ÉTICA carefully selects local suppliers based on their commitment to sustainability, their labor practices and the quality of the fabrics they produce. Our Vendor Code of Conduct contains strict guidelines for social responsibility and corporate compliance, based on the tenants of the Fair Labor Association and Bluesign®. We are a proud member of the Better Cotton Initiative™, and our mills have earned additional certifications from OEKO-TEX Standard 100, WRAP, Cradle to Cradle™ and GOTS.
We consider every aspect of the lifecycle of our clothing, starting with the fibers grown to create our fabrics. While all of our cotton supports the Better Cotton Initiative, we are also growing our cache of organics in denim, wovens and knits each season. We currently source roughly 70% of our cotton from organic sources. Considering less than 1% of the world’s cotton production is organic, we source the balance in the best way possible. Right here in the U.S., where both production and labor standards are higher and more transparent.
We lean into alternative fibers like Tencel and Refibra, cellulose fibers sourced from renewable wood sources, without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation or genetic manipulation. These fibers are durable, biodegradable and very low impact. Using these fibers cuts down on the amount of cotton required, which further reduces water usage throughout the supply chain.
FABRIC PRODUCTION
All of our fabrics are produced with minimal impact, and all have Bluesign certifications. Our mills use liquid indigo (instead of powder) for the majority of our denim fabrics, which greatly reduces both water and chemical usage, while eliminating the creation of millions of pounds of waste water sludge. As of 2021 we can proudly say that all our fabrics (even our stretch denims) are 100% free of Microplastics, which is a huge step for the health of our soil, our water and our people.
UPCYCLING & DEADSTOCK
Each season we pepper in second-life sources, like deadstock, upcycled and recycled fabrics. Circular sourcing is the most sustainable raw material category. Not only does it prevent landfill waste, but it eliminates the most environmentally challenging process (fabric production), saving large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals in the process.
NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS
We also want to make clear that we do not source any fibers from animal fur or hide. We do not use trims sourced from animal materials. We do not use softeners, dyes or other additives derived from animal sources. In other words, our product is 100% vegan.