izmir, Turkey where the entire manufacturing process is held within a very small area close to the cultivation of the cotton, to reduce the CO2 emissions from the travel. 

Transportation 

• These products are transported to the warehouse in Bremen via sea or rail systems, to minimise carbon emissions. 
• The products are delivered to the customers using DHL Go Green and DPD Carbon-neutral services. 

The brand does not use any animal materials, and is PETA Vegan certified. 

Product design 

The compact product range addresses adults, men and women and also kids. The brand offers basic tops and shirts, as well as skirts, pants, leggings, dresses and shorts. The products are designed to be comfortable, functional, and long-lasting in the sense of durability and timelessness, while also respecting the planet and society. Their durability is very high, lasting up to 10 years if taken care of properly. 

Slow fashion processes 

Leela Cotton uses Aegean cotton, which is among the best in the world and known for being finer and softer while wearing. At the same time it is known for its long-fibres, brightness, high-strength and homogeneity. 

Organic cotton is breathable and absorbent, and balances the body temperature, which makes it seasonless along with the unseasonable colours, silhouettes, and patterns used in this brand. It is also suitable for kids with sensitive skin.

Transparency on product 

Leela Cotton provides a lot of transparency regarding the materiality certifications, and sourcing locations. The product description pages are a little lacking in details about the materials and specific production location, as well as care instructions. However, considering that this brand does not cater to individual customers, these details are not needed as long as the commercial reseller provides them to the customer. 

Transparency on processes

However, Leela Cotton provides an email for the end customers to reach out to with specific questions regarding the garments. They have revealed a lot more information to COSH! as well, which helps us reflect their sustainability efforts better.