Production Locations
- Colombia: Artisanal jewellery production
- Denmark: Jewellery box production
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
Toaie collaborates closely with artisans in Colombia, primarily women, who are given the flexibility to work from home at their own pace. The brand maintains close personal connections with the artisans. This model supports their well-being and allows them to balance work with family life. The brand shares detailed profiles of its artisans on its website, demonstrating transparency and respect for its makers.
Jewellery box production in Denmark adheres to stringent EU labour regulations, ensuring fair and ethical workplace conditions. The brand maintains close relationships with its European producers.
Materials
- Recycled glass beads
- 100% polyester yarn
- Stainless steel with anti-allergic finishes
- Gold-plated lightweight brass
Toaie crafts its jewellery using recycled glass beads, which contribute to the brand’s eco-conscious approach. However, they also incorporate polyester yarns to achieve the vibrant colours essential to their designs. For hardware, the brand uses stainless steel with an anti-allergic finish and gold-plated lightweight brass.
Packaging
Toaie’s jewellery boxes are made from FSC-certified paper and are glue-free, enhancing recyclability. FSC certification verification is pending.
Water Usage & Chemicals
Details on water usage, chemical treatments, or dye processes are not disclosed. COSH! encourages Toaie to provide more information about these aspects to assess environmental impacts comprehensively.
Circular Product Design
Toaie incorporates recycled glass beads and recyclable polyester yarn, aligning with circularity principles. However, the use of mixed materials in designs could complicate recyclability.
Circular Business Models
Toaie does not currently operate a take-back or repair service for its jewellery. COSH! recommends the brand explore these options to enhance its circularity efforts.
Distance & Complexity of the Supply Chain
- Colombian artisan production introduces a long supply chain due to transportation to Amsterdam.
- Danish packaging production creates a shorter, European-based chain.
Toaie operates from its base in Amsterdam and collaborates with artisans in Colombia, where each piece is meticulously crafted. While the showroom and packaging operations in Amsterdam and Denmark suggest a relatively short supply chain within Europe, the production in Colombia introduces a longer chain due to the significant distance involved.
Transportation
While proximity in Denmark limits transport emissions for packaging, transportation methods for the longer distance from Colombia to Amsterdam are unspecified. To evaluate the environmental footprint more accurately, Toaie is encouraged to disclose this information.
The brand does not use any animal-derived materials, so it is a vegan brand.
Product Design
Toaie’s collection includes earrings, necklaces, and bracelets made using intricate beadwork and macramé-like techniques. Each piece is lightweight, durable, and designed to last for years with proper care.
Toaie’s jewellery collection is crafted with an emphasis on sustainability and artistic expression, employing local Colombian artisans who infuse each piece with a vibrant spirit and character. These artisans utilise their skills in beadwork and a special macramé-like technique to produce unique earrings that not only complement any outfit but are also lightweight and comfortable. Each piece, from earrings to necklaces and bracelets, showcases meticulous craftsmanship, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, which speaks to the high quality and durability intended to last across seasons.
Slow Fashion Processes
Toaie aligns with slow fashion principles by producing its jewellery in small batches, ensuring quality over quantity. Care tips are shared with customers to maximise product longevity.
Transparency on Product
The brand provides detailed artisan profiles and material specifications, fostering trust in its ethical and sustainable claims.
Transparency on Processes
Toaie is transparent about its artisan collaborations but needs to clarify transportation methods and provide evidence of FSC certification to strengthen its transparency efforts. COSH! looks forward to verifying these details with Toaie.
Conclusion
Toaie showcases an impressive commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and vibrant, expressive design. The brand’s dedication to ethical practices is evident through its direct engagement with artisans in Colombia, providing meaningful support and ensuring the preservation of traditional skills. Each piece from Toaie not only adds flair to any outfit but also carries a story of cultural heritage and careful creation. We at COSH! recommend Toaie for anyone looking to enrich their accessory collection with pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and ethically produced. Toaie’s products are available at select points of sale which embody the spirit of conscientious consumption.