Marie Jo

PRODUCTION SITES

• Belgium
• Tunisia
• China
• Thailand

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Marie Jo designs and carries out quality controls in Belgium, but production takes place partly in its own workshops in Tunisia and at specialised sub-suppliers in Tunisia, Thailand and China. Each of these countries brings specific challenges. 

To guarantee fairer and safer working conditions, Marie Jo works exclusively with socially more responsible ateliers. Independent certifications such as WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) and SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) confirm that high standards are maintained in terms of labour rights, safety and environmental management. Moreover, production sites undergo annual external audits to ensure strict compliance with these standards.

Marie Jo maintains long-term partnerships with its suppliers. One example is its collaboration with Top Form in China and Thailand, where the brand plays an active role in strategic decision-making. This helps to maintain high ethical and sustainability standards. In addition, the brand owns its own atelier in Tunisia, where 700 employees – mostly women – work under fairer and safer conditions. By investing in training and facilities, Marie Jo contributes to better working conditions and a future-proof textile industry.

Although lingerie production is largely machine-made, the stitching process requires craftsmanship and precision. This is why Marie Jo works with specialised sewing workshops, where artisanal techniques are central. Moreover, the brand supports various social initiatives that help women worldwide to fulfil their potential.

As part of its social mission, Marie Jo is actively committed to women’s empowerment. For example, the brand works with Plan International to improve the position of young women in Rwanda and supports local tailoring schools with materials. In addition, lingerie and swimwear are donated to organisations helping women in need. The brand also funds research into oncological care and develops specialised bras for irradiated women.

In terms of inclusiveness, Marie Jo is taking clear steps. 90% of staff are women, and 62.5% of the management team are women. The brand is also committed to poverty reduction and family support in Belgium, including through financial support to local initiatives such as De Katrol and SamenBergenOp.

MATERIALS

• Polyester
• Polyamide
• Elastane
• Metal
• Cotton
• Viscose
• Moussecups

Traditional polyamide and polyester are derived from petroleum, but more eco-friendly alternatives are said to be on the way. Van de Velde, to which Marie Jo belongs, is currently exploring two more sustainable options:

• Recycled yarns – made from production residue streams, reducing waste and demand for new raw materials.
• Bio-based yarns – produced from renewable biocomponents such as starch, reducing the need for fossil fuels.

Both materials would carry the GRS (Global Recycled Standard) label, guaranteeing an ecologically more responsible production process. A step in the right direction!

PACKAGING

The company tries to reduce and reuse their operational packaging materials as much as possible. For instance, all lingerie is delivered in FSC-certified cardboard boxes. Furthermore, the company has started eliminating all single-use plastic for packaging the final product.

The plastic packaging of certain products such as the Color Studio slip line has already been replaced by recycled cardboard.

WATER­CONSUMPTION & CHEMICALS

All fabrics and materials at Marie Jo have the following labels:

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100
• REACH

CIR­CU­LAR PRODUCTDESIGN

Although Marie Jo does not use recycled fabrics for the production of lingerie, it actively seeks circular solutions for cutting waste and residues. Thanks to smart cutting robots, fabric waste is minimised, and the remaining residues are not thrown away, but are given a second life.

For example, they are made into make-up bags, mouth masks or acoustic panels. Fabric scraps are also sold or used in upcycling projects, such as limited edition collections and corporate gifts. A great example is the collaboration with Ared, a Spanish organisation that helps reintegrate women into the labour market by letting them work on upcycled products.

These initiatives keep Marie Jo’s cutting waste to a minimum and extend the life of high-quality fabrics. This does mean that some upcycled items are made of mixed materials, which can make recycling difficult at the end of their lifespan. 

Most Marie Jo products consist exclusively of synthetic materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle.

CIRCULAR BUSINESSMODEL

Marie Jo does not have circular business models such as rental, resale or a repair service. Given the nature of the products, this is more difficult anyway.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF SUPPLY CHAIN

• Production locations: Belgium, Tunisia, China and Thailand
• Raw material suppliers: European suppliers mainly from Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland and Spain. Also some from Asia
• Headquarters: Belgium
• Sales: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Slovenia, Slovakia and the United States.

72% of the material for production comes from Europe. The proximity of European raw material suppliers provides advantages for the supply chain, specifically for transport to the central cutting hall in Belgium. The other 28% of materials comes from Asia.

TRANS­PORT 

• Transport in the supply chain: within the EU, all transport is done via trucks. For deliveries from Tunisia, the company uses ships. Everything coming from Asia comes in via air transport.
• Transport in e‑commerce: orders are possible at home or work via Bpost, where further delivery preferences can be entered.

The company does not use animal materials.

PRO­DUCT­DE­SIGN

Ill-fitting lingerie is not only uncomfortable but also less durable. A well-fitting bra lasts longer and provides the right support. That’s why Marie Jo is strongly committed to personal advice and innovative tools to help every woman find the perfect size and style.

̌Their collections include bh’s, slips, body’s and shapewear, available in various sizes and styles – from seductive balconette bras to comfortable bralettes and firm full-cup models. Through the Van de Velde Academy lingerie stylists worldwide are trained to give professional sizing and style advice.

Prefer to determine your size yourself? Then bh-size scans in store and online fitting tools will help you find the right fit quickly and accurately. So you can choose lingerie that makes you feel confident and comfortable – that also lasts longer!

SLOW FAS­HI­ON PROCESSES

By using smart inventory management strategies and advanced forecasting models, Marie Jo produces only what is needed and avoids overproduction. What does remain after a season is not destroyed, but donated in a targeted way as much as possible.

The company also participates in clearance sales and stock sales.

The company also works with modular technical components, such as braces, foam cups and finishing bands, which are reused for seasons. This not only ensures consistency in quality and fit, but also reduces material waste. By combining timeless designs with smart production methods, Marie Jo creates lingerie that lasts longer and has less impact on the environment.

TRANSPARENCY AT THE PRODUCT LEVEL

A brief list of materials can be found on the Marie Jo product pages. Further info can be found on highlighted sustainability pages.

TRANSPARENCY AT THE PROCESS LEVEL

Marie Jo tries to give a holistic view about their production processes. On their website, for instance, they share information about who would have worked on your product. Most of the information can be found at Van de Velde itself, where a sustainability report is also available.