Petit Bateau

Petit Bateau has a rich history that dates back to the late 19^th century. 

Historically, Petit Bateau has been known for its production in France, particularly in Troyes, the brand’s birthplace. The brand controls the entire chain of production in its historical factory, from the arrival of thread to the end clothing. 

45% of the knitting and dyeing is still done in the Petit Bateau St Joseph factory in Troyes. Adhering to stringent European regulations, ensuring safe and ethical manufacturing practices in its facilities.

However, like many global brands, they have expanded their production to other countries to meet international demand. The remaining 55% of production is done in the Petit Bateau factories in Morocco and Tunisia.

Petit Bateau does not appear to have initiatives in place for worker empowerment, like collective bargaining or rights to make a complaint. While the brand does trace parts of its supply chain, there’s no clear evidence of ensuring living wage payments within it. The company conducts audits, including all final production stages.

Petit Bateau is known for its commitment to quality materials. Mainly using cotton or mixtures of natural fibres, to ensure softness and durability. The brand has increasingly focused on sustainability, indicating a shift towards more eco-friendly and ethically sourced materials. 

The brand’s quality Policy is based on the safety and qualities of its products. The strictest of standards are followed in terms of toxicology in keeping with the OEKOTEX STANDARD 100® label. In 2021, of Petit Bateau products were 75 % OEKO-TEX® certified.

100% of Petit Bateau’s ingredients are thoroughly assessed following essential CSR impact criteria: naturality, sourcing, or biodegradability and ecotoxicity. The brand also shares the origins of their raw materials.

Petit Bateau suppresses hangers for transport purposes or to stock clothing at sales-points. It also reprocesses hangers and transport bags. 

All store bags are made of recycled paper.

In May 2021, Petit Bateau launched a collection service in France for used Petit Bateau clothing, offering sales vouchers in exchange and launched a rental service for baby clothes.

These efforts not only extend the lifecycle of garments but also provide eco-conscious options for consumers, marking a significant step towards a more circular and responsible fashion industry.

Petit Bateau has a long supply chain.

Beginning with the procurement of materials like cotton from worldwide sources. The manufacturing process is then dispersed across different countries, leveraging cost efficiencies and specialized expertise. Following production, the supply chain incorporates a thorough logistics network, responsible for transporting, storing, and delivering the clothing either to retail outlets or directly to customers globally. Each of these stages adds length and complexity to Petit Bateau’s supply chain.

There is no evidence it reduces its carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions in most of its supply chain.

Petit Bateau lacks a clear policy to ensure animal welfare. The brand utilizes down, exotic animal hair, and wool in its products, but refrains from using fur, leather, angora, or exotic animal skins.

There is, however, no indication that Petit Bateau traces its animal-derived materials back to the initial production stage.

True to its history and know-how, the brand proudly creates timeless pieces: durability is the best way to make responsible clothing. Prioritizing quality and classic design, the brand embodies sustainable style, reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion.

Petit Bateau demonstrates commendable transparency in its production chain. As a B‑Corp, Petit Bateau is recognized for its commitment to positive impacts on both people and the planet, adhering to rigorous standards in terms of ethical practices, transparency, and accountability.

While Petit Bateau may not disclose every detail of its supply chain, its efforts in maintaining transparency where it counts — especially in its main production facilities — sets a positive example in an industry where such openness is not always the norm. This approach allows consumers to make more informed choices, trusting in the integrity and sustainability of their purchases.