Nordlicht

Nordlicht boasts a variety of certifications that prove fairness is part of its corporate DNA and business practices throughout all levels of the production process. The brand is GOTS and Green Button certified. Its producers have different certificates, such as quality management according to ISO 9001, the code of conduct according to BSCI and working conditions according to SA 8000. By regularly visiting their production partners in person Nordlicht can ensure fair and ethical production. Since their foundation in 2014, they have been building long-term partnerships. These various certifications ensure no child labour and that living wages and decent working conditions are in place. Without intermediaries, Nordlicht works directly with its production facilities without intermediaries, visiting and working with sewists and pattern cutters locally and directly.

Nordlicht also actively practices CSR through its own initiative, voluntarily and beyond the legal requirements. The brand supports an impressive number of six climate and social welfare initiatives with yearly donations and collaborations. To offset their CO2 emissions, they support a recognised climate protection project certified according to international standards.

Nordlicht mostly uses sustainable materials with a significantly lower impact on the planet, people and animals than conventional materials. Their merino wool is RWS-certified mulesing-free, meaning that animals are reared under certified organic animal husbandry. Their cotton is 100% GOTS-certified ensuring pesticide-free and non-GMO cultivation. Nordlicht processes chromium – azo-dyed and PCP-free vegetable-tanned leather from Europe, protecting people and the planet throughout this ecological production process. To create their vegan handbags and accessories, the brand uses premium ​“kraft paper”, made of a sustainable and vegan material produced in Germany. The tear-resistant paper is developed from sustainably harvested plant fibres and solidified with latex.

Although the brand does not have a take-back, recycling or rental system currently active, their designs made with natural materials and fabrics are mostly biodegradable and fully recyclable. They provide a two-year product warranty and spare materials for repairs. Their shipping materials are fully biodegradable and recyclable, made of grass cuttings and waste paper.

Their production locations are mostly in the EU within Portugal, Italy, Greece and Germany, with a small part of the canvas bag production taking place in China. How transportation of the finished pieces takes place is not stated. The e‑commerce packaging is produced in Germany.

Nordlicht takes its use of animal materials very seriously and acts exclusively with respect for animals. The kraft paper bags are PETA-approved-vegan certified and the small amounts of wool used are RWS certified, ensuring that no animals were harmed and the highest standards have been adhered to. The leather is chromium – azo-dyed and PCP-free vegetable-tanned from Europe.

Nordlicht’s products are handmade to last decades. The brand supplies specific instructions to its customers on how to properly take care of their purchases in order to have them last as long as possible. The premium fabrics and careful sourcing mean that the products are made of very high quality. The brand’s Nordic designs are timeless, comprising two collections per year with sales occurring based on an item basis.

Nordlicht has a close relationship with its suppliers and lists its manufacturing partners’ various countries of origin. The brand has not disclosed partner factories or specific locations of their suppliers or where the raw materials are sourced from.