Rotholz

Production locations 

• Portugal 

Working Conditions & living wages 

Rotholz works with only three direct suppliers, all located in Portugal. Their website states that they conduct regular visits to these facilities to ensure safe, fair, and healthy working environments. 

Materials 

• Certified organic cotton 
• Recycled cotton
• Linen 
• Tencel lyocell 
• Mulesing free merino wool 
• Recycled wool blends
• Organic wool 
• Recycled nylon 
• Recycled polyester 
• Elastane 

Rotholz provides detailed information on their materials, although they do not state what certifications apply. The majority of their garments are produced from natural, plant-based materials, in particular certified organic cotton and linen. They also use Tencel lyocell, a man-made, plant-based material which is derived from wood pulp. Where synthetic materials are used, Rotholz primarily sources recycled polyester and nylon, which prevents excess waste from being generated. 

Rotholz also takes care when sourcing their haberdashery. Their buttons are made from corozo nut or recycled plastic, and labels are often recycled plastic too! 

Packaging 

Rotholz does not disclose what packaging materials are used in their supply chain. 

Water usage & chemicals 

Rotholz’s website states that they aim to transform the fashion industry, and recognise the significant environmental problems caused by traditional textile production. They primarily use organic cotton, which is produced without chemical pesticides, and with less water. The brand also claims to only use petrochemical-free materials, to prevent the release of microplastics. However, some products currently listed on their website do contain a small percentage of elastane, recycled polyester, or recycled nylon; plastic-based synthetics. 

Circular product design 

The vast majority of Rotholz’s products are monomaterials, which means that they are easier to recycle at the end of their lifespan, and less likely to generate waste. However, this is not the case for Rotholz’s entire product range. For example, their quilted jackets have a recycled PET filling, and their recycled wool sweaters are a material blend of 70% recycled wool, and 30% recycled nylon. Whilst this is likely to increase the performance of their products, it does limit their circularity. 

Rotholz encourages consumers to take proper care of their garments, by providing washing instructions on each product page. This helps to ensure that their products last longer. 

Circular business models 

Rotholz does not currently share information about any implemented circular business strategies.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain 

Production locations:

• Portugal 

Rotholz has a relatively simple supply chain, with all manufacturing based in Europe across just three facilities. Their headquarters are located in Potsdam, Germany, right next to their flagship store. Here, the Rotholz team develop new concepts and designs for their collections. 

Transportation 

All shipments within Germany and the EU are handled through DHL GoGreen, minimising transportation related emissions. Rotholz also encourages consumers to shop at one of their concept stores, located across Europe, to reduce shipping emissions. 

Animal related materials 

• Post-consumer recycled wool 
• Merino wool
• Organic wool 

The production of merino wool is often associated with the controversial practice of mulesing, where a portion of the sheep’s skin is removed to prevent parasitic larvae infestations. Rotholz’s website states that their merino wool is mulesing-free and comes exclusively from certified organic livestock farming. 

Rotholz also uses organic wool, and their website states that this is certified, not chemically treated, and from controlled organic livestock farming. 

PRODUCT DESIGN 

Rotholz offers both men’s and women’s wear, with sizes ranging from XS to XXL on the majority of products. Whether you’re looking for a casual t‑shirt or something more formal, Rotholz has something for everyone! Rotholz’s website also features a smaller range of accessories, including bags, hats, and scarves. Looking for a unique addition to your homeware? Rotholz even offers a limited collection of home goods, such as decorative items and vases. 

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Rotholz’s website states that their relationship with small, family-run factories allows the production of small-batch items, minimising the likelihood of waste from excess production. As items are not made to order, their website features an archive sale of the remaining stock from previous collections. 

Transparency on product 

Rotholz provides detailed product pages, which clearly state the materials used, where the materials were sourced, and the production locations. Some items also even state who made them! 

Transparency on processes 

Although Rotholz does not publish an annual report on the social or environmental aspects of their brand, their website does feature further information on production facilities, including their locations and the number of employees.