Y‑05

Production locations

• Portugal
• Mumbai, India

Working Conditions & living wages

The production in Portugal benefits from the strict labour and social standards of the European Union, which ensure fair working conditions and minimise the risk of exploitation. Mumbai is internationally recognised for its excellent craftsmanship. At the same time, there is an increased risk of inadequate labour standards, which Y‑05 actively addresses through collaboration with a trusted and personally known partner.

Y‑05 is explicitly committed to ethical practices and fair working conditions, extending this ethos to its manufacturing processes in Portugal and Mumbai, India.

The brand works with a small production partner in Portugal, chosen for its alignment with the strict European standards for fair working conditions and excellent workplace practices. This ensures that every garment from Y‑05 is made under ethical conditions. Furthermore, the intricate embroidery by Y‑05 is carried out in Mumbai at a facility run by a trusted friend of the brand. This partnership is based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to ethical treatment and fair working conditions for all employees. Through its close relationship with production partners, Y‑05 ensures that its values of dignity, respect, and fairness are upheld at every stage of production. This approach highlights Y‑05’s dedication to producing high-quality, ethically made clothing.

Materials

• TENCEL
• Metall
• Pearls
• Natural stones
• Cotton yarn
• Polyester yarn

Y‑05 is committed to its environmental responsibility and chooses TENCEL™ fibres from Lenzing, sourced from responsibly managed, fast-growing eucalyptus forests and stitched with polyester thread. These fibres are popular due to certain more sustainable properties, including a closed-loop production process and certified biodegradability, excluding the polyester thread. However, the critical aspects of TENCEL have come under scrutiny. Discover more.

In addition to TENCEL™, Y‑05 uses various materials such as metal sequins, beads, natural stones, and crocheted cotton threads, selected for their ability to combine aesthetics with environmental consideration. These embellishments are carefully chosen to align with the brand’s goal of minimising its ecological footprint while emphasising the beauty of its garments.

Packaging

The clothing is packaged in plastic when it arrives in Germany, but the label uses paper packaging, compostable film or reused cardboard boxes for onward transport. Instead of labels, information is printed directly onto the clothing.

Water usage & chemicals

The closed-loop system in which the TENCEL™ fibres are produced recycles water and reuses solvents, minimising waste and emissions.

Circular product design

With the exception of individual components such as sequins or beads, the products are made from monofibres, which makes them much easier to recycle.

Circular business models

Y‑05 underlines its circular economy by using TENCEL™ fibres, which are known for their biodegradability and closed-loop production process. Although the biodegradability of these fibres allows Y‑05’s products to decompose naturally and thus reduce waste, the polyester threads and trims are not decomposable.

The closed-loop system in which the TENCEL™ fibres are produced recycles water and reuses solvents, minimising waste and emissions.

Distance & complexity of the supply chain

• Portugal
• Spain
• Austria
• Mumbai
• The Headquarters are located in Munich. 

The cornerstone of Y‑05’s product line is the GOTS-certified Lenzing TENCEL™ fabric. The journey of Y‑05 garments begins in eucalyptus farms located in Spain or Portugal and is overseen from Austria.

As the supply chain progresses, the beads and other embellishments adorning Y‑05 garments add another layer of complexity and craftsmanship to the brand’s offering. These components are carefully sourced from local markets in Mumbai, India, reflecting Y‑05’s commitment to supporting the local economy and artisans. The embellishments are then applied in the partner factory in Mumbai, operated by a trusted friend of the brand, where skilled artisans bring Y‑05’s designs to life through their expertise.

Finally, Y‑05 garments are assembled by a production partner in Portugal, known for its high quality standards and ethical working conditions. This choice ensures that the final stitching aligns with Y‑05’s values of fairness, quality, and environmental responsibility.

Transportation

No information about the transport is known. 

Y‑05 avoids any animal products in its collections.

Product design

The collection includes comfortable overalls, trousers and shirts made from soft Tencel, which are finished with handmade embroidery. The designs are characterised by minimalist elegance and a spiritual aesthetic that are suitable for both yoga practice and everyday life.

Slow fashion processes

Y‑05 embodies the ethos of slow fashion and carefully crafts its collections to reflect mindfulness, longevity and enduring style. This approach is based on the belief that fashion should be timeless and encourages consumers to invest in pieces that will last and outlast seasonal trends.

At the centre of Y‑05’s slow fashion philosophy is the concept of a permanent collection. This seasonless collection defies the conventional fashion calendar and offers garments that are designed to be relevant and wearable all year round, during yoga practice or at leisure. By focusing on a timeless aesthetic, Y‑05 encourages more sustainable and considered consumption.

Y‑05’s commitment to slow fashion is also reflected in its production processes. Each piece is produced in small quantities.

Handmade embellishments are a characteristic feature of Y‑05 collections and give them a personal touch that machine production cannot achieve. These handcrafted details, from hand-sewn beads to intricate embroidery, epitomise the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality. By valuing the skill and time of artisans, Y‑05 advocates a slower pace of fashion, where every garment has a story and a character.

Transparency on product

Y‑05’s open dialogue with COSH! about its ethical and more sustainable practices sets a high standard for transparency in the fashion industry. 

On the product page, customers can find detailed information on the materials used as well as care instructions that help to ensure the longevity of the textiles.

Transparency on processes

In the future, COSH! would like to see Y‑05 highlight the more sustainable aspects of its products and impressive craftsmanship, such as the use of TENCEL™ fibres from eucalyptus forests and handmade embellishments, even more prominently on the website. An additional FAQ section addressing sustainability practices and ethical considerations could further boost consumer confidence and emphasise Y‑05’s commitment to transparency and education.