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Our suppliers

"Our company encompasses a holistic vision of exchange, not just between East and West, but between all participants in the modern value chain"


Mehera Shaw's workshop is located in Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan in northwest India. There our unique handblock and screenprints are lovingly handcrafted by a small team.

Mehera Shaw stands for a sustainable lifestyle for its customers and the preservation of high-quality handicraft under fair conditions throughout the entire value chain. As a member of the Fair Trade Federation, you are committed to transparency in every step of the manufacturing process and good conditions for all people who stand behind the fabrics.

Before the fabrics get their unique patterns, they pass through a complex production chain. Starting with the seed, harvesting and finally weaving, GOTS-certified organic cotton goes through a time-consuming process that guarantees many people work and a steady income.

Mehera Shaw attaches great importance to obtaining raw materials from small producers and family businesses whenever possible. With a high level of ecological awareness, hydrogen peroxide and environmentally friendly pigment-based AZO-free colors are used in the production process for whitening instead of chlorine bleach. In addition to the high standards in the area of ​​ecological sustainability, as a member of Craftmark, she is able to maintain the traditional and laborious technology through a fair livelihood for the artisans and to make them strong in the market against machine-made mass products.

We love the Mehera Shaw philosophy, the patterns, the quality of the block prints and the organic cotton. We share the same values ​​and are proud to have your fabrics in our range in order to make them available to a wide range of customers here in Germany.

"With traditional craftsmanship, we want to use natural fibers from all over Nepal, such as hemp, pineapple, sisal, bamboo, bananas, cotton or jute, to manufacture high-quality fabrics and products, secure the livelihood of our employees and offer Nepalese products for the whole world."


Our supplier runs a social enterprise with around 18 employees that connects almost all natural fiber manufacturers in Nepal. For this purpose, the company “outsources” production steps from different levels of the value chain, such as the collection of natural fiber plants or product marketing.

Environmentally friendly fabrics are handcrafted from the renewable and essentially organic resources; the company would like to create green jobs at the local level and secure the livelihood of the locals.

The company specializes in working with hand looms, hand knotting and crocheting or knitting, in particular with materials such as nettles, hemp, pineapple, sisal, bamboo, bananas, cotton, jute as well as Korai grass and Sambu grass. Many of the materials come from the mountainous regions of the country, some come from the Terai region.

                                                     Handcrafted woven fabrics from Nepal   Hand-woven fabrics from Nepal   

The factory produces traditional fabrics and clothing from natural fibers as well as other products such as bags and backpacks. In developing countries like Nepal, agricultural workers and artisans have a long history of creating products using traditional skills and local materials.

The company has managed to build a decentralized production and supply chain model that ensures quality products and on-time delivery.

The Nepalese woven fabrics are among the most popular in our range and we look forward to such a great and reliable cooperation in the future as in the past!

"With the world's only production of high-quality Shweshwe fabrics, we are committed to preserving the traditional values ​​of various cultural groups that are associated with the fabrics."


As the world's only manufacturer of traditional Shweshwe fabrics, which get their character from the white patterns, daGama continues a tradition that goes back a long time.

The “denim of South Africa” was already worn by soldiers at the Cape of Good Hope in the 17th century. In the further course the material was further developed by various cultural influences, among other things it was supplemented by the so-called Ujamani by the Xhosa women and has since been used especially in rural areas for special festivities. Today the traditionally important fabric is being rediscovered by young South African designers, presented in a modern way and used. As before, the fabrics are created using the complex process of "blue print" copper roll printing.

daGama orients itself towards sustainable values ​​in production and raw material procurement, but cannot yet support this with certificates, as the infrastructure for affordable certified cotton does not exist in the country.

The company aims to achieve broad economic empowerment and implemented an extensive corporate ownership program a few years ago. As a result, almost 60% of the property was indirectly transferred to the employees.

True Fabrics fully supports the preservation of the traditional "denim of South Africa" ​​and looks forward to further cooperation.

Sustainability aspects Shweshwe fabrics - South Africa

 

 

"The focus of our work is the aim of training women in traditional Togolese batik techniques to help them achieve financial independence."


Our supplier Chantal from Togo has realized her dream of combining her work as a batik artist with a training center for girls and young women. By passing on her unique techniques, she not only helps to preserve the traditional characteristics despite cheap foreign products, but can also pursue her passion to positively influence the lives of others.

So it is important to preserve the heritage with joint strength and constantly new, innovative products. Both the production of the fabrics and the profits from the sale are closely linked to the successful implementation of the training of more and more women and girls.

 Togo batik fabric manufacture Togo batik fabrics Batik fabric manufacture 

The creativity of the batik artists creates unique patterns and stories over and over again. By applying wax, designing patterns and symbols, then dyeing the fabrics and removing the colors that do not get stuck in the wax design, high-quality textile art is created by hand.

A large part of the fabric design is inspired by various influences from Togolese nature, while the so-called "crushed fabrics" reflect the diversity of local cultures. Behind every step is the conviction for quality. A quality that not only relates to good workmanship, which is visible in the end product, but implicitly stands for ethical values ​​in addition to health and ecological standards. The use of certified materials ensures, among other things, child labor-free production.

In addition, Chantal undertakes a permanent evaluation process of its raw material suppliers in order to achieve complete transparency of every step in the near future.

We are excited for you to have these unique pieces, which have been reinvented again and again, using traditional techniques in our range and are curiously waiting for future samples.

"With our work we would like to contribute to an improvement of the living and working conditions in Guatemala and to preserve and appreciate the unique culture and skillful craftsmanship of the Mayas. "


Our suppliers for the beautiful hand-woven fabrics from Guatemala stand for quality with local origin and the values ​​of fair trade. “If these points are taken into account, the price only plays a secondary role.” Due to their local origin, our lovingly made Telar de Pie fabrics benefit from their proximity to the unique Mayan culture. This historical connection and the passing on of handicrafts and tools from generation to generation enable people to create the unique patterns and shapes.

With practiced hands, small family businesses and women's associations produce the lavishly and traditionally manufactured fabrics. Before the actual weaving can begin, the colors must be tied into a loom and arranged in the comb. Inspired by traditional uses of the fabrics, the signs and patterns often reflect a silent collective language and in this the diversity of the Mayan culture.

Guatemala handloom threads Portrait producer Guatemala GUatemala hand loom

Most of the cotton is sourced locally from local partners, taking into account the values ​​of fair trade on local markets. From Central America, imports are only made if the yield is insufficient. A complete work with exclusively certified materials is aimed for in the near future. Due to above-average procurement costs and small quantities, this is currently not possible, which is why, with the help of our XELA suppliers, we ensure social and ecological sustainability through regular on-site visits. As staunch supporters of the fair trade and direct trade movement, it is important to work with retailers and producers who share these values ​​and who stand up for them. The unique culture of Latin America, especially the Maya, can only be preserved by improving living and working conditions in Guatemala.

Sustainability aspects

"It is our concern to use the fabrics to create an awareness of the uniqueness and essence of Aboriginal culture and to be able to offer our customers fabrics of the best quality."


For our Australian manufacturer M&S Textiles, the key idea behind the lively and colorful Aboriginal fabrics is to create an awareness of the uniqueness and essence of Australian aboriginal culture. And that's about time, as it is the only art form with a history of more than 50.000 years.

This makes it clear: for Aborigines, art is their greatest treasure. M&S Textiles has respected this from the start and attached great importance to cultural conditions, which also includes observing unspoken rules in order not to hurt the (cultural) feelings of Aboriginal artists.

The artists create a unique story through each design. The stories come from the "Dreamtime" that has been passed down over the years from the indigenous people to their younger generations. Inspired by their own dreams and the transmissions of their ancestors, the artists create the lively and colorful designs. Thus, each fabric is deeply rooted in the culture of the Australian indigenous people through patterns and colors and conveys their history.

Even in the further production process, after the designs have been created, every step is known from start to finish. They are printed on high quality and 100% cotton fabric, whereby the fabric consists of 100% natural and environmentally friendly cotton.

M&S Textiles has committed itself to a number of core values. These are:

  • to always preserve the interests of the artists,
  • to always respect the Aboriginal culture,
  • to use only in the best possible quality for all products,
  • the consistent exclusion of child labor,
  • the exclusive use of degradable fibers.

We are pleased to be able to offer you these special fabrics and hope for a further long-term and trusting cooperation with this special company.

“We believe that our textiles and their designs reflect the culture and heritage of the people of West Africa. The clothes we wear are an integral part of our identity and personality. They reflect who we are, who we want to be and convey emotions, hopes and respect. Most of our prints show our cultural beliefs and values, through Adinkra symbols or other motifs, and can be used for any occasion. "


Our supplier from Ghana was founded in 1967 and is one of the most experienced manufacturers of original wax and fancy prints, which are often referred to as "The Art of Africa". He takes on the entire production process, from weaving the so-called “gray cloths”, i.e. the basic materials, through the design of the patterns and right through to printing. In this last step, large, geometric or even filigree patterns are applied to the premium cotton fabrics with the help of wax or tree resin stencils. The fabrics are then shaken in large drums, which breaks the wax or resin. This leads to the characteristic wax bubbles in the patterns. The same color intensity on both sides is also unmistakable with the wax prints. This elaborate printing process, modern systems and the use of high-quality colors result in fabrics of the highest quality.

Due to the high density of the basic fabrics, wax and fancy prints are also hard-wearing and durable. The cotton for the production of the raw materials is primarily sourced from Ghana and also from other West African countries. By buying directly from the manufacturer without intermediaries, we guarantee the authenticity of the African fabrics and the payment of those who produce them. In addition, we support one of the last African manufacturers of traditional wax and fancy prints with our work.

Our supplier follows the concept of “Good Corporate Citizens” as he works in a variety of ways to improve the quality of life in his local and national communities. This happens, for example, in the field of education through the awarding of scholarships, but also in the development and promotion of sport and in the field of health, for example through the “Independence Day Blood Donation”.

 

Global moms

“Global Mamas aims to empower African women and their families to prosper. We define wealth as financial well-being, good health and happiness. We achieve this by manufacturing and selling handcrafted products of the highest quality.”


Global Mamas was founded in Ghana in 2003 by 6 people and now consists of a network of over 400 producers living and working in 9 different communities.

Global Mamas is WFTO fair certified and supports women in Ghana so that they can contribute to the family income and receive an education. For their fabrics, which are hand-tie-dyed using the wax-print process, Global Mamas only use GOTS-certified organic cotton fabrics, with which they produce beautiful clothing, home textiles and accessories.

AZO-free dyes are used to dye the fabrics. The fabric conveys through the colorful prints and the wonderful colors, African lightness and joie de vivre!

You can find out more about the impact and value chain of Global Mamas here. For more information on the batik process, see this one Link, as well as in the video below.

The Batik Process - Video

"The vision of the Batik Boutique is therefore to enable hundreds of artisans like Ana to produce high-quality fashion and accessories in order to improve their living conditions."


The idea of ​​our supplier to found the "Batik Boutique" began with a friendship between two women.

In 2009, Amy Blair befriended Ana, a single mother in Malaysia who was looking for a way to earn more income to support her family. Ana loved sewing, which is why they both bought tie-dye fabric, which Ana used to sew great little accessories and gifts and which Amy gave to her family and friends.

Today more than 150 craftswomen have worked in five batik workshops with the batik boutique, two sewing centers, a studio and a store have been created. In this way, many women earn a fair, permanent income and learn new skills. The sewing centers were opened in the communities of the craftswomen. The women can also live in them, which makes working conditions even more comfortable, as, for example, the sometimes long journeys to and from the house are no longer necessary and childcare is ensured immediately.

Batik originated hundreds of years ago in Java and Southeast Asia and is an important part of Malaysian culture. Malaysian batik tends to focus on natural, floral, and geometric or Islamic art design, which are all important aspects of local life.

The fabrics are painstakingly handcrafted by experienced batik women, which is why they have such a high quality that you can feel immediately when you hold the fabrics in your hand. In the manufacturing process, the fabrics are first decorated with hand drawings using melted wax so that the dyeing can then take place in layers. In the next step, the fabrics are bathed and washed. The last step is drying.

Amy founded the Batik Boutique believing that women like Ana should receive a fair and permanent income in order to be able to take care of themselves and their families.

Cotonea

“With the Cotonea organic brand, we strive to do good, not harm, to improve people's lives. It is worth fighting for a future worth living!”


Cotonea, respectful, caring and authentic, is the brand of the traditional textile company Elmer & Zweifel, with a 160-year company history and headquarters in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Cotonea fabrics are "IVN Best", "GOTS" and "Fair for Life" certified.

Sustainable textile production and fair trade are the top credo at Cotonea. The entire production and supply chain is in one hand at Cotonea, starting from the organic cotton field to the finished fabric and textile products.

The organic cotton comes from our own cultivation projects in Uganda and Kyrgyzstan. In cooperation with local development organizations, only organic cotton is processed here, which is cultivated without any pesticides or mineral fertilizers. In this way, soil and groundwater reserves are protected and at the same time the health and long-term existence of tens of thousands of people. Generous organic and fair trade premiums are paid, and knowledge is imparted on how organic cultivation and a high-yield harvest can be guaranteed. 

In the fabric production outsourced to the Czech Republic, Cotonea guarantees regulated working hours and fair wages for all weavers.

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