Sustainability is important in fashion because the industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, with significant environmental and social impacts. The industry has a massive carbon footprint due to the energy required for manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of clothes. Moreover, the use of non-renewable resources, such as petroleum-based synthetic fibers and dyes, contributes to the depletion of natural resources.
Sustainability in fashion involves creating clothing and accessories that have a minimal environmental impact and promote social responsibility. This can be achieved through practices such as reducing waste and water usage, using eco-friendly materials, implementing ethical labor practices, and designing products that are meant to last longer. Sustainability also means creating a circular fashion system that encourages the reuse, repurposing, and recycling of materials.
By prioritizing sustainability in fashion, we can minimize the negative impact of the industry on the environment and society, create a more responsible and ethical industry, and ensure that future generations can enjoy a healthy planet.
Kingly: Custom-Made Sustainable Products for Businesses and Organizations
Kingly is a textile company that specializes in manufacturing of high-quality custom-made products such as sustainable socks, T-shirts, underwear, activewear, and other garments. The company is based in Bulgaria and has been in operation for over 20 years. Kingly offers a wide range of customization options, including the use of eco-friendly materials, dye sublimation printing, and custom packaging.
In addition to its focus on customization, Kingly is also committed to sustainability. The company has implemented various eco-friendly practices, such as using GOTS organic cotton and upcycled yarns in its production processes and reducing its waste generation. Kingly also has a dedicated team that focuses on sourcing sustainable materials and implementing sustainable practices throughout the company.
Kingly’s commitment to sustainability and customization has made it a popular choice for businesses and organizations looking to create personalized products that align with their values. The company has worked with a variety of clients, from small businesses to international brands, to create custom-made products that are both high-quality and sustainable.
Empowering people facing mental or physical challenges is a crucial aspect of building a more inclusive and equitable society. Social enterprises are a great way to achieve this goal, as they provide meaningful employment opportunities and help individuals become more productive members of society.
One such social enterprise is led by Daniela Peeva, who has gathered a group of mentally handicapped individuals and given them special contracts to work. Kingly partners with the enterprise to provide work opportunities, such as folding boxes for socks and allows the individuals to earn an income that they may not have had access to otherwise.
Partnering with social enterprises like this one can be a “win-win” situation for both the enterprise and the company. By working with the enterprise, companies can take the pressure off their workers while empowering those who face challenges. Additionally, it provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose for all involved in the collaboration.
In short, supporting social enterprises that empower people facing mental or physical challenges is an excellent way to create a more equitable society. These enterprises help to ensure that everyone has access to meaningful employment opportunities, regardless of their abilities, and help to build a more inclusive and productive workforce.
“What we do is to take socks and we give them the opportunity to do the packaging, so they can effectively earn money. Otherwise, there will be a situation when they do not have any possibility for income. That’s why we try to support this enterprise. This is a “win-win” situation because we get too often to take the pressure off our workers and they get to work with our company. And it is nice to collaborate with them.”, says Robert Armour, CEO and Founder of Kingly.
What are the requirements for sustainable products?
Oeko-Tex is a globally recognized independent testing and certification system for textiles, focusing on limiting the use of harmful substances in the textile industry. It was established in 1992 and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
The Oeko-Tex certification process involves testing textile products and materials for harmful substances such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other chemicals. The certification also considers factors such as the pH value and colorfastness of textiles.
Oeko-Tex certification is awarded to textile products that meet their criteria, which are divided into four product classes based on their intended use: Class I for baby products, Class II for products that come into contact with the skin, Class III for products that do not come into contact with the skin, and Class IV for materials and accessories.
The Oeko-Tex certification is voluntary, but many textile manufacturers choose to undergo the certification process as it demonstrates their commitment to producing safe and environmentally friendly products. Consumers can look for the Oeko-Tex label on textile products to ensure that they have been tested for harmful substances and comply with Oeko-Tex standards.
Kingly recently received an OEKO TEK certificate which ensures that their product is safe even for baby skin. What are the other requirements for Kingly’s textile products?
“The other requirements are that many products that are mechanically processed like the organic cotton should be safe and free from chemicals. So is a much cleaner process. So everything that we are using is more sustainable because it is free from harsh chemicals. So we have these standards to meet the requirements of our customers”, says Robert and explains that the company is 1 in only 52 sock knitting manufacturers worldwide that are accredited to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The company guarantees that its products are also certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) and created in a zero-waste knitting facility where waste fibers find new life as stuffing for pillows and other products.
Many companies are now using QR codes to provide information about the sustainability of their clothes. These codes are usually found on the product tag or label, and when scanned with a smartphone, they provide access to detailed information about the materials, production process, and sustainability features of the garment.
QR code tracking systems can provide a range of sustainability-related information, such as the origin of the materials used in the product, the production process, the environmental impact of production, and the social impact of the manufacturing process.
By using QR code tracking systems, companies can provide greater transparency to consumers and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This approach allows consumers to make more informed choices about the products they buy and helps to promote responsible and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
How is Kingly reporting the sustainability of its products?
Ensuring the sustainability of products is a critical aspect of responsible business practices. At our company, we have implemented a rigorous auditing system to track the entire process of our products, from the cotton farm to the final product, ensuring 100% traceability. This approach enables us to measure the social impact of our company and assess the eco-friendliness of our products.
To make this information easily accessible to our customers, we have implemented a special QR system for each product, which allows customers to scan a code and access all the data. The information provided by this system goes beyond the eco-sustainability of the product itself; it also provides insight into the people behind the order, ensuring that they receive a good income, and medical insurance, and that there is no exploitation involved.
We recognize that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of their purchases on the environment and society. As a result, we believe that it is essential to provide transparent and verifiable information about the sustainability of our products. We understand that many companies make claims about the eco-friendliness of their products, but without certification to back up those claims, they may not be entirely truthful.
Therefore, our rigorous auditing system and QR code system are essential tools that help us maintain our commitment to sustainability and transparency. By providing our customers with clear and verifiable information, we hope to play our part in building a more sustainable future”, says Robert.