Modström conducts production in various locations around the world such as China, India, Turkey, Italy, and Bulgaria. They have a strict supplier code of conduct for all their facilities to adhere to. They also work with the UN Global Compact, and have published a document regarding their activities related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. While we appreciate the information provided in it regarding their actions towards ethical treatment of workers in the supply chain, we would love to see concrete numbers and facts regarding their actions. On the other hand, the brand performs a lot of social charitable activities.
Modström uses many materials, ranging from natural to synthetic. Their mainly used materials are conventional polyester and cotton, including some organic cotton and recycled cotton. They also use some more sustainable alternatives to synthetics such as Tencel Lyocell, Lenzing Ecovero, and recycled polyester. But they also use a lot of viscose, acrylic, nylon, and polyurethane. Generally, the materials used are quite unsustainable, but atleast there is a start with using some sustainable alternatives. The brand minimizes use of plastic in their packaging, using recycled plastic or FSC certified cartons and paper.
The brand claims to have a reselling platform, which would make them a circular brand, however this platform is nowhere to be found. Additionally, most of the brand’s products are material blends, making the garments very difficult to recycle at the end of use.
The brand is headquartered in Denmark, but has manufacturing facilities located all over the world. We also do not know where materials are sourced from, hence do not know the real length of the chain. They also do not mention their transportation methods, which make a huge difference in the CO2 emissions regardless of the length of the chain.
This brand uses animal materials such as wool and down. They only use down supposedly certified by the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring ethical treatment of animals. However, they do not provide any details about the wool, whether it is mulesing free or not.
Modström makes classy timeless pieces of clothing, as well as on-trend statement pieces. However, considering their use of material blends, we cannot say anything regarding the durability of the garments. They do, however, provide washing, care, and repair tips to keep the garments in use for a long time.
This brand has a long way to go regarding transparency- we would like more clarity regarding their organic and RDS certifications, their production facilities locations and details, supplier details, transportation methods, and more.
Conclusion
Modström still has a long way to go, however, we hope they continue on their journey to be more sustainable. If you’d like to purchase their clothing, find them at one of the shopping points below-
