In an era where the environmental and social impact of every industry is closely scrutinized, the fashion world is no exception. Sustainability has become a defining factor, not only in design and materials but also in production practices. As consumers become more informed and demand more transparency, businesses are stepping up to meet these expectations. This blog will delve into how our brand integrates sustainability and ethical awareness in every aspect of production — from the materials used to the ethical standards maintained at our factories.
At MaryandMary, sustainability is at the core of our approach to crafting abayas and kimonos, from our choice of fabrics like cotton and Cupro to our commitment to ethical production. By using natural, eco-friendly materials and upcycled fabrics, we ensure that our garments not only meet the highest standards of quality but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Our brand reflects a commitment to responsible fashion, offering consumers a blend of timeless elegance and conscious consumption, making it easier to choose garments that are both stylish and kind to the planet.
Eco-Friendly Fabrics: Building Blocks of Sustainable Fashion
At the heart of our brand's sustainability efforts are the fabrics we choose. We prioritize natural, eco-friendly materials that not only reduce environmental impact but also support longevity, ensuring that our garments last longer and reduce the need for frequent replacements.
1. Cotton: One of the most widely used natural fabrics in the world, cotton has been a staple in fashion for centuries. It is not only breathable and comfortable but also biodegradable, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers. Since cotton is a renewable resource, it contributes less to environmental degradation than synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester. However, we recognize that conventional cotton farming can have its challenges, such as heavy water consumption and pesticide use. That's why we are continuously exploring better sources for cotton, including organic cotton, which has a smaller environmental footprint.
2. Cupro: A lesser-known but equally sustainable fabric, Cupro is made from cotton waste, exemplifying the upcycling trend in fashion. By repurposing what would otherwise be waste material, Cupro represents one of the most environmentally friendly textiles in the industry. Not only is Cupro biodegradable, but it also offers a silky texture and durability, ensuring that our garments feel luxurious while remaining environmentally responsible.
3. Other Fabrics: While natural fibers are our first choice, we understand the need for variety in garment design, especially for fabrics like organza, mesh, and lace. Currently, we use 100% polyester for these fabrics, as polyester is easier to recycle compared to blended fabrics. Blended materials, like a mix of cotton and polyester, need to be separated before recycling, a process that requires a significant amount of energy. As we continue to innovate, our goal is to incorporate recycled polyester in our designs to further reduce waste and energy consumption.
By using a mix of these fabrics, we ensure that our garments maintain both functionality and environmental responsibility, offering high-quality products that last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Eco-Friendly Printing Inks: Reducing Environmental Impact in Design
The sustainability of a garment goes beyond just the fabric. The inks used in printing designs on fabrics can have a significant environmental impact. Traditional inks can contain harmful chemicals and solvents that contribute to air and water pollution. In contrast, we use environmentally friendly printing inks that minimize these risks, ensuring that our designs are both beautiful and safe for the planet. These inks not only reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the atmosphere but also make the recycling process easier, as they are less likely to contaminate the material.
Ethical Production in China: A Commitment to Social Responsibility
Our garments are manufactured in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, China, a region known for its robust textile industry. While some may express concerns about production in developing countries, we ensure that our factory partners uphold the highest standards of social responsibility and sustainability. This is achieved through our commitment to amfori BSCI certification.
What is amfori BSCI?
The amfori Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is a globally recognized standard for social responsibility and ethical trade. It provides a code of conduct that guides companies in ensuring their supply chains are sustainable and ethically responsible. In today’s globalized markets, supply chains have become increasingly complex, especially when production is outsourced to less developed regions. The amfori BSCI audit ensures that suppliers are committed to responsible practices toward both people and the planet.
Through regular audits, the amfori BSCI ensures that our suppliers:
- Respect workers' rights and provide fair wages.
- Ensure safe working conditions.
- Minimize environmental impact in production processes.
By adhering to the amfori BSCI guidelines, we are not only creating high-quality garments but also contributing to the well-being of the people who produce them.
Sustainable Design: Long-lasting and Versatile Garments
Our approach to design is equally rooted in sustainability. One of the key aspects of our abaya kimono collection is the loose-fitting or one-size-fits-all style. This versatile design philosophy allows customers to wear our garments over extended periods, regardless of weight fluctuations or body changes. This is particularly beneficial for women who may experience significant changes in body shape during and after pregnancy.
Instead of purchasing new clothing for each phase of life, customers can rely on our abaya kimonos to adapt to their bodies’ natural changes. This not only reduces the need for excessive consumption but also supports our goal of creating garments that last.
Quality and Craftsmanship
In addition to versatility, we prioritize quality in both fabrics and craftsmanship. High-quality materials and meticulous production processes ensure that our garments are long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thus contributing to a more sustainable wardrobe. A well-crafted garment not only serves as a staple in a customer’s wardrobe but also reduces the overall carbon footprint associated with fast fashion’s throwaway culture.
Minimizing Carbon Footprint in Manufacturing
Our production facilities are located in China, one of the world’s largest producers of cotton fabrics. By sourcing fabrics locally and producing them in China, we are able to keep logistical distances short, thereby reducing our overall carbon footprint. This approach ensures that we maintain efficient production while minimizing the environmental impact associated with shipping materials and products across long distances.
Continuous Improvement: The Road Ahead
Sustainability is a journey, and while we have made significant strides in ensuring that our materials, production processes, and designs are eco-friendly, there is always room for improvement. Our current use of virgin polyester for certain fabrics, like organza and mesh, is a conscious decision based on ease of recycling. However, our long-term goal is to transition towards using already recycled polyester in these fabrics, further reducing waste and energy use.
The fashion industry is continuously evolving with shopping online culture, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of sustainable practices. By regularly reviewing and improving our materials and processes, we aim to reduce our environmental impact while still providing high-quality, ethically produced garments.
A Fashion Brand with Purpose : Mary&Mary
At the core of our brand’s identity is a commitment to sustainability and ethical responsibility. From sourcing eco-friendly fabrics like cotton and Cupro, to ensuring ethical production through amfori BSCI certification, we are dedicated to making designer fashion that is both beautiful and responsible. Our versatile designs ensure longevity, while our continuous focus on improvement keeps us moving toward even greater sustainability. Together, we can make fashion that respects both people and the planet.
At Mary and Mary, both cotton and Cupro play a key role in crafting our abayas and kimonos, ensuring comfort, sustainability, and elegance. Cotton, known for its softness, breathability, and biodegradability, offers a natural, eco-friendly option for those who value both luxury and environmental responsibility. Its ability to regulate temperature and provide all-day comfort makes it an ideal choice for garments worn in diverse climates. Cupro, made from upcycled cotton waste, adds a silky, smooth texture to our garments, combining sustainability with a high-end feel. This fabric not only drapes beautifully but also reflects our brand’s dedication to eco-conscious innovation. These fabrics align with our commitment to producing versatile, long-lasting garments that are gentle on the planet, offering style and functionality for all occasions. Perfect for both everyday wear and special events, our abayas and kimonos embody the essence of responsible oriental fashion, where tradition meets modern sustainability.