Sustainability Practices.
We’re a small, family run business, and the way we impact the lives of the people we work with is our highest priority.
As part of the fashion and online shopping industry, we are aware that we are a part of some of the most polluting industries on the planet. While we don't believe we can ever call ourselves 'sustainable' for being a part of the consumer industry, we do believe that we have a responsibility to make changes and improve our practices where we can to work towards a better and more sustainable future.
We are committed to furthering our environmental impact to make a positive change and have outline some of these changes below.
How We Are Reducing Our Impact.
Fabrics & materials.
Less than 1% of material used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing, it is therefore a priority to us that our lingerie brands have sustainability at the heart of design and production. It is important to us that the brands we choose use fabrics that are locally sourced to reduce carbon footprint and are also sustainably sourced. Here are some details of some of the materials that our brands use:
RECYCLED NYLON – Many of our brands use GRS and Oeko-Tex certified nylon that’s made from pre-consumed textile waste, such as fishing nets, bottles and other plastic waste, that would otherwise go to landfill (or worse, end up in oceans). This is considered as a green option in textiles because it uses less energy (80% less water to make and creates 90% fewer CO2 emissions) compared to what’s needed to produce virgin fabric. The GRS and Oeko-Tex certification means they are non-toxic, free from harmful chemicals, and have been manufactured under sustainable and socially responsible conditions.
ORGANIC COTTON – Conventional cotton can be one of the most pesticide-heavy crops in the world, whereas organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. The cotton in many of our knickers gussets are 100% organic and GOTS certified, the highest standard in the world. By supporting organic cotton, we also support the livelihood of the farmers who grow a well-regulated raw material in high demand in the most natural way the market allows. The GOTS standard also guarantees that the people that made this are paid living wages and treated like humans.
Less is more outlook.
WRAP advises that by wearing an item of clothing for an extra 9 months you can reduce its overall carbon, water and waste footprints by 20-30%. That's why we believe in investing in high-quality pieces that are designed to last. All of our products combine expert craftsmanship with timeless design to ensure our pieces stand the test of time and can be loved for years to come.
When it comes to keeping your lingerie looking its very best, we recommend always washing by hand using a delicate fabric detergent to ensure that delicate fabrics are preserved and trims and components such as underwires are prevented from coming loose or snagging other areas of the garments. It also ensures minimal colour fading and cross staining, so your lingerie stays brighter and fresher in appearance for longer. When it comes to keeping your sexual wellness items as good as new, we recommend simply washing with warm soapy water.
By taking care of your purchased items, you can help slow down consumption by making thoughtful shopping choices and cherishing the pieces that you own and love. We want our customers to wear and use their products until they fall apart, and when they can't be worn or used anymore, to be mindful of how the materials can be reused or recycled. There are some great initiatives around, particularly for intimate garments, to ensure the materials are re-used. For example, charities such as Against Breast Cancer and Smalls For All run underwear recycling schemes where you can send your unwanted or unloved underwear off - these are then sent to recycling providers, who focus on innovative ways to recycle and prolong the life of textiles, or if bras can be worn again, they are distributed to women in need around the world.
Stock volumes.
Excess inventory piles up across the fashion industry year upon year and often ends up in landfill or is burnt. Burning is particularly harmful due to the release of dangerous toxins into the atmosphere from dyes and other materials, not to mention the waste of carbon and chemicals inputted into making the garment in the first place.
We’re often asked why we sell out of certain products, styles and sizes so quickly. The reason being, we order products in limited quantities, ensuring there's no wastage at the end of a season (especially when it comes to our lingerie), minimising excess stock as much as possible. We believe that being able to say sold out is a sign of sustainability.
Packaging.
Based on your help, we’ve made changes to minimise waste and maximise recyclability when it comes to our packaging. Below are just a few examples of the changes we’re making in summer 2021:
- Our new ‘eco’ envelopes for your lingerie orders are made from a blend of sustainably sourced, replanted trees and recycled materials. They are fully compostable, leaving no traces of toxins in the soil; coming from the earth and going back in. They are also lightweight, meaning fewer vehicles and less fuel needed to transport them.
- Our new packaging uses only natural glues and water-based, or soy inks.
- We use recycled tissue paper and biodegradable stickers to wrap your products. Tissue paper is accepted at many compost facilities and can be home composted - it can actually be a healthy addition to a compost pile because it absorbs excess moisture generated by food waste and bioplastics. Of course, we always encourage you to reuse your tissue paper first!
- We have introduced digital invoices (saving on average 100 pieces of paper per month), which you can access via the PDF link in your Shipping Confirmation Email.
- FSC certified materials will be used within all branded packaging.
- Cardboard delivery boxes and packaging used for delivery at our headquarters are kept and reused where possible and recycled where not.
- Most of our sexual wellness items will be delivered to you directly from our supplier, rather than coming from our headquarters, meaning fewer vehicles and less fuel needed to transport them.
Research & meetings.
Wherever possible, we are trying to focus on a more digital strategy when it comes to stockist research and meetings. We've moved away from travelling to international trade shows and business trips, and instead we're operating with the use of telephones, instant messenger, and zoom meetings.
The very best customer service.
We hope that providing you with all the help and information you need this will result in less returns. We are always on hand for any questions you have finding the best product for you and your body. Our aim is to minimise the need for ordering multiple sizes when it comes to lingerie, in turn reducing product waste and carbon emissions through additional transport.
Our policy.
As a business and as individuals, we strive to choose the most eco-friendly options possible. Minimising waste is one of our passions – we use recycled and second hand supplies and regularly compost all compostable items (including our food scraps!).
We are by no means perfect and we still have a long way to go, but we are committed to minimising our impact on the planet by continually finding ways to improve our processes and material