Toaie

Toaie’s collection is handcrafted by talented artisans in Colombia, with whom the brand maintains close personal connections. These relationships are so vital that details about each artisan are transparently shared on Toaie’s website, highlighting their commitment to ethical practices. The artisans, primarily women, are afforded the flexibility to work from home at their own pace, enabling them to balance earning an income with family responsibilities. This model not only supports their artisanal skills but also prioritizes their well-being and family life.

Production of Toaie’s jewellery boxes takes place in Denmark, enhancing the sustainability of the supply chain by reducing transportation distances to the brand’s base in Amsterdam. This proximity ensures better oversight and fosters strong relationships with European producers, adhering to the stringent EU regulations on ethical workplace practices.

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 is environmentally conscious as well, with all jewellery boxes made from FSC certified paper and designed to be glue-free, enhancing recyclability. Verification of their FSC certification is pending.

Toaie’s approach to circularity is evident through the use of recycled glass beads in their jewellery. The inclusion of 100% polyester, which is recyclable, further aligns with circular principles. Their material choices ensure that all components are recyclable, supporting efforts to reduce waste.

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. This geographical spread between design, production, and sales points does extend the overall supply chain, impacting the potential transportation emissions. Details on the exact transportation methods used to move products from Colombia to Amsterdam remain unspecified, which is necessary to fully evaluate the environmental footprint.

The brand does not use any animal materials, so it is a Vegan brand.

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.

Toaie also provides care tips for its products, ensuring customers can maintain the longevity of their jewellery. This approach aligns with a slow fashion ethos, promoting less frequent, but more thoughtful, consumption of well-crafted goods.

Toaie is transparent, sharing names of individual artisans, which enhances trust in their ethical practices. However, more details on transportation methods and certification verification are needed to strengthen their transparency. We at COSH! are looking to engage further with Toaie to verify additional details and gather more comprehensive information on their environmental strategies and material sourcing. This engagement will hopefully clarify aspects like transportation methods and further certify their commitment to ethical practices.