Sustainability Audit

In order to work as transparently as possible I wanted to share the ongoing work behind the scenes of a small business. This Sustainability Audit is a working document showing where the business currently is and the aims of where to get to. This covers all aspects of the business and will continue to evolve as more things inevitably become apparent and can be worked on.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me

Last Updated – 14/4/23

DepartmentProcess/ItemCurrent StatusAim
ManufacturingBlock PrintingAzo free dye stuffsTo move to natural dyes if possible for all or some colours. This may be more possible when order quantities increase
ManufacturingCotton FabricNon organic cottonLook into MOQ to move to organic cotton or linen base. Currently not possible due to size of orders and wanting to support small artisan studios instead. 
ManufacturingSewing ThreadUsing Mara 100 R-Pet recycled polyester thread made from recycled plasticNo current action
ManufacturingOverlocking ThreadUsing Coats EcoVerde recycled polyester thread made from recycled plasticNo current action
ManufacturingBrand LabelsUsing recycled polyester brand labelsNo current action
ManufacturingCare LabelsUsing unbleached cottonSee if there is a more sustainable option for next restock
ManufacturingConcealed ZipsMade from recycled polyesterNo current action
ManufacturingMetal ZipsMade from recycled polyester and eco metal finish on zip teeth & pullerNo current action
ManufacturingBuckwheat HullsCurrently organic and a by productNo current action
ManufacturingBolster/Med Cushion Inner CoversConfirm current cushion inner cover composition and research whether it is possible to change
ManufacturingCushion InnersBritish Made – Outer Fabric – 50% Cotton 50% Polyester Filling – HollowfibreResearch recycled polyester and  sustainable hollowfibre filling option
ManufacturingLinseedOrganic LinseedNo current action
ManufacturingCalicoCurrently not organicResearch and move to organic cotton calico
ManufacturingVest BaseOrganic Cotton & Fair Wear MadeNo current action
ManufacturingT-Shirt BaseOrganic Cotton & Fair Wear MadeNo current action
ManufacturingTote Bag BaseOrganic Cotton & Fair Wear MadeNo current action
ManufacturingSweatshirt BaseOrganic Cotton, Recycled Polyester & Fair Wear MadeNo current action
ManufacturingScreen PrintingEco Friendly and Vegan InksNo current action
PackagingSwing TagsCurrently not sustainable or recycled Research a recycled heavyweight paper stock
PackagingSwing Tag DisclaimerPrinted on recycled tracing paperNo current action
PackagingCompliments CardPrinted on Recycled PaperNo current action
PackagingUses FlyerPrinted on Recycled PaperNo current action
PackagingStickersPrinted on Recycled Paper sticker stockNo current action
PackagingTissue PaperRecycled Tissue PaperNo current action
PackagingPaper Mailing Bags100% recyclable and FSC certified currentlyNo current action
PackagingSugercane Mailing BagsFully recyclable, carbon neutral, by-product of sugar cane and grown on reclaimed wasteland and therefore having no impact on the rainforestNo current action
PackagingTapeSelf adhesive paper kraft tape for all packages – 100% recyclable, 100% veganNo current action
PackagingShipping LabelsPrinted on Recycled Paper sticker stockNo current action
ShippingUPSShipping carbon neutralNo current action
ShippingRoyal MailNo carbon offsetCarbon offset Royal Mail shipments
ShippingShipping from IndiaShip either via sea or offset shipment via airResearch carbon offsetting for freight so all shipments are carbon neutral