POM Amsterdam

POM Amsterdam is a family-run business, helmed by sisters who mix their creative and commercial smarts, showing a real knack for social responsibility. The sisters are big on fostering a ​‘happy family’ vibe within their team, promoting a positive and inclusive work culture that goes beyond the usual business boundaries.

All POM Amsterdam’s production units, within and outside the EU, are certified by BSCI or Sedex, safeguarding workers’ rights. Except for the workshops in the Netherlands and Italy, which are under strict EU regulations. The POM team regularly visits the Italian and Dutch production partners, at least twice a year, ensuring top-notch standards.

Although POM Amsterdam doesn’t specifically list the countries where their production happens, at COSH! we appreciate their active steps to ensure their workers are treated right.

POM Amsterdam demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, evident in their choice of materials for their products. On their website, you can find detailed specifications for each item, including fabric composition, certifications, and whether it’s produced in Europe.

Their selection of fabrics for clothing is quite innovative:

• Organic and ECOTEC Cotton: This cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and requires less water, leading to a healthier environment and soil. ECOTEC is a unique process that converts production waste from weaving and knitting factories into new yarns.

• Ecovero: This brand of viscose fibres comes from sustainable wood sources, aligning with eco-friendly practices.

• Lyocell and Lenzing Tencel: Innovative fibres made from the wood pulp of sustainably managed forests, these materials are known for their environmentally friendly production processes and biodegradability.

However, these natural fibres are often mixed with synthetic ones:

• Recycled Polyester: Reduces the need for new resources and supports recycling efforts.

• Recycled Nylon: A more sustainable version of traditional nylon, made from recycled materials, helping to reduce waste and new resource use.

Their beautifully hand-painted scarves are made from (semi)natural fibres like modal, cupro, tencel, wool, and alpaca, using modern printing techniques.

The origin of the wool is less transparent than other fibre types, lacking clear certifications or origin labels. To enhance durability, they sometimes add polyamide to their scarves.

All garments use a blend of various fibres, which enhances comfort and usability but complicates recycling possibilities, as separating fibres can be a complex and sometimes not commercially viable or technologically feasible process.

The leather for their belts comes from Germany and the products are made in the Netherlands, carrying a Leather Working Group (LWG) Gold Certificate, indicating responsible leather processing and production.

POM Amsterdam’s packaging, including bags, boxes, clothing labels, and other materials, is made from recycled materials or those produced sustainably, reflecting their dedication to environmental responsibility.

By using ECOTEC and other recycled materials, POM Amsterdam clearly demonstrates a commitment to circular fashion practices.

COSH! believes that the lack of information about repair options is an area where POM Amsterdam could improve in the future. It’s vital for brands not only to consider the materials they use but also to think about the entire life cycle of their products, including end-of-life and the potential for recycling or upcycling.

POM Amsterdam’s current practices are a step in the right direction, and further developments in repair and recycling could enhance their circular practices even more.

POM Amsterdam aims for a shorter supply chain by mainly producing in Europe and sending out climate-neutral packages from their distribution centre, thanks to DHL’s ​‘Go Green’ program which uses electric vehicles and offsets carbon emissions.

At first look, POM Amsterdam seems to have a short supply chain. But, we’re missing details. Since materials like cotton and polyester often come from places like China or India, without knowing where they make everything, we can’t be sure how short their supply chain really is.

POM Amsterdam steers clear of fur, Angora, wool, and exotic leathers, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare. Instead, they opt for alternatives like cupro or lyocell over silk for the same ethical considerations.

Their belt leather is Leather Working Group (LWG) certified, signifying a responsible approach to leather processing and production.

However, the source of their wool remains ambiguous, as there is a lack of detailed information and certifications provided. Greater transparency regarding their wool would further underscore the brand’s dedication to animal welfare.

POM Amsterdam’s commitment to quality and sustainability in their products supports a slow fashion philosophy, contributing to a longer lifespan for their clothing.

A number of POM scarves are made of woven jacquard fabric, they’re cleverly designed to be reversible . As a result, you actually have two scarves in one. 

POM Amsterdam offers clear washing instructions on their care labels, which is crucial for the preservation of garments. Taking proper care of items not only extends their lifespan, but also reduces the environmental impact of frequent washing.

POM Amsterdam makes an effort to be transparent by sharing details about the materials and certifications of their products. This helps consumers align their purchases with personal sustainability and ethical values.

However, the brand falls short in disclosing the origins of their materials, leaving questions about the supply chain’s length and environmental impact. Furthermore, the exact locations of their production remain unclear.

COSH! believes that offering such comprehensive information would significantly enhance transparency, giving customers a clearer understanding of the provenance of their clothing.