INTRO
Since Collectif’s launch in 2000, we have endeavoured to work in an ethical way with our entire supply chain. We recognise our responsibility to ensure that our production facilities and suppliers operate to the highest possible ethical and safety standards. Now more than ever we are looking to ensure that this process is transparent and forward-thinking. We care about our employees, customers, our brand and ultimately the planet that we all live in.
THE PROCESS
Our collections have always been designed in the UK by an incredible team. The design process takes place in London, we then send the majority of the designs to be sampled by our China office, and some with other trusted suppliers. Once they are back in London, the samples are thoroughly checked and reviewed by our garment tech team in multiple stages. When we are happy with the design, fit and quality of the garments we will approve the designs to be produced in one of our supplier bases.
LOCATIONS
Collectif is proud to own our factory in Vietnam and we employ 147 workers (as of 2020). This means we are able to ensure that our workers have safe working conditions and hours, receive fair pay and have full labour rights.
Our office in China has a dedicated team in place, including pattern makers, sample cutters, merchandisers, sample room managers and quality control. They are the key communication hub to the various suppliers that produce our garments.
Collectif never knowingly does business with any suppliers who are not in line with their country's national employment laws and regulations with particular regard to the minimum age of employment, freely chosen employment, health and safety, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining. No discrimination, no harsh or inhumane treatment, working hours, rates of pay and terms of employment. We are aware that there is a problem with transparency in the fashion industry, and we are committed to improving our own transparency and identifying all tiers of our supply chain as we move forward.
Collectif will continue to do all we can to maintain the rights of those who help us to bring our products to you.
GENDER SPLIT
Throughout all of our locations* we ensure that the gender distribution is fair**
*information taken from garment factory workers in 2020
*Please note: Collectif only has a direct influence on our owned factory in Vietnam, and China office
MATERIALS
We use a variety of yarns, fabrics and trims in our collections, and we are currently in the research and testing stage of sourcing responsible alternatives for part of our ranges. Our aim is to reduce the impact our clothes have on the environment without sacrificing the quality and design our wonderful customers have come to expect.
Viscose: We are currently using standard Viscose which is made from cellulose (from tree pulp) and it is a preferable alternative compared to Polyester and Nylon materials. However, we are also aware that processing Viscose also involves some chemical treatment. Therefore we are currently researching good practice in the production process and wastewater management in order to reduce our environmental footprint.
Cotton: We work closely with our team in China to ensure that our cotton sourcing is ethical. We are also actively looking into Organic, Regenerative Organic and Recycled Cotton and hope to incorporate them into parts of our collection in the near future.
Shoes: the materials used in our Lulu Hun shoes are cruelty-free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
THE FUTURE
We are in the process of changing our packaging to be more environmentally friendly/recyclable. Our UK warehouse has made significant reductions in plastic use by working with suppliers to deliver less plastic packaging and plastic string. They also have daily recycling procedures in place for general packing and waste.
We have also produced and published a comprehensive wash care guide, providing detailed information on how to extend the life of your much loved Collectif pieces. Click HERE to view.
At Collectif we are incredibly lucky to have a passionate team, including a newly appointed sustainability officer, that cares about the next phase of the brand’s development. Our shared purpose is to ensure the future for Collectif customers is not only filled with beautiful designs but also limits damage to the environment. Please watch this space for further developments!
If you have any questions please contact shop@collectiflondon.com