common era takes its ethical responsibility seriously by making all their products within the European Union, where strict European labour standards apply.
They carefully select their supply chain partners, including GRS-certified factories and smaller factories aiming for certification. Their website clearly states they only partner with those who provide legal job contracts, reasonable work hours, fair pay, safe work environments, the right to form unions, non-discrimination, no voluntary work, and strict compliance of the ban on child labour.
common era incorporates a high percentage of recycled materials in their fabrics. Their collection features items crafted from a blend of cotton and recycled polyester, which comes from a combination of pre- and post-consumer waste. Recycled polyester is primarily made from PET bottles, though plastics from oceans, used polyester garments, and manufacturing remnants also serve as valuable raw materials. Learn more about recycled polyester.
The cotton used is either certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the Organic Cotton Standard (OCS), or is recycled from excess materials left from other textile productions.
The cotton in the yarns remains undyed, while the PET polyester is colour-dyed using a water-efficient process. This blend of fibres creates the unique colours in the collection.
No harmful chemicals are used in the production of the fabrics.
common era collaborates with two garment manufacturers: one specializes in knitted fabrics for items like T‑shirts and jumpers, and the other in woven fabrics for blouses and shirts.
After a rigorous quality check, the garments are sent to logistics partner, DHL, packaged in sustainable and reusable materials.
They’ve selected DHL as delivery partner because of their leading fleet of electric vans and their commitment to offsetting remaining CO2 emissions through large-scale reforestation and other climate compensation initiatives.
Each piece in their collection is crafted from a blend of cotton and recycled polyester. This approach helps reduce the need for new raw materials, minimizes waste, and supports the circular economy in textile production. However, the production of recycled polyester is not without its drawbacks; it requires high energy consumption. Learn more about this issue here.
COSH! points out that recycling garments made from mixed materials is complex. When these items reach the end of their lifecycle, they are typically not recycled back into new garments but are instead processed as raw materials for other uses, particularly within the textile industry.
common era’s production chain extends across several European countries, fostering transparent and sustainable production. It begins at RB Fibres in Spain, where textile production waste is transformed into usable fibers. These fibers are then combined with other types, such as recycled PET polyester, at Belda Llorens, the brand’s Spanish yarn supplier. Avelana Knitting in Portugal knits the yarns into fabrics for T‑shirts, jumpers, and hoodies, while Vilarinho in Portugal weaves the yarns into fabrics for blouses and shirts.
Camorsil and Bravebehavior are partners manufacturing T‑shirts, jumpers, hoodies, and shirts, blouses respectively.
common era’s European production chain offers substantial advantages for transport and CO2 emissions. By centralizing the various production stages within Europe, the distance between suppliers and manufacturers is minimized, reducing transport distances. This leads to lower CO2 emissions due to decreased transport needs. Furthermore, the EU region leads in adopting environmentally friendly transport methods and enforces stricter emissions control regulations, significantly lowering the ecological footprint of the production chain.
common era does not use any animal materials, so they are theoretically a vegan brand unless they use animal derived products in the chemicals.
common era strives to create timeless garments that are ethically produced and of high quality. With an emphasis on minimalist design and eco-friendly materials, the brand offers a unisex collection of comfortable jumpers, stylish t‑shirts, and cheerful blouses.
The brand explicitly recommends preferably washing in a laundry bag to better protect their clothes during washing and avoid releasing microplastics.
Reuse and repair are important to them. This can significantly extend the life cycle of a garment. To extend the life cycle of their clothes, they work with external parties specialized in this.
At common era, they prioritize informing you about where their products are made, what materials they are made of, and what impact they have.
common era strives for utmost transparency in their supply chain. They believe that customers have the right to know where their clothes come from and under what conditions they were produced. This is why common era has a dedicated page on their website dedicated to sharing extensive details about their supply chain. From the source of their materials to the production facilities they use, they strive to openly communicate every step of the process.
Zaključak
Are you a fan of aesthetic, comfortable, but also responsible products? Then common era has what you are looking for. common era, a brand based in Eindhoven, believes in a sustainable, transparent and fair clothing industry. At common era’s moto is “feel good in what you wear and know what you’re wearing”.
On its website, common era describes where the products come from, what materials are used, the impact and the purpose of their mission. No harmful chemicals are used in production. In short, transparent communication to the consumer, which is important to us.
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