PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- Belgium
WORKING CONDITIONS & WAGES
The yarn comes from a spinning mill in the south-west of France, specialising in recycled fibres. The knitting is handled by a family-run business in Zottegem, Belgium, with over 100 years of experience in knitwear.
As both production sites are located in Europe, European labour regulations apply.
Marie Doutrepont maintains direct and personal contact with the manufacturer, as she collects the knitted pieces directly from the factory. The pieces are crafted by hand in small series.
MATERIALS
- 95% recycled wool
- 5% further recycled fibres
The yarn comes from a French GRS-certified company that produces its yarns from 80% post-consumer textile waste.
According to Marie Doutrepont, the 5% additional recycled fibres are an unavoidable result of the recycling process. The spinning mill carefully sorts and selects used garments, choosing exclusively wool-based pieces (from Shetland to cashmere). However, since the incoming garments always contain small synthetic components, such as nylon sewing threads or polyamide labels, which are not removed before the recycling process, these trace elements inevitably end up in the yarn.
Read more about the fibre wool here.
PACKAGING
- For e‑commerce packaging, Marie Doutrepont uses kraft paper and tissue paper with basic eco-labels.
- Within the supply chain, no packaging materials are used, as the knitted pieces are collected in person by the label.
WATER USE & CHEMICALS
By using recycled yarn, water consumption and dyeing requirements are significantly reduced compared to new materials. Marie Doutrepont points out that both production sites are located in Europe and are therefore subject to European regulations on water and chemical use, including dye baths.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
The accessories are made from mixed fibres, which can make future recycling more challenging.
There is currently no repair or take-back service.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL
Marie Doutrepont currently does not offer a repair or take-back service. For end-of-line stock, the label plans to either donate items or return them to the spinning mill so the fibres can re-enter the recycling process. Other circular models such as rental or resale do not currently exist.
SUPPLY CHAIN DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY
- Yarn origin: France
- Production: Belgium
- Headquarters: Belgium
The brand has a short and transparent supply chain, limited to France and Belgium.
TRANSPORT
- The yarn is delivered by ground transport, with DHL as the main partner. The finished knitted pieces are collected by Marie Doutrepont directly from the supplier in Zottegem.
- Deliveries to customers are handled by the Belgian postal service BPost.
The brand uses recycled wool, reducing the need for new animal fibres.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Marie Doutrepont produces hybrid accessories. The scarves are available in various sizes and colours and can be worn in multiple ways.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
The brand does not work with seasonal collections, but instead releases new models and sizes at intervals. Products are made in small series to avoid overproduction.
PRODUCT TRANSPARENCY
Product pages list dimensions, material composition and the origin of materials. It is also communicated that the product is designed, prototyped and subsequently produced in a limited series in Belgium. Overall, the website enables basic traceability at country level for both materials and production steps.
PROCESS TRANSPARENCY
The website communicates that production takes place in Belgium and that the yarn originates from France.
There is no publicly available sustainability report.
Marie Doutrepont has responded openly and transparently to questions from COSH!
Conclusion
Belgian label Marie Doutrepont designs unique knitted accessories made from recycled yarn. The minimalist designs combine craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Discover the fashion statements that can be worn as a scarf, collar or poncho on the COSH! map below.