ZERUM

ZERUM’s commitment to ethical practices is deeply integrated into its supply chain. 

By choosing to procure GOTS-certified cotton from Greece and Turkey, ZERUM ensures that their materials meet the highest standards of organic certification, which covers not only the environmental aspects of production but also the social conditions of the workers involved. This certification guarantees that the cotton is cultivated in a manner that is both environmentally friendly and beneficial to the local communities.

The majority of ZERUM’s T‑shirts are woven and dyed in Austria. Their longstanding partnership with a family-run tailoring shop in Hungary, has evolved into a dedicated facility producing exclusively for ZERUM. Being an EU-based production, ZERUM adheres to stringent EU regulations compliance.

Their prints are designed by various artists and illustrators. ZERUM places particular emphasis on creative freedom and artistic expression. They want T‑shirts to not just look cool, but also be thought-provoking and original.

This close-knit production chain ensures quality and adherence to ethical standards.

ZERUM uses all natural and environmentally friendly materials, such as organic cotton, organic linen, Tencel, Eco Vero, Micro-Modal, and wool.

Organic cotton

The organic cotton comes from Greece and Turkey. In contrast to conventional cotton, no pesticides or fertilizers are used in organic cultivation and the water consumption of conventional cotton is many times higher than that of organic cotton. Through mandatory crop rotation, the soil remains healthy in organic farming and stores water better. If it is still too dry, most of the water is irrigated with rainwater. Read more about organic cotton here.

Organic linen

Organic linen, also a natural fibre, which is obtained from flax, is particularly robust and hard-wearing. Linen clothing is very comfortable to wear. Blouses, shirts, skirts and trousers are particularly popular in the summer, but clothing made from linen also works well in winter. Linen has a cooling effect, is moisture-regulating and breathable. Similar to organic cotton, the organic cultivation of flax pays attention to soil health and avoids pesticides and pure monoculture.

Tencel

Tencel is considered a sustainable semisynthetic fibre. The basis of this material is cellulose, which is obtained from wood. How does Tencel feel on the skin? Wonderfully soft and pleasantly light. Tencel is not called vegan silk for nothing. The fibre is more breathable than cotton and absorbs more moisture. 

EcoVero

With EcoVero, the Austrian company Lenzing has taken a step further in terms of sustainable viscose. Just like viscose, the fibre is made from wood and yet there is a big difference. The wood at EcoVero comes exclusively from sustainable and certified sources, and the chemical process during production is closed. In other words, no chemicals – which are highly toxic in the case of viscose – end up in the groundwater or anywhere else they shouldn’t go. The difference to Tencel is a certificate that fully guarantees the traceability of the trees used. Lenzing EcoVero has been awarded the EU Ecolabel.

Micro Modal

Micro-Modal is, as the name suggests, an even finer and lighter cellulose fibre made from sustainable wood. It has the same positive properties as Tencel and EcoVero, but its lightness makes it particularly suitable for underwear.

Wool

Wool t‑shirts and sweaters are warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking. They offer natural odour resistance and durability, making them ideal for both comfort and long-lasting wear. Wool benefits the planet by being naturally biodegradable and renewable.

Many items and materials in the ZERUM collection carry the GOTS seal of quality, ensuring sustainable production. From the raw fibres to manufacturing conditions and fair worker wages, every aspect is thoroughly inspected and verified by independent authorities to meet GOTS standards.

Woven and dyed with water-based and skin-friendly colours

The majority of their T‑shirts are woven and dyed in Austria. The GOTS-certified company dyes exclusively with water-based and skin-friendly colours.

Sustainable packaging

For the most part, ZERUM sends goods in reused cardboard boxes. From the products themselves to our T‑shirt packaging made from recycled cardboard – we attach great importance to working as sustainably and plastic-free as possible.

ZERUM ensures CO2-neutral deliveries to customers via postal services.

ZERUM emphasizes circularity in its product design by using entirely natural and biodegradable materials like organic cotton, organic linen, Tencel, Eco Vero, Micro-Modal, and wool, all dyed with natural colours. 

Although the brand does not currently offer repair services or a resale platform, the inherent recyclability and biodegradability of their materials ensure that their products can re-enter the life cycle, reducing waste.

ZERUM, headquartered in Graz, Austria, maintains a relatively short supply chain by focusing production within Europe and Turkey. This strategy not only minimizes long-distance transport, thereby reducing their carbon footprint, but also supports local family businesses.

Their organic cotton fabrics are primarily woven, dyed, and sewn in Austria, while other collections like EcoVero and Tencel are produced and assembled in Turkey. Additionally, they have a tailoring shop in Hungary.

The transport to the end customer is carried out in a CO2 neutral manner by post.

ZERUM sources its wool exclusively from controlled organic animal husbandry (kbT) that is both mulesing- and chlorine-free, ensuring the wool comes from slaughter-free farms. This commitment to ethical sourcing extends to every step of their production chain.

In 2019, they were named ​“Golden Champion” in Austria by the animal protection organization ​“Vier Pfoten”, together with AK OÖ, for the complete transparency in their wool production.

At ZERUM you will find fair clothing and accessories that are durable and timeless.

By focusing on high-quality basics that are designed to last, ZERUM encourages consumers to invest in pieces that transcend seasonal trends, promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion. This commitment to longevity helps reduce the environmental impact associated with frequent clothing purchases and disposal.

ZERUM is transparent in their business practices by openly sharing their manufacturing locations and fostering long-standing, relationships with partners. They use high-quality, ethically sourced materials and are clear about their sourcing.

While not completely vegan, they uphold high standards of animal welfare. Their durable basics transcend trends, and they have sustainable packaging practices.

ZERUM truly goes above and beyond in its commitment to transparency and sustainability.