Rains

Rains keeps in close contact with all their manufacturers. Production takes place in China. Rains has its own code of conduct that all manufacturers the brand works with have to comply with. On top of that, Rains is also a member of the Amfori BSCI organisation. This is an organisation that helps companies produce more ethically. Amfori BSCI also carries out audits at all Rains manufacturers to check on site that all guidelines are followed.

Rains developed a lightweight but strong polyester fabric to which a flexible polyurethane coating is applied to make the fabric water-repellent. The fabric is bonded together by ultrasonic lasers, this gives a high-quality and waterproof finish to all products. Moreover, all closures, zips and trims are made of water-resistant materials.

Waterproof textiles always contain synthetic materials. Still, to minimise their impact on the environment, Rains has banned PFC substances (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) from all their products. 

PFC substances are harmful substances often used in backpacks and rain coats because of their water-repellent properties. However, it is perfectly possible to make outdoor products without the use of PFC, as Rains also demonstrates with its water-repellent backpacks and laptop sleeves. Studies have also shown PVC to be enormously harmful to the environment due to substances (dioxins) released during the production process.

To limit the use of chemicals even further, Rains applies the conditions of the REACH regulation to all its production processes. REACH is a European Union regulation that restricts the use of harmful chemicals. These rules only apply within the EU, but Rains also enforces them on their Chinese manufacturers.

Furthermore, the brand will ensure that from 2021 all its packaging material is made of ecological, compostable materials. The brand will use, for example, FSC-certified cardboard (Forest Stewardship Council), which means the materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Rains products are made from a combination of different materials. By coating a polyester textile with polyurethane, these materials are mixed together. This makes the products harder to recycle after use. This is why Rains is not so circular. The brand does have ambitions to work on this so that its products will be more circular in the future.

Rains does not have a short supply chain given that their manufacturers are located in China. The company does say that they are in direct contact with these manufacturers, which does limit the number of links in the chain.

Rains products are 100% vegan! For example, the brand has replaced all down and feathers in their winter collection with a lightweight synthetic insulation material.

For Rains, the safety of their products is a big priority. This is why the company puts a lot of emphasis on creating products that are safe for people to wear, even in the long term. Rains’ products are made from quality materials to ensure a long lifespan. That’s why the brand gives a two-year warranty on all their products.

The high-performance, fluorinate-free polyurethane coating ensures water repellency and longevity. The rubber material has high durability and, with its built-in insulating quality, it also has windproof capabilities.

In the process, you can also get tips & tricks on how to care and maintain your purchase from Rains. Rains developed its own cleaning product to properly clean your jacket or backpack.

Rains scores moderately well on transparency. The brand does share information about its production sites, materials and processes, but this information is not very detailed.