PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
Sproet and Sprout does not currently disclose their production locations on their website.
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
Sproet and Sprout state that their factories are carefully selected and audited according to the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). They state that this means their suppliers’ facilities are thoroughly assessed to ensure that they meet the standards of the Code of Conduct, including safe working conditions and fair pay.
MATERIALS
- Organic cotton
- Cotton
- Recycled polyester
- Polyamide
- Elastane
Sproet and Sprout state that they mostly use Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton, which is produced in an environmentally friendly way and ethical manner. They aim to use only organic cotton in the coming collections.
The brand uses recycled polyester, from post-consumer plastic bottles, for their swimwear. Recycled polyester is a more sustainable alternative to conventional polyester, as it makes use of potential waste, and reduces the brand’s reliance on raw materials. However, it is sometimes combined with a smaller percentage of elastane, which is necessary to ensure flexibility.
Small percentages of polyamide and elastane are also used in their socks, to improve their performance.
PACKAGING
Sproet and Sproud state that they use recycled plastic to package their products for e‑commerce, which reduces their use of raw materials.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
Organic cotton is used for the majority of Sproet and Sproud’s products. This requires less water to produce than conventional cotton, and is grown without harmful chemicals or pesticides. Sproet and Sproud also use low-impact dyes, which are GOTS approved, and non-toxic.
Unfortunately, some of Sproet and Sproud’s products are made from, or with, synthetic materials. These will release microplastics when washed, contributing to microplastic pollution.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
Many of Sproet and Sprout’s products are monomaterials of 100% organic cotton. This means that they are both free from synthetics, and easier to recycle. .
However, the items in Sproet and Sprout’s swimwear collection are normally made from a material blend of recycled polyester and conventional elastane. Recycled polyester itself is not often recycled, as it is not yet economically profitable or technically feasible for the majority of companies. Consequently, these items are more likely to end up as waste at the end of their lifespan.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS
Sproet and Sprout do not share any circular business models on their website, such as a take-back service or repair scheme.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Sproet and Sprout do not disclose their production locations on their website. This makes it impossible to determine the length or complexity of their supply chain. The brand’s headquarters are located in the Netherlands, and they offer worldwide shipping.
TRANSPORTATION
Sproet and Sprout do not disclose what transportation methods are used within their supply chain. They aim to offset their CO2 emissions by donating to the foundation ‘Trees for all’. This initiative plants trees in the Netherlands and abroad.
The items currently available on Sproet and Sprout’s website do not contain any animal-derived materials.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Sproet and Sprout offer children’s clothing in sizes ranging from 3 months to 12 years, as well as a small collection of baby clothing in sizes 0 months to 2 years. The items are often characterised by cute patterns and fun colours, and are therefore sure to appeal to your little ones.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
Sproet and Sprout state that they ensure that they have no leftover fabrics from manufacturing, to help minimise waste. However, as their items are not made to order, there is a sales section on their website.
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
The product pages state what material each item is made from, and state that they were designed in Holland. However, as no production countries are provided, it is difficult to know where your specific purchase was produced.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES
Sproet & Sprout lack transparency about their processes. They do not disclose their production locations, or where they source their raw materials from. Sproet and Sprout also don’t publish an annual report on the social or environmental aspects of their brand. This makes it difficult to determine their true sustainability, and consumers may struggle to understand the processes behind the creation of their purchases.
Conclusion
Sproet & Sprout offer cute baby and children’s clothing, with fun colours and hand-drawn designs. The brand primarily uses organic cotton, helping to reduce their environmental impact. Unfortunately, the brand lacks transparency about their processes, which makes it difficult to determine their overall sustainability efforts accurately.
