PRODUCTION LOCATIONS
- Portugal
WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES
At BEARTH, the value placed on the human element in each product is paramount. Their journey commences with the sourcing of GOTS and OCS-certified organic cotton from Turkey. This material is beneficial not only for those who wear it, but also for those who cultivate it. By consciously avoiding harsh chemicals in cotton cultivation, BEARTH’s sourcing plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of its workers. This decision significantly reduces health risks and fosters safer working environments.
This ethical commitment extends beyond the fields of Turkey to their manufacturing partners in Portugal. Fair wages and high-quality working conditions at these partnering facilities are not merely regulatory compliances but are celebrated principles.
BEARTH’s partners include:
- TINTEX TEXTILES (Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal): Known for high-quality jersey fabrics and sustainable production processes, TINTEX is a leading figure in pioneering textile production. The Silva family’s third generation manages the GOTS-certified company. Through its partnerships with the C.L.A.S.S. eco hub and the Make Fashion Circular Initiative of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, TINTEX further exemplifies its commitment to advancing its sustainable practices. Additionally, they collaborate with Drip by Drip, an NGO supported through BEARTH’s 1% for the Planet commitment, focusing on reducing water consumption and recycling wastewater in production processes.
- JOAPS MALHAS (Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal): Since 1996, Joaps Malhas has been producing jerseys and woven fabrics with a high-quality standard and an innovative ecological approach. As a GOTS-certified supplier, Joaps Malhas is integral in producing BEARTH’s organic cotton blend sweatshirts and other garments, combining quality with environmental consciousness.
- ECOVEST (Vila do Conde, Portugal): This SMETA and GOTS-certified production facility, led by Adilia and her dedicated team, specialises in producing cosy sweatshirts made from an organic cotton mix and women’s half-zips. Ecovest is known for its high-quality products and fair treatment of employees, aligning perfectly with BEARTH’s ethos of ethics and environmental integrity.
- LaGofra (Seroa, Portugal): The GOTS-certified company produces BEARTH’s t‑shirts, sweaters, and hoodies from 100% organic cotton. Under the leadership of Paula and her team, LaGofra operates more like an atelier, focusing on the highest quality standards and fair pay for employees.
MATERIALS
- Organic cotton
- Recycled cotton
The brand’s use of organic cotton defines the forefront of its practices. This choice is significant in avoiding pesticides that harm the environment and workers. In addition, BEARTH incorporates recycled cotton that is certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). This certification ensures that the recycled cotton meets strict guidelines for organic content, tracing the raw material from its source to the final product. By using recycled cotton, BEARTH reduces waste while significantly diminishing the demand for new cotton cultivation, which is often resource- and water-intensive.
Implementing Naturally Clean Technology® further solidifies BEARTH’s commitment to more sustainable production methods. This technology, a chemical-free finishing process incorporating enzymes and microorganisms, not only enhances the durability and quality of the textiles but also reduces the environmental impact of their production.
BEARTH sources its embroidery threads from Germany, utilising 100% GRS recycled polyester from post-consumer waste. Furthermore, BEARTH’s haberdashery items, such as OEKO-TEX® certified, nickel-free zippers from Portugal, align with their commitment to more sustainable and safe materials.
BEARTH’s labels are made of undyed organic cotton and hang tags are made from FSC certified paper.
PACKAGING
BEARTH sources potentially compostable or recyclable packaging materials like grass paper envelopes and FSC-certified paper through their German partner BIOBIENE.
WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS
The OEKO-TEX® guidelines and certifications govern BEARTH’s dyeing processes. The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 label, a globally recognised certification, ensures that all components of their fabrics, including threads, buttons, and zippers, are tested for harmful substances and deemed safe for health. This certification showcases their commitment to reducing the chemical footprint of their products and ensuring the safety of both the consumer and the environment.
CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
BEARTH’s design and manufacturing approach includes a valuable circular aspect: recycled cotton. This transformation of potential waste into wonder significantly reduces water usage, pesticide application, and CO2 emissions. Their unique blend of recycled and organic cotton in select apparel guarantees durability without compromising environmental integrity.
What’s more, BEARTH’s products are monomaterials, which increases the likelihood that they can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS
BEARTH is yet to implement any circular business models such as a rental or return scheme.
DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Production locations:
- Portugal
BEARTH’s supply chain is strategically compact, minimising unnecessary transportation and associated emissions. By maintaining a close-knit network of suppliers and manufacturers primarily in Portugal, they ensure quality and ethical production standards and significantly reduce transportation’s environmental impact. The brand also compensates for shipping from its partnering factories to its warehouse. This compact supply chain is critical to BEARTH’s ecological footprint reduction strategy.
BEARTH’s headquarters are located in Düsseldorf, and they offer shipping within Europe.
TRANSPORTATION
BEARTH ships their e‑commerce through DHL GoGreen in Germany, helping to further minimise their carbon footprint. In other European countries, they work with DHL Express.
BEARTH consciously avoids animal-derived materials, opting instead for plant-based alternatives. As of the brand’s knowledge, their GOTS-certified dyes are free from animal content, although these are not yet certified vegan, which the brand strives to achieve.
PRODUCT DESIGN
Embracing a slow fashion ethos, BEARTH stands for garments that last longer and impact less. Naturally Clean Technology® enhances not only the fabric’s life but also its environmental footprint. By extending the lifecycle of their garments, they significantly reduce their carbon, water, and waste footprint.
SLOW FASHION PROCESSES
BEARTH does not create seasonal collections, but instead occasionally adds individual pieces. Furthermore, smaller production quantities in timeless colour choices and cuts reduces fabric offcuts and extends each garment’s lifecycle.
TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT
Each product page states the production countries, and what material the item is made from. As every product is manufactured in Portugal, you’ll always know where your specific purchase was produced.
TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES
From choosing raw materials to delivering final products, BEARTH conducts every step with honesty and accountability. The brand is refreshingly transparent, publishing a complete list of partnering Portuguese and German suppliers and manufacturers.
While they may need to disclose the precise location of the cotton manufacturing down to the specific farmers, they do know its country of origin. Moreover, they can trace their haberdashery, shipping materials, and all manufacturing processes, with all partners holding GOTS certifications.
Zaključak
BEARTH demonstrates that environmental responsibility and high-quality apparel can coexist harmoniously. Through their commitment to using organic and recycled natural materials, such as GOTS and OCS-certified cotton, and adopting eco-friendlier finishing practices like Naturally Clean Technology®, BEARTH sets a strong statement in the industry. Their dedication to planet-friendlier processes, from stringent OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 compliant dyeing techniques to using GRS recycled polyester embroidery threads cements their position as an industry role model. By maintaining a very compact and transparent supply chain and partnering with DHL GoGreen for shipping, BEARTH exemplifies a more conscious approach to fashion production and retail. Furthermore, their efforts extend beyond mere production, actively participating in three environmental initiatives through 1% for the Planet.
