Responsibility
Responsibility
Materiél Tbilisi
Transparency
Materiel sources organic, recycled and natural dyed fabrics sourced from responsibly operated farms in Turkey, China, South Korea, and Italy. The team at Material ensures all providers operate in alignment with their transparency priorities by visiting facilities on a regular basis. Materiel's entire production process takes place in Tbilisi, Georgia, the brand owns its own factory and therefore has full control over the production methods in use and the working conditions at its facilities. Materiel’s facilities undergo third-party audits on a weekly basis to ensure and guarantee the safety of workers in its production facilities. In terms of disclosure of the material composition of products, Materiel provides a list of materials in use across all product pages.
Emissions
Materiel is currently working on creating environmental efficiencies along its supply chain by implementing recycling and upcycling practices at the manufacturing stage, reducing its reliance on air freight shipping, using 100% biodegradable and compostable bags for outer packaging and using recycled paper for all labels and shipping envelopes.
Water Management
The brand is proactively working on reducing its water footprint with initiatives such as re-using water in its manufacturing facilities.
Materials
Materiel prioritizes responsibly organic, recycled and natural dyed fabrics. Their supply chain is closely monitored by the logistics team who often visit these manufacturers. Currently, up to 80% of fabrics used in the collections are recycled. As evidence of its good sourcing and manufacturing practices, Materiel has earned the following certifications: Recycled Claim Standard, Organic Blended Contact Standard, SGS Certificate, Responsible Wool Standard, GOTS, V-Label, European Flex, OEKO-TEX, and Global Recycled Standard.
Workers’ Rights
Materiel operates its own manufacturing facilities in a responsible manner, in accordance with Georgia's labour legislation and in line with International Labour Organisation (ILO) labour standards - which guarantees fair and safe working conditions for workers. The brand is proactive at providing workers with training opportunities and wellbeing programs. In addition, as a women-led and operated company, Materiel is proactively promoting gender equality in the workplace - with a 98% female workforce. Lastly, Materiel is a certified ISO 9001 company, which sets out the criteria for a quality management system. In accordance with this criteria, Materiel has a robust policy staff training system which helps guarantee that workers are supported via training opportunities and wellbeing programs. Materiel runs 12 local and international training programs every year on Marketing, Computer Programs, Advanced, Sewing, and Pattern Making classes.
Waste and Chemicals
Materiel’s products are safely produced without the use of harmful ingredients and techniques. In addition, Materiel is proactively working to minimize waste in its production process. The brand upcycles unused materials from and for its co-brand to ensure no fabric goes to waste. In addition they don’t hold any deadstock and reuse fabrics from unsold items for new collections whenever possible.
Animal Welfare
Materiel is proactively committed to upholding the rights of animals throughout its supply chain. The brand doesn't use animal-derived leather, fur or feathers.
Biodiversity and Forestry
We are still exploring how we can work with Materiel to advance our shared goal of protecting endangered species and forests.
Ethos
Materiel encourages responsible consumption amongst shoppers through its focus on producing timeless designs as opposed to on-trend garments, and is mindful of its use of all sustainability-related marketing. Lastly, all of Materiel’s products are made to last, which helps in limiting overconsumption.
Symbols to spot
Environmentally Friendly Dye
All dyes are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals. The dying process itself is water-efficient and treats waste effluents.
Low Waste
Little or no textile waste created in the production process and post-purchase waste reduction advice given.
Minority Owned
At least 51% owned and operated by one or more people from underrepresented groups including ethnic/gender minorities and those with disabilities.
100% Natural Materials
100% of the materials used come from responsibly sourced plant or animal fibers.
Organic Materials
Made from materials raised or grown in compliance with organic agricultural standards – no pesticides, herbicides or other non-naturally occurring chemicals – set by Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) and country-specific certifications.
Plastic Free
Contains zero plastic-fibered materials, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and elastane.
Recycled Materials
Made from post-consumer waste, designed to be broken down after use, in line with Global Recycle Standards and country-specific certifications.
Responsible Forestry
Committed to the active protection of ancient forest ecosystems.
Responsible Materials
Made from materials that cause no chemically-induced harm to ecosystems and people along the supply chain, in line with standards set by the Oeko-Tex Association, the bluesign program and ZDHC.
Saving Water
Protecting water sources and preventing water pollution along the supply chain.
Socially Responsible Practices
Commitment to fair terms of trade and advancing the human rights of workers, in line with core ILO and UN Conventions and the Fairtrade Textile Standard.
Vegan
Contains no animal-derived fabrics such as animal leather, wool, silk and fur.
