Valérie Berckmans

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• Belgium
• France

WORKING CONDITIONS & WAGES

Valérie Berckmans produces in Belgium and France, reducing long transport routes and ensuring fairer working conditions. The proximity to production sites allows for regular contact and personal visits, strengthening transparency and trust.

The brand collaborates with a few long-term partner workshops and handcrafts some pieces in its own atelier in Brussels.

MATERIALS

• GOTS-certified organic cotton
• Oeko-Tex-certified cotton
• Deadstock fabrics
• Lycra (small amount)
• Wool (from deadstock or donations)
• Upcycled fabrics (e.g. curtains)

The majority of the collection is made from natural fibres, mainly organic cotton. Another portion comes from deadstock fabrics, whose exact composition is not always known. However, these fabrics are a more resource-efficient choice, as they reuse existing materials, avoiding waste and new production. Synthetic fibres are used only in very small quantities, and the label aims to completely phase them out in the future.

PACKAGING

• Online orders are shipped in reused envelopes, boxes, or plastic packaging, complemented with new silk paper.
• Within the supply chain, previously used boxes and tape are reused and clearly labelled as such, actively reducing packaging waste and contributing to circularity.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

When selecting materials, the label favours GOTS- or Oeko-Tex-certified cotton, as well as deadstock and upcycled fabrics that inherently require fewer chemicals and less water than conventional alternatives.
Oeko-Tex certification ensures that textiles are tested for harmful substances, guaranteeing skin-friendliness. 
The GOTS certification confirms the organic origin of fibres and environmentally and socially responsible processing throughout the supply chain.

The low share of synthetic fibres significantly reduces microplastic release.

Valérie Berckmans places great importance on more responsible material and resource management. With production based entirely in Belgium and France, transport distances – and therefore water and energy consumption – are reduced.

The label operates under a zero-waste principle, where fabric scraps are fully reused for items such as childrenswear, underwear, or accessories. This reduces material waste and indirect water use in textile production.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

Valérie Berckmans follows a circular approach that includes repair and take-back options. Customers can bring damaged garments to the atelier for repair or alteration to extend their lifespan. The label also accepts returns of used garments, which are inspected and resold, helping preserve valuable resources. Customers receive a voucher in return.

A large portion of garments are made from monomaterials such as organic or deadstock cotton, facilitating future recycling. In the case of upcycled or deadstock materials with unknown composition, recyclability may be limited; however, these materials help prevent waste and make use of existing resources.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Valérie Berckmans’ circular mindset extends beyond production to include the handling of existing garments. The label allows customers to return worn or damaged pieces for repair or modification, extending their life cycle. Returned garments are refurbished for resale, closing the loop.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• Belgium
• France
• The label’s headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium.

TRANSPORT

• Since production takes place exclusively in Belgium and France, transport routes remain short. Finished products are often delivered by bicycle within Brussels, while larger shipments between Belgium and France are handled by DPD.
• Online orders are also shipped via DPD.

• Wool (exclusively from deadstock or fabrics donated by customers)

The wool used does not come from new production but from pre-existing materials donated by private individuals or local sources, ensuring no new animal resources are used.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Valérie Berckmans mainly designs womenswear, complemented by a childrenswear line made from fabric leftovers. The range also includes underwear made from jersey remnants and accessories such as reusable make-up pads or small home textiles.
The collections feature timeless, minimalist, and feminine silhouettes.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Valérie Berckmans operates with a permanent, seasonless collection that is continuously expanded with new designs. The focus lies on longevity and timelessness rather than fast-changing trends, thus avoiding overproduction and encouraging more conscious consumption.

PRODUCT TRANSPARENCY

Each product page on Valérie Berckmans’ website provides clear and detailed information about each garment. Material composition, certifications, and their meaning are listed, along with details on where the pieces are designed and produced. Additional notes cover availability and production methods – for example, preorder items made only upon request to prevent overproduction.

PROCESS TRANSPARENCY

The website discloses information about materials, certifications, production sites, and manufacturing processes, ensuring strong traceability at product level.
Although detailed supplier information is not publicly shared, the brand offers good insight into its practices through open communication in the atelier and thorough product descriptions. There is no formal sustainability or social report, but the local production, short supply chains, and transparent communication demonstrate a high level of accountability.