SankoShi

Production locations

• HQ: Ghent, Belgium
• Production: Empower The Future, Kigali, Rwanda

Working Conditions & living wages

SankoShi focuses on ethical production and empowerment, with all materials sourced from Rwanda, where the brand supports local artisans and women through collaborative organisations. The brand works together with the local organisation Empower The Future. 

Empower The Future helps children who are living on the streets to guide them and reunite them with their families. At the same time, they guide the parents: teaching them necessary life skills like crafts and providing them with employment opportunities. These partnerships are aimed at teaching skills and providing economic opportunities, significantly impacting the lives of the participants and their families. 

Handcrafted by these skilled workers, each product from SankoShi carries a story of empowerment and community support, reflecting a commitment to social practices and the welfare of its contributors. This approach not only enhances product authenticity but also ensures that production practices align with the brand’s values of care and quality. 

Materials

• Wooden beads
• Kitenge fabrics (most likely cotton, dyed with artisanal wax dying techniques)

The bomberjackets and travel bags are made from traditional African Kitenge fabrics. These are cotton fabrics that are artisanal dyed using a traditional technique with wax. This creates vibrant colours and intricate patterns. 

However, there is limited information on the specific materials used for the fabrics, which is traditionally made from cotton.

The beaded bags are made with wooden beads, but it is unclear what type of wood this is and where it is sourced from.

Packaging

Sadly, there is no information available about what packaging SankoShi uses.

Water usage & chemicals

There is very little information available on the water and chemical usage in the production process. 

Circular product design

It is difficult to assess the circularity of the products, due to the lack of information about the used materials. If all materials in a product are natural, then it will help the recycling process of an item. However, if natural and synthetic materials are combined it is much more difficult to recycle them.

Circular business models

SankoShi currently does not have a circular business model. If the brand were to start offering a rental or resale option, this would greatly increase its circularity. Offering repairs could also help.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

SankoShi’s operational base is in Belgium, but the brand sources its products directly from Rwanda. SankoShi’s founder personally travels to Kigali to select and transport the items. Even though most steps of the production chain happen close to each other The length of the supply chain is unavoidable due to the nature of the brand. 

Transportation

The brand involves significant air travel, which impacts its carbon footprint. This is due to Sophie’s desire to have a hands-on procurement practice, embodying a personal and slow-fashion business model, hence a balance is yet to be struck between these aspects.

SankoShi has not said anything about animal-derived materials being used in their products.

Product design

SankoShi embraces the ethos of slow fashion by ensuring its products carry cultural significance. The vibrant designs are unique and a true eye-catcher, making them timeless in their own way.

The Rwandan history is woven into the Kitenge fabrics, being worn for decades and still maintaining a modern vibe! This makes a SankoShi bag or jacket the ideal finishing touch for your outfits.

Slow fashion processes

Each item is handcrafted, not only showcasing the rich heritage of African craftsmanship but also embodying quality and durability. Their dedication to empowering women through the brand reflects their desire to conduct ethical production of garments, which is a core part of the brand’s theme and motto. 

SankoShi produces in small quantities, putting the wellbeing of the makers ahead of the production.

Transparency on product

Unfortunately, SankoShi doesn’t share a lot of information about the materials used in the products. This limited transparency influences the circularity and materials assessment.

Transparency on processes

While SankoShi has room to enhance transparency regarding materials and production specifics, the brand has demonstrated a willingness to engage openly about their practices, as evidenced by their detailed discussions with COSH!. This openness about operational methods and community collaboration highlights their commitment to transparency.

You can read more about the social production in Rwanda on SankoShi’s website, or on the website of Empower The Future.