Alémais
Environmental
and Social Impact
Policies
Scope
This policy applies to all materials sourced for Alemais products, including garments, accessories, and packaging. It outlines Alemais’ commitment to ensuring the highest ethical standards regarding animal welfare. The policy applies to both animal-derived materials and non-animal alternatives, providing guidelines for sourcing, certification, and verification. It is relevant to all stakeholders involved in product design, sourcing, and production, including suppliers, manufacturers, and external partners.
Policy
Alemais prioritises alternatives to animal-based materials and adheres to strict guidelines when their use is unavoidable. This policy includes sourcing preferences, certification requirements, and verification protocols for suppliers to ensure that Alemais maintains its commitment to animal welfare and sustainability.
Objectives
Avoidance of Animal-Based Materials:
Prioritise the use of non-animal alternatives, such as bio synthetics and recycled materials, wherever feasible.
Ethical Sourcing:
Ensure that any necessary animal-derived products meet internationally recognised standards where possible.
Transparency:
Require suppliers to provide certifications or affidavits when certifications are unavailable.
Sustainability Commitment:
Reduce environmental and social impacts through responsible material choices.
Material Guidelines
Wool, Preferred Certification:
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS).
Suppliers must provide RWS certification to verify compliance.
Leather, Priority Order of Use:
- Bio synthetics
- Recycled leather
- Leather Working Group (LWG) certified vegetable-tanned leather Suppliers must provide documentation to
verify the material's origin and compliance with preferred standards.
Other Animal-Derived Materials:
- Use only when no viable alternative exists.
- Require third-party certifications whereavailable.
- When certifications are not possible, affidavits from suppliers must confirm adherence to Alemais' ethical standards.
Verification and Compliance
To ensure Alemais’ Animal Welfare Policy is met, all suppliers must follow the steps outlined below:
Sourcing Request:
Suppliers must provide clear details regarding the material type, supplier information, and applicable certifications. If certifications are not available, suppliers must provide affidavits confirming adherence to Alemais’ ethical standards.
Documentation Submission:
Suppliers are required to submit the following documentation to Alemais for verification:
- Wool: Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certification.
- Leather: Verification of origin and compliance with preferred standards such as biosynthetics, recycled leather, or Leather Working Group (LWG) certified vegetable-tanned leather.
- Other Animal-Derived Materials: If certifications are unavailable, suppliers must submit affidavits confirming that materials adhere to Alemais' ethical sourcing standards.
Evaluation of Documentation:
Alemais will evaluate the submitted documentation to ensure it meets the required certifications and standards. If the submitted documents meet the criteria, the materials will be approved for use. If any discrepancies are found, suppliers will be notified, and sourcing cannot proceed until all criteria are met.
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring:
Alemais will work with suppliers to monitor and ensure compliance with our animal welfare standards. This includes reviewing documentation and conducting periodic supplier audits to confirm adherence to the policy.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global animal welfare standards and Alemais' sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly.
Scope
At Alemais our vision is to create a fashion brand that honours artisanal craftsmanship and fosters positive impacts on artisans and communities. In this document, 'Artisanal' is defined as highly skilled, traditional craftsmanship. Craftsmanship includes, but is not limited to, hand beading, embroidery, handloom weaving, and crochet.
Policy
At Alemais, our mission is to proactively champion artisanal empowerment, cultural preservation, and more ethical practices within the fashion industry. This policy and strategy serve as our committed approach to ensuring the implementation of initiatives that empower artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills, preserve cultural heritage, and safeguard their intellectual property rights. Through this, we aim to foster an environment that not only celebrates artisanal craftsmanship but also amplifies the voices of artisans while preserving their heritage. Moreover, we aim to collaborate with businesses and social enterprises that specialise in supporting artisans to improve livelihoods, provide economic stability, education, health, and safety.
Objectives
Ethical Partnerships:
Establish long-term, ethical partnerships with artisans globally, ensuring fair wages, safe conditions, and growth opportunities.
Preservation of Craftsmanship:
Focus on preserving traditional techniques (hand-weaving, embroidery, natural dyeing) to create culturally rich products.
Sustainable Materials:
Source low-impact materials, prioritising cellulose fibres and materials with a lower environmental impact. Prioritise initiatives to reduce environmental impacts, such as carbon footprint and waste generation.
Transparent Supply Chain:
Provide customers with the origin and social/environmental impact details of products.
Social Impact Assessment:
Regularly measure social impact and support community development initiatives.
Collaboration and Innovation:
Merge traditional techniques with modern designs through collaboration and innovation.
Cultural Intellectual Property Protection:
Ensure clear communication with artisan suppliers to prevent exploitation or misappropriation.
Inclusivity and Diversity:
Ensure representation and empowerment of diverse artisanal communities, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Consumer Education:
Educate consumers about the value and impact of artisanal products through engaging content and storytelling.
Continuous Improvement:
Regularly review and update strategies based on feedback, learnings, and industry standards.
By aligning our efforts with these objectives and additional commitments, Alemais is dedicated to improving ethical standards, preserving cultural heritage, and making a lasting positive impact on artisans and their communities.
Verification and Compliance
Below are the preferred certifications required by Artisan Suppliers.
Global Fair-Trade Certificate
Recognises adherence to fair trade practices, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions.
World Fair Trade Organisation Membership
Membership in an organisation promoting fair trade and sustainable development.
Nest Ethical Seal of Approval
Acknowledges ethical business practices, including social and environmental responsibility.
Impact Report or Sustainability Assessment
Report demonstrating the social, environmental, and economic impact of the company's initiatives.
Affidavit for Social Enterprise Business Practices
Affirms the commitment to conducting operations in accordance with ethical practices and social impact.
Alemais acknowledges that artisan partners are often micro-businesses in remote communities where certification may not be a viable option. In the absence of certifications or standards, documentation must be provided to prove economic stability, education, and improvements to workers' livelihoods, on a case-by-case basis.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global animal welfare standards and Alemais' sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly
Scope
At Alemais, we are committed to transparent and honest communication about our environmental and social impact. Our goal is to celebrate the positive impact of our products, empower consumers to make informed choices, and communicate our journey with clarity. This policy outlines the key guidelines for communicating about Alemais products, ensuring we remain aligned with best practices and both Australian and global Anti-Greenwashing Guidelines.
Policy
Alemais requires all communication and marketing to comply with the criteria outlined below.
Objectives
Be Specific and Transparent:
Always use clear, measurable data when discussing sustainability efforts related to Alemais products. Avoid vague terms like “eco-friendly” unless substantiated by evidence.
Verify All Claims:
Ensure all claims about our products are supported by reliable certifications, audit results, or data. Empower consumers by providing clear evidence to verify these claims.
Embrace Honesty and Realism:
Celebrate real, tangible impacts and be transparent about areas for improvement in the products we offer. This helps build consumer trust.
Clear and Positive Communication:
Use simple, clear language that empowers consumers to make informed decisions. Avoid jargon or complex terminology that may confuse them.
Highlight Achievable Goals and Progress:
Communicate our goals in a realistic and achievable manner, celebrating progress every step of the way.
Communication Guidelines for Alemais Products
Celebrate Specific and Clear Claims
- What to Do: Highlight measurable impacts, such as the percentage of recycled materials or specific certifications.
- What to Avoid: Avoid terms like “planet-friendly” or “eco-conscious” without proof.
- Examples: “Made with 40% recycled cotton, certified by GRS.”, “This dress is crafted from linen, sourced from certified organic farms.”
Verify and Showcase Evidence
- What to Do: Provide certification logos, supplier audits, and third-party verification for all sustainability claims.
- What to Avoid: Avoid unsupported claims or overly general statements like “sustainable” without certification.
- Examples: “Fair Trade certified, ensuring artisans are paid fair wages and have access to healthcare.”, “This garment is made using European linen, grown using traditional farming practices.”
Be Honest About Impact
- What to Do: Acknowledge both achievements and areas for growth. Be clear about the tangible impact of our sustainability efforts.
- What to Avoid: Avoid exaggerating the impact of individual products without context or measurable results.
- Examples: “We are working towards a goal of 100% organic cotton in all products by 2026.”, “Currently, 50% of our fabrics are sourced from renewable materials.”
Use Clear, Positive Communication
- What to Do: Use language that’s accessible and celebrates the positive change our products bring.
- What to Avoid: Avoid using complex or technical language that confuses consumers.
- Examples: “Crafted by artisans who use traditional techniques and are paid a living wage.”, “A versatile wardrobe piece, made in a facility that uses renewable energy.”
Share Real, Achievable Goals
- What to Do: Highlight our clear goals and celebrate progress toward those goals.
- What to Avoid: Avoid over-promising or making claims about future impacts without a clear plan.
- Examples: “Our goal is to reduce carbon emissions in our production by 20% by 2025. We are doing this by X, Y, and Z.”, “We are aiming for 100% recycled packaging by 2027. Currently, 20% is made from recycled paper.”
Empower Consumers to Verify and Learn
- What to Do: Provide resources to verify sustainability claims, such as links to certification bodies or detailed product information.
- What to Avoid: Avoid making it hard for consumers to verify the information about our products.
- Examples: “Find out more using this link to our full report.”, “Check out our website to learn more about our fabric choices.
Supplier-Specific Communication Guidelines for Alemais Products
Ethical Sourcing
- What to Do: Clearly state when materials are sourced from suppliers with certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS, or OEKO-TEX.
- What to Avoid: Avoid vague terms like “ethically sourced” without clear evidence or certifications.
- Examples: “Sourced from Fair Trade certified suppliers who ensure artisans are paid a fair wage.”, “Fabric made from certified organic cotton, sourced from farms that adhere to strict sustainability practices.”
Supporting Artisanal Craftsmanship
- What to Do: Highlight our partnerships with artisans, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and skill development.
- What to Avoid: Avoid generic statements about artisans without providing context or evidence.
- Examples: “Handcrafted by skilled artisans in Bali, paid fair wages, and part of a community that offers skill development programs.”, “Our artisans in India are paid above the industry standard and receive support for continuous education.”
Sustainable Supplier Partnerships
- What to Do: Focus on long-term relationships with suppliers who prioritize sustainability, and share specific actions they are taking (e.g., reduced water usage, waste reduction).
- What to Avoid: Avoid making unsupported or vague claims about supplier sustainability practices.
- Examples: “We have partnered with a supplier who has reduced water usage by 30% over the last two years through innovative practices.”, “Our key fabric supplier focuses on minimising carbon emissions and waste in their production process.”
Supply Chain Transparency
- What to Do: Provide clear and accessible information on the origins of materials and our suppliers' sustainability efforts.
- What to Avoid: Avoid withholding supply chain information or making vague claims about sustainability.
- Examples: “All of our cotton is sourced from certified organic farms in Australia, verified by GOTS.”, “We publish our supply chain practices annually for full transparency.”
Claim Verification for Alemais Products
Confirm with Head of Impact and Production:
Check with the Production team to validate the documentation.
Review Marketing Content:
Ensure the claims are clear, specific, and supported by evidence.
Final Approval:
Obtain final approval from the Head of Impact and Production before publishing.
Ongoing Updates:
Regularly verify and update claims as needed.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global animal welfare standards and Alemais' sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly.
Scope
This policy outlines Alemais’ commitment to environmental responsibility across all operations and departments, from design to production. We aim to integrate sustainable practices in every aspect of our business to reduce our environmental impact.
Policy
Alemais is dedicated to minimising its environmental impact. We strive to implement sustainable practices in all areas of our business, including product design, material sourcing, and production processes.
Objectives
Low Impact Materials:
Use organic, recycled, and low-impact fibres that meet recognised standards.
Resource Efficiency:
Optimise the use of water, energy, and materials to reduce consumption and waste.
Waste Reduction:
Minimise waste through recycling, upcycling initiatives, and responsible disposal.
Carbon Footprint:
Reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency throughout our operations.
Chemical Management:
Use non-toxic, reduced impact chemicals in production and product care.
Supply Chain Collaboration:
Collaborate with suppliers to align with our environmental goals and ensure sustainability across the supply chain.
Procedure
Implementation:
All staff must incorporate environmental considerations in their daily tasks, including material selection and waste reduction, and meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) assigned to their department.
Monitoring:
Track and report environmental performance in sourcing, production, and logistics to ensure transparency and accountability.
Continuous Improvement:
Identify and apply methods to reduce Alemais' environmental impact through innovation, better practices, and performance reviews.
Supplier Engagement:
Ensure suppliers meet our environmental standards through audits, assessments, and necessary documentation.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global animal welfare standards and Alemais' sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly.
Scope
Alemais is committed to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility, ethical conduct, human rights, and labour standards. This policy defines the standards for fair, safe, and healthy working conditions and environmental responsibility throughout our supply chain. We seek partners who share our values and commitment to sustainability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Policy
This policy sets the minimum standards for all suppliers, including vendors, partners, agents, distributors, factories, mills, processing facilities, farms, and their subcontractors or other third parties (hereinafter referred to as "Suppliers").
Suppliers agree to fully implement this policy and ensure that the same standards are adhered to by all their business partners. Suppliers must make this policy available to all workers in their local language.
Alemais will monitor performance against these policy standards through evaluations, site visits, and audits. All suppliers agree to announced and unannounced assessments and inspections, and will provide all requested documentation and corrective action plans in a timely manner. Alemais is committed to helping suppliers access and improve standards, working together to increase ethical practices, transparency, and certification.
Onboarding Social Compliance Requirements
Suppliers must provide the following documentation:
Code of Conduct
Acknowledged and signed: Before commencing business with suppliers.
Accepted Social Compliance Standards
A valid audit from the following accepted standards:
- BSCI min. rating C (AMFORI)
- SMETA, pillars 2 and 4 accepted
- SA8000
- WRAP
- Fairwear
- Fairtrade
Frequency: Annually or biannually, depending on standards expiry.
Auditing
- All audits must be conducted by an APSCA (Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors) approved auditor.
- Frequency: Upon receiving an audit.
Compliance
- Ensure any CAP (Corrective Action Plans) are on file and review that any issues have been remedied. Provide CAP’s to Alemais as they are issued.
- Frequency: Annually or biannually, depending on the outcome of audits.
Grievance Mechanism
- All suppliers must have an effective grievance mechanism. Staff must have easy access to anonymous grievance mechanisms, and management must have a process to address any issues. Alemais must be notified if any issues arise.
- Frequency: Annually or biannually, depending on the outcome of audits.
Textile Chemical Standard
- All textiles must be certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
- It is preferred that Blue sign dyes and inks are used.
- It is preferred that dye and print houses are members of the ZDHC program.
- Frequency: Each time a purchase order is completed.
Material Compliance Requirements
Suppliers must provide the below documentation:
Material Standard Scope Certificate
Organic:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (Preference)
- Organic Claim Standard
Recycled:
- Global Recycled Standard (Preference)
- Recycled Content Standard
Wool:
- Responsible Wool Standard
- Global Recycled Standard
- Recycled Content Standard
Cotton:
- Certificate of Origin or Affidavit to ensure no Xinjiang
Frequency: Before a purchase order is raised, a Scope certificate must be provided at fabric (knit or woven mill).
Material Standard Transaction Certificate
Organic:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (Preference)
- Organic Claim Standard
Recycled:
- Global Recycled Standard (Preference)
- Recycled Content Standard
Wool:
- Responsible Wool Standard
- Global Recycled Standard
- Recycled Content Standard
Frequency: A transaction certificate must be provided once production is complete (within 60 days).
Supplementary Documentation
- A Scope certificate provided at raw material or yarn level.
- A transaction certificate provided at raw material or yarn level.
Certification, Standards, and Claims
For a garment to be certified organic or recycled, the entire supply chain must be certified. This ensures that from fibre to finished product, each supplier has met the required standards and that the flow of goods is validated at every step.
For more information on individual certifications, standards, and accrediting bodies, please refer to the following resource: Textile Exchange Standards.
Supplier Commitment
By agreeing to this policy, suppliers commit to:
- Upholding the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility.
- Ensuring that all employees and workers are treated fairly and ethically, with a focus on human rights and safe working conditions.
- Providing the necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with the standards outlined in this policy.
Alemais is committed to working alongside suppliers to continually improve these standards and build a more sustainable and ethical supply chain.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global standards and our sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly.
Scope
Alemais is committed to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility and ethical conduct. For this reason, we are dedicated to protecting the world’s forests through our procurement practices for pulp, paper, packaging, and fabrics.
We recognise that trees are one of the best tools we have for removing carbon pollution from the atmosphere and providing a multitude of benefits to our ecosystem. As alternatives to single-use plastics are sought out, it’s important to address the environmental issues arising from the increased demand for forest-based products. Alongside our responsible sourcing of wood pulp products and investment in reforestation projects, this policy considers all these factors, supporting the necessary shift away from single-use plastics while preserving Ancient and Endangered Forests.
Conservation of Ancient and Endangered Forests and Ecosystems
Alemais supports initiatives that avoid using materials from Ancient and Endangered Forests in packaging, paper, or man-made cellulosic fabrics (including rayon, viscose, lyocell, modal, and other trademarked brands). We are committed to influencing supply chains to protect the world’s remaining Ancient and Endangered Forests and endangered species habitats.
To achieve this, we will:
- Work with Canopy, our partner organisation, and our suppliers to support collaborative solutions that protect Ancient and Endangered Forests in the Coastal Temperate Rainforests of Vancouver Island, the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada’s Boreal Forests, Indonesia’s Rainforests, and Australia’s old-growth forests.
- Review our current use of man-made cellulosic fibres, packaging, and paper to ensure we are not sourcing from regions associated with deforestation or biodiversity loss. This includes avoiding links to endangered species habitats and Ancient and Endangered Forests such as the Canadian and Russian Boreal Forests, Coastal Temperate Rainforests, tropical forests and peatlands in Indonesia, Australian old-growth forests, the Amazon, and West Africa.
- Eliminate sourcing from companies at high-risk of engaging in illegal logging or those operating in violation of First Nations/tribal/indigenous peoples’ rights or community rights.
- If suppliers are ever found to be sourcing of materials from Ancient and Endangered Forests, endangered species habitats, or illegal logging, pause immediately and work with suppliers to change practices, eliminate these sources, or reconsider our relationship with them.
Design and Prioritisation of Reduction and Reuse
Reducing and reusing paper and packaging is a top priority for protecting the world’s limited forest resources and offers significant cost-saving benefits.
Therefore, Alemais is committed to it’s reduction and reuse strategy with targets and timelines. This includes but is not limited to:
- Source or design reusable/refillable shipping boxes to reduce corrugated paper and paperboard.
- Design and implement e-commerce, shipping, display, and wrapping systems that minimise the use of virgin paper.
- Utilise reusable packaging systems for intra-business applications.
- Increase the use of digital communication, marketing, and accounting systems.
- Adopt best practices by researching and applying emerging circular economy innovations.
Shift to More Environmentally and Socially Beneficial Fabrics
Alemais will collaborate with Canopy, innovative companies, and suppliers to encourage the development of fibre sources that reduce environmental and social impacts, focusing on agricultural residues and recycled fabrics. We will participate in trials where appropriate.
From 2023 onwards, Alemais has prioritised purchasing man-made cellulosic with a minimum of 50-90% innovative fibre sources and set a 2026 procurement target for these closed-loop solutions based on viscose fibre producer innovation.
Improve Environmental Quality of Packaging and Paper
Alemais will collaborate with Canopy, innovative companies, and suppliers to develop next-generation solutions for packaging and paper that reduce environmental and social impacts, particularly focusing on agricultural fibres (such as residues) and recycled content. We will use Canopy’s Eco paper database and The Paper Steps as guides for paper and packaging sourcing.
- To help reduce the footprint of the paper and packaging we use, Alemais will:
- Conduct an annual review of paper and packaging use to identify opportunities for efficiencies, reduced basis weights, and resource savings.
- Give preference to paper/packaging with high recycled content, specifically post-consumer waste, aiming for 50% average recycled fibre content within three years.
- Encourage suppliers to expand the availability of recycled content in paper/packaging.
- Source packaging and paper from alternative fibres, such as wheat straw and other agricultural residues, when possible.
- Support research and development of commercial-scale production of pulp, paper, and packaging from alternative fibre sources, including participation in relevant trials.
Forest Certification
Where possible, Alemais will request that all fabric, packaging, and paper sourced from forests be certified to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards, ensuring that FSC-certified plantations are part of the solution.
Recognising, Respecting, and Upholding Human Rights and the Rights of Communities
Alemais will request that our suppliers respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and recognise the legal, customary, or user rights of Indigenous and rural communities to their territories, land, and resources. We expect suppliers to acknowledge the right of Indigenous peoples and rural communities to give or withhold their Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before new logging rights are allocated or plantations developed. Suppliers must also resolve complaints and conflicts and remediate human rights violations through transparent, accountable, and agreeable dispute resolution processes.
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Footprint
Alemais recognises forests as carbon storehouses critical for maintaining climate stability. Alemais will continue to invest in reforestation projects globally to restore healthy ecosystems, sequester carbon, and boost biodiversity.
As part of our ongoing climate leadership, we will support initiatives that advance forest conservation to reduce the loss of high-carbon stock forests, encouraging suppliers to avoid harvest in these areas and giving preference to those actively reducing their greenhouse gas footprint.
Safeguarding Water and Critical Systems
Alemais recognises that Ancient and Endangered Forests are vital for the protection and regulation of water, both locally and globally. Large areas of intact forest act as a biotic pump, moving moisture from coastal areas to the interior of continents. We prioritise suppliers who use strategies to maintain and restore forest intactness to support the forests’ vital role in regulating water flow and purity.
Support Best Processing Practices and Procurement
Alemais requires our man-made cellulosic suppliers to use best available environmental practices for processing, such as closed loop lyocell processing. We will give preference to paper and packaging that has been processed using environmentally friendly technologies, such as chlorine-free bleaching.
Promote Industry Leadership
Alemais seeks to create a positive impact alongside our suppliers, partners, and customers. As we implement these practices, we will collaborate with suppliers, NGOs, other stakeholders, and brands working with Canopy to support the protection of Ancient and Endangered Forests and provide forward-thinking solutions to reduce demand on forests. We will also seek opportunities to educate the public about these issues and solutions through our marketing and communications.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global standards and our sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly.
Scope
This policy applies to all materials sourced for Alemais products, including garments, accessories, and packaging. It outlines the preferred materials, certification requirements, and guidelines for suppliers to ensure that our sourcing practices align with our commitment to sustainability, ethical production, and environmental stewardship. This policy is relevant to all stakeholders involved in the design, production, and sourcing of materials, including suppliers, manufacturers, and external partners.
Verification Requirements
Organic Materials
For a garment to meet this value, a minimum of 55% of the fabric must contain organic fibre, with supporting documentation to verify this claim.
Preferred Certifications or Standards:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
- Organic Content Standard (OCS)
- Fair Trade Cotton
Recycled Materials
For a garment to meet this value, a minimum of 55% of the fabric must contain recycled fibre, with supporting documentation to verify this claim.
Preferred Certifications or Standards:
- Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
- Recycled Claim Standard (RCS)
Responsible Sourcing
For a garment to meet this value, a minimum of 55% of the fabric must contain responsibly sourced viscose, reducing the risk of illegal logging in old-growth and endangered forests, or a minimum of 55% wool sourced from a Responsible Wool Standard supplier, prioritising animal welfare. Supporting documents must verify this claim.
Preferred Certifications or Standards:
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
- Canopy Green Shirt Approved (refer to yearly hot button report)
- Branded viscose – Ecovero, Liveco, or Lenzing Licence
Reduced Impact
For a garment to meet this value, a minimum of 55% of the fabric must adhere to our preferred materials guideline, which includes materials with a reduced environmental impact compared to conventional fibres.
Artisanal
For a garment to meet this value, it must showcase traditional handmade craftsmanship, such as beading, embroidery, handloom weaving, or block printing.
Refer to:
- Ethical Sourcing Policy
- Artisanal Sourcing Policy for the definition of an artisan
Bio-Renewable
For a garment to meet this value, a minimum of 55% of the fabric must be sourced from renewable, plant-based fibres, reducing the impact of conventional fibres, animal leather, and petrochemical-based fibres. If blended with PU, it must be water-based.
Verification:
- 3rd party testing of fibre composition (certificate required)
- Where possible, confirm plant fibre is agro-waste
Swing Ticket and Website Requirements
For special labelling or website categories, a garment must meet both the minimum composition and verification documents.
Minimum Composition & Verification Documents
All labels must include the message: “Please follow the care instructions when laundering to extend the life of this garment.”
Material Matrix
Recycled Materials
- Recycled Cotton (Min 55%) – Rating A
- Recycled Linen (Min 55%) – Rating A
- Recycled Wool (Min 55%) – Rating A
- Recycled Polyester (Min 85%) – Rating B
- Recycled Nylon (Min 85%) – Rating B
- Econyl (Min 85%) – Rating B
Bio-renewable Materials
- Bio Leather (Min 70%) – Rating A
Organic Materials
- Organic Cotton (Min 55%) – Rating B
- Organic Linen (Min 55%) – Rating B
- Organic Silk (Min 55%) – Rating B
Responsible Materials
- FSC Viscose & Canopy Green Shirt Viscose (Min 95%) – Rating C
- RWS Wool (Min 55%) – Rating C
Reduced Impact Materials
- European Linen (100%) – Rating B
- Linen (100%) – Rating C
Other Materials
- Orange Fibre (Min 20%) – Rating B
- Ramie (100%) – Rating D
- Cotton (Min 95%) – Rating E
- Polyester (Min 85%) – Rating E
Verification Documents Required
Before placing an order, the supplier must provide a valid copy of the following documentation:
- OEKO-TEX 100 Standard
- GRS or RCS Scope Certificate
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification
- Proof of Composition (POC)
For speciality made or artisanal materials, the supplier must provide:
- 3rd party labour audit
- Statutory declaration, photographs, and written evidence
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global standards and our sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly.
Scope
This policy outlines Alemais' commitment to responsible recycling and waste management practices across our operations. It applies to office waste, event waste, in-house production, and any other waste generated by Alemais projects.
Policy
Alemais is dedicated to minimising waste and ensuring that all materials are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes sourcing products that align with our circularity goals and adhering to best practices in waste management, guided by the Waste Hierarchy.
The Waste Hierarchy
Avoidance:
Reduce the amount of waste generated.
Resource Recovery:
Reuse, recycle, reprocess, and recover energy, ensuring the most efficient use of resources.
Disposal:
Manage disposal in the most environmentally responsible way.
The waste hierarchy prioritises avoidance and reduction > reuse > recycling > energy recovery > treatment > disposal.
Objectives
Responsible Procurement:
Ensure all purchases consider the product’s end-of-life and recyclability. Reduce the use of single-use packaging and materials.
Compliance:
Verify that all waste disposal and recycling activities comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
Environmental Impact:
Reduce environmental impact by selecting responsible waste management practices and recycling options.
Risk Management:
Identify and mitigate potential risks related to waste generation and disposal.
Procedure
Conventional Recycling
- Paper, Cardboard, Glass: Dispose through in-office recycling system.
Objects
- Soft plastics that can’t be crushed: Book collection through Recycle Smart.
- E-waste (including large electronics), misfits (aluminium, batteries, cosmetics, crockery, small metal items): Collection and disposal through Recycle Smart.
- Small furniture (rails), props from sets: Book collection through Recycle Smart.
Fabrics
- Rolls and large leftovers: Donate to The Social Outfit.
- Small scraps and fabric headers: Book collection with Upparel.
Approval Process
Materials and waste cannot be removed or disposed of until all steps in the recycling process are completed and formally approved for disposal.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global animal welfare standards and Alemais' sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly.
Scope
At Alemais, we are committed to reducing textile waste and extending the lifecycle of our garments through our Repair Programme. This initiative is designed to help our customers repair garments and keep them in circulation for as long as possible, ensuring both sustainability and quality.
Policy
Alemais’ Repair Programme supports our sustainability goals by offering repairs for garments that need attention. This policy outlines how our repair services work, the types of repairs covered, and the responsibilities of both Alemais and our customers in the process.
Objectives
Waste Reduction:
Minimise textile waste by offering repair services and encouraging the reuse of garments.
Customer Support:
Provide an easy-to-use repair service to help customers extend the life of their garments.
Quality Assurance:
Maintain high standards of quality and durability for garments throughout their lifecycle.
Sustainability Commitment:
Reduce environmental impact by encouraging local repairs and offering sustainable practices.
How It Works
Repair Request
Customers can submit a repair request through the Alemais website by filling out the Repair form and uploading images of the damaged garment.
Eligibility Assessment
The Alemais team will review the request and determine if the garment is eligible for repair under the programme. Eligible repairs include:
- Loose or missing buttons
- Damaged seams or hems
- Faulty zippers
Repair Approval
Once eligibility is confirmed, customers will receive instructions and a pre-paid label to send the garment to Alemais for repair.
Repair Execution
Repairs will be carried out free of charge by Alemais. After the repairs are completed, the garment will be returned to the customer promptly.
Local Repair Encouragement
To reduce environmental impact, we encourage customers to use local tailors for minor repairs. In some cases, Alemais will reimburse customers for verified local repair costs.
Verification and Monitoring
Garment Inspection
- All returned garments will be inspected for damage. Any repairs will be professionally carried out and the garment will be cleaned before being returned.
- For each repair, Alemais will document the type of repair and time taken, allowing us to track our progress and impact.
Ongoing Monitoring and Review
Tracking Programme Metrics:
Alemais will regularly monitor key programme metrics, such as the number of garments repaired.
Annual Review:
We will review the programme annually to ensure alignment with our sustainability goals and identify areas for improvement.
Policy Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with global animal welfare standards and Alemais' sustainability commitments. Any updates or revisions will be communicated to suppliers and stakeholders accordingly.