Nordlicht

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Portugal
• Italy
• Greece
• Germany
• China (small part of canvas bag production)

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Nordlicht states that fairness is part of its core business ethics. The brand holds GOTS and Green Button certifications, ensuring compliance with social and environmental standards. Its production partners hold various certifications such as ISO 9001 (quality management), BSCI (code of conduct), and SA 8000 (working conditions).

Nordlicht works directly with its production partners, avoiding intermediaries and maintaining long-term collaborations. The brand claims to conduct regular visits to ensure ethical production practices and states that no child labour is involved while workers receive fair wages.

Additionally, Nordlicht supports six climate and social initiatives through annual donations and collaborations. To reduce its carbon footprint, the brand contributes to a certified climate protection project.

MATERIALS

• RWS-certified merino wool (mulesing-free)
• 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton (pesticide-free, non-GMO)
• Vegetable-tanned European leather (chromium, azo dye, and PCP-free)
• Vegan kraft paper (tear-resistant, plant fibre-based, latex-solidified, made in Germany)

Nordlicht selects materials that, according to them, have a lower impact on the environment, people, and animals. Their wool follows Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) guidelines, ensuring ethical animal treatment. The leather is said to be tanned using eco-conscious processes, reducing harmful chemicals.

PACKAGING

Nordlicht states that its shipping materials are fully biodegradable and recyclable, made from grass cuttings and waste paper. There is no mention of packaging materials used within the supply chain.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

Nordlicht processes vegetable-tanned leather, free from chromium, azo dyes, and PCP, aiming to reduce water pollution. However, there is no information on specific water-saving initiatives or wastewater management.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

Although Nordlicht does not currently offer a take-back, recycling, or rental system, the brand claims its products are mostly biodegradable and recyclable due to their natural composition. They provide a two-year product warranty and spare materials for repairs.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS

No take-back or resale system is available. However, Nordlicht encourages repairability by providing extra materials for minor fixes.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Production mainly takes place within the EU (Portugal, Italy, Greece, Germany)
• A small portion of canvas bag production occurs in China
• E‑commerce packaging is made in Germany

Nordlicht does not disclose details on raw material sourcing.

TRANSPORTATION 

The brand offsets emissions from the shipping of its cartons, but it does not provide information on transportation methods used within its supply chain.

Nordlicht states that it only uses animal-derived materials with high welfare standards. The PETA-approved kraft paper bags are certified vegan. Their wool is RWS-certified, ensuring ethical sheep farming. The vegetable-tanned leather is free from harsh chemicals but still involves animal use.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Nordlicht offers timeless, Nordic-inspired designs with two collections per year. The brand focuses on high-quality fabrics and craftsmanship.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Each piece is designed for longevity. The brand provides care instructions to help extend the product lifespan. Sales are conducted on an item basis rather than through large seasonal discounts.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

Nordlicht provides general information about its materials and production locations but does not disclose detailed sourcing information for raw materials.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

While Nordlicht lists the countries where its products are made, it does not publicly share details about specific factories or supplier names. There is no published annual social or environmental impact report.