Pinqponq

The brand takes ethical labour practices to heart, believing in forging long-term relationships with carefully selected suppliers to procure products responsibly. With six direct Tier 1 suppliers operating in Vietnam, Portugal and Turkey, pinqponq ensures their products are made with integrity and respect for workers’ rights.

As a proud member of the Fair Wear Foundation, pinqponq has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to fair working conditions. In fact, in 2018, they achieved the prestigious Leader status from FWF, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards set by the organisation.

To guarantee ethical practices throughout their supply chain, pinqponq’s suppliers must strictly adhere to their comprehensive code of conduct. The brand stands firm in its principles and ensures:

• Employment is freely chosen, ensuring no forced labour or exploitation.

• There is no room for discrimination in employment, creating a workplace that values diversity and inclusivity.

• No child labour is allowed, protecting the rights and well-being of the young generation.

• Workers can freely associate and bargain collectively, empowering their voices in decision-making processes.

• Payment of a living wage guarantees that workers can meet their basic needs and live with dignity.

• Reasonable hours of work, preventing excessive overtime and promoting work-life balance.

• Safe and healthy working conditions, prioritising the well-being and safety of every worker.

• Legally binding employment relationships, securing the rights of employees and offering them protection under the law.

According to their 2022 Corporate Responsibility Report, 91% of all synthetic fibres used are made from recycled polyester, 95% of which are recycled from PET bottles according to GRS standards and used in most backpacks and bags, and jackets as an outer lining and insulation material. The brand critically discusses the official downcycling of plastic bottles collected exclusively in Asia. In their report, they state that downcycling is currently a viable solution to battle microplastic pollution because of the sheer vast amounts of plastic bottle waste that is generated and not sufficiently recycled in the countries of origin. The brand continues to search for alternatives to PET recycling, proclaiming its belief that fibre-to-fibre recycling should be the future.

Pinqponq collaborates with the Taiwanese synthetic fabric giant FENC, whose fibres comprise most of their assortment, only sourcing yarns with the TOPGREEN ® standard. This is produced under more resource-friendly production methods. In addition, they are a partner of the bluesign® system, which is currently the strictest approach

to ensure the chemically clean production of a product.

Where possible, all items are waterlessly dyed with the Solution Dyed-Method. This is currently the case with all their black and grey coloured backpacks. 100% of the zippers in their clothing and most in their bags are bluesign® certified. 

Other materials used are kapok, a natural fibre from the seed pods of the kapok tree, which is native to tropical regions in South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia. Kapok fibre is buoyant and highly water-resistant, which makes it an ideal filler for pinqponq’s outerwear. Kapok is considered an eco-friendly fibre as it is biodegradable and requires no harmful chemical processing during production.

The cotton used is fully GOTS-certified, fully traceable and biodegradable.

pinqponq embraces circularity in its design approach, aiming for long-term use and sustainability. They offer an extended warranty of up to three years, demonstrating their commitment to durable, eco-friendly backpacks. When you purchase one of their backpacks, you automatically receive a two-year warranty, and by registering the bag, you receive an additional year.

However, it’s important to note that the brand is also conscious of the challenge posed by its focus on recycled materials. While using recycled materials helps reduce waste and environmental impact during the production phase, their products may not be easily recyclable at the end of their life cycle. Pinqponq continuously strives to improve its sustainability practices and find innovative solutions to address this issue, ensuring its products leave a positive impact on the environment throughout their lifespan.

Pinqponq’s primary sewing facilities are situated in Vietnam. Recognising the complexity of the textile supply chain, the brand is dedicated to gaining a comprehensive understanding of the origins of its products.

The central sewing unit responsible for crafting their products is ASG VINA Co., Ltd., with whom they have had a fruitful partnership since 2010.

The intricate nature of a backpack becomes evident when considering the multitude of individual parts involved, ranging from fabrics to buckles and zippers. Pinqponq collaborates with over 100 suppliers to assemble these components, predominantly based in Asia, specifically in South Korea, Vietnam, China and Taiwan. Further, partnering factories are based in Portugal and Turkey. The brand aims to source raw materials near its production facilities to keep its supply chain as short as possible.

An example of their sustainable sourcing approach is acquiring PET bottles for their yarns from Asian countries. This strategic choice serves two essential purposes. Firstly, it minimises the distance between the PET bottle suppliers and the fabric producers, reducing the carbon footprint. Secondly, it addresses the issue of PET waste in Asian countries, where formal recycling systems are lacking based on location.

Their backpacks are vegan. However, some of their garments contain wool. This is the only animal material used and is always guaranteed mulesing-free. Their suppliers are Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified.

Their timeless designs created with robust materials ensure that their backpacks, durable outerwear and high-quality basics will last for decades. An extended warranty on their backpacks ensures that these items are repaired and their use extended.

Pinqponq prides itself on achieving 100% transparency by sharing all its suppliers with COSH!. This remarkable commitment to openness is vital in the textile supply chain, where numerous parties are involved, and the process often involves multiple intermediaries and agents.

Specific manufacturing processes, such as printing and embroidery, are outsourced to sub-suppliers to ensure their products meet the highest standards. By doing so, pinqponq maintains control over the quality and sustainability of its products while working collaboratively with specialised partners.

In a complex industry where supply chains can be opaque, pinqponq’s commitment to transparency sets a commendable example, encouraging ethical practices and sustainability throughout its supply chain.