Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are an integral part of the DNA of Belgian family-run fashion company Terre Bleue. For four generations, the family behind the fashion house has strived to produce their creations responsibly and ethically.
To produce its women’s and men’s collections, Terre Bleue works exclusively with long-term partners. In Tunisia, the brand has its own production workshop where the dresses, skirts and blouses are manufactured. There is a close partnership with mutual respect and fair payment. Terre Bleue maintains these relationships by regularly visiting the ateliers. The brand’s designers and stylists value these partnerships, working with a third of these partners for over 10 years.
Moreover, Terre Bleue ensures that partners sign their ‘Social Compliance Document’, a code of conduct that ensures a good working environment, including fair pay and a ban on child labour. So far, 91% of partners have signed this document, and the brand continues to actively pursue full compliance.
Terre Bleue is committed to a conscious use of materials in their collections, using materials such as cotton, linen and wool, as well as certified recycled cotton. They also use more eco-friendlier synthetic fibres, such as certified recycled polyester. This material, often made from PET plastic, reduces dependence on petroleum and the amount of waste. While these efforts reduce their carbon footprint, the brand’s website offers no proof of certificates, and materials blends such as poly/cotton and viscose-linen blends complicate recycling and waste management, increasing the environmental impact of these products.
Terre Bleue offers no information on their packaging materials and transport methods, which is essential for a full picture of their environmental impact.
For a conscious choice in fashion, COSH! recommends choosing garments made of mono-materials from natural raw materials or items made of 100% certified recycled fibres. These have the lowest environmental impact as they are easier to recycle and produce less waste. It is therefore advisable to check labels carefully and choose consciously.
Terre Bleue strives for circularity by incorporating more sustainable elements into their collections, such as materials with 100% natural composition and certified recycled fibres. Through this approach, they reduce waste and minimise the burden on virgin materials, contributing to a more sustainable production process and a reduced carbon footprint.
Surplus fabrics and accessories are saved for reuse in new collections. Garments with minor production defects are not thrown away, but sold under the label ‘I’m not perfect, but I’m worth it’, often at a small discount.
Furthermore, Terre Bleue organises collection and swap events, where customers can hand in or swap old garments, and promotes upcycling through collaborations and pop-up events.
Belgian brand Terre Bleue has a relatively short production chain. They design their clothes in Belgium and produce them in Tunisia in their own production workshop. This ensures direct control over the quality and ethical standards of their products. The shipping of the clothes is aimed at the European market. Although Terre Bleue does not give specific details on the shipping methods used.
Their knitwear collection includes materials such as wool, cashmere, and alpaca, explicitly stating that care has been taken for the welfare of the animals and the land on which they graze. However, no details were provided on the origin or certifications to back this up.
In addition, Terre Bleue offers a small collection of leather handbags and shoes, but again, details on the origin or any certifications that ensure animal welfare are lacking.
Terre Bleue is committed to high-quality clothing, made to love and last. They consciously limit their collection to 2 releases a year (Spring Summer & Autumn Winter), and also offer a Core collection of capsule wardrobe essentials, which you can enjoy for years. By that commitment to a fixed range, they limit productions, resulting in lower pressure on the planet. Other positive effects? Less waste, as well as a push among consumers to shop less, but more responsibly.
At Terre Bleue, they want you to love and cherish your garments. In 2023, they organised styling sessions to rekindle the flame between you and your beloved pieces. Re-style, re-love. Sometimes a brand new perspective is all you need to revitalise your wardrobe.
They have been working with eco-friendly clothing rental platform Dressr for some time. This online catalogue allows you to rent a limited number of clothes each month via a subscription. This way, you can enjoy a breath of fresh air in your wardrobe with regularity, while contributing to a lower impact on the environment.
The brand offers a retouching and repair service, along with a comprehensive Care Guide and a range of grooming products made from natural ingredients. They do not participate in Black Friday and Cyber Monday, in line with their values against fast fashion. Instead, they introduced ‘Bleue Friday Weekend’, where 10% of sales are donated to Join For Water, an organisation dedicated to water projects, without offering discounts.
At Terre Bleue, you find fashion that resonates longevity. The brand’s ethos is centred around sophisticated simplicity and a sense of connectedness. Their collections are crafted to make daily activities feel comfortable and effortless, yet stylish.
With Terre Bleue, it’s not about over-the-top outfits but about essentials that enrich your everyday looks, fitting seamlessly into your personal style and meeting your needs with a touch of luxury.
Conclusion
At Terre Bleue, you find fashion that resonates longevity. The brand’s ethos is centred around sophisticated simplicity and a sense of connectedness. Their collections are crafted to make daily activities feel comfortable and effortless, yet stylish.
With Terre Bleue, it’s not about over-the-top outfits but about essentials that enrich your everyday looks, fitting seamlessly into your personal style and meeting your needs with a touch of luxury.
