Spica Lifestyle

Production locations

• Bangladesh (Stanley/​Stella shirts)
• China (Softshell jacket and sports t‑shirts)
• Nijmegen, Netherlands (Textile printing Groene Was)

Working Conditions & Living Wages

Even though Stanley/​Stella basic shirts are made from 100% organic cotton, the country of production, Bangladesh, is still associated with challenges, particularly in terms of working conditions, environmental impact and safety standards. However, the Fair Wear certificate helps to mitigate these risks. The label certifies that production takes place under fair working conditions and is regularly inspected to ensure compliance with social standards such as fair wages and safe working conditions.
The Arnhem partners Siza, Scalabor, Groene Was and Groene Rijders emphasise the local nature of the project. The collaboration strengthens the local economy and promotes transparency and traceability. It also enables close co-operation and better control of production processes, resulting in a more ethical supply chain. 
The collaboration with the social enterprises Scalabor and Siza supports disadvantaged people in the labour market. 

Materials

• T‑shirts: organic cotten, GOTS certified
• Jackets & sportswear: Polyester & Elastane

Spica Lifestyle offers organic cotton T‑shirts, as well as jackets and sports T‑shirts made from polyester and elastane. The cotton T‑shirt is GOTS-certified, fulfils the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, is PETA-certified and bears the Fair Wear seal. 
If you want to find out more about the natural organic cotton fibre, read our article on the benefits of organic cotton. Synthetic fibres carry the risk of releasing microplastics, which can end up in the environment and have harmful effects. You can read about the invisible consequences of polyester in our article on synthetic fibres. 

Packaging

The products are packed in packing paper and cardboard. 
Groenewas and Siza use cardboard boxes to transport the shirts.
Scalabor uses plastic crates for internal transport.

Water usage & chemicals

The Spica Basic shirt is embroidered and the sports shirts and softshell jackets are flex printed.

Circular product design

The company primarily uses monofibres, which optimise recyclability. 
The Spica cup can be returned for recycling after use as part of a take-back system. 

Circular business models

As the products last a lifetime with the right care thanks to their high-quality workmanship, a repair service is not necessary according to the company.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Bangladesh
• China
• Netherlands
• The headquarters are located in Arnhem, Netherlands

Transportation

• From Groenewas (Nijmegen) to Siza (Arnhem): Car
• From Siza (Arnhem) to Scalabor (Arnhem): Car
• From Scalabor to end consumer: emission-free within Arnhem via Groene Rijders

After the T‑shirt has been embroidered in Arnhem, the next step takes place at Siza, where people with disabilities apply the label to the sleeve. Where possible, the order is then delivered to the customer by Groene Rijders using more environmentally friendly means of transport. Scalabor takes care of the logistics. 
Spica Lifestyle continuously strives to further localise the supply chain in order to minimise its environmental impact.

The company does not use any animal-based materials. 
The 100% organic cotton T‑shirt is even PETA-vegan certified. 

Product design

The Spica Lifestyle product line is aimed at men and includes basic T‑shirts for everyday wear and sporting activities, complemented by softshell jackets. These products are characterised by their high level of comfort, functionality and versatility, which makes them ideal for sports use and everyday urban life.

Slow fashion processes

The Arnhem-based label Spica Lifestyle strives for timeless and minimalist slow fashion with short, local supply chains. 

Transparency on product

Customers can track the products seamlessly, as the company discloses its partners and every step of the supply chain transparently and in detail. This includes textile printing, label production, logistics and shipping.

Transparency on processes

The company discloses its partners and every step of the supply chain transparently and in detail.