For each phase of our production, there are specific instructions on what is allowed to be used. An ecological concept would be practically impossible for us to control. We are not involved in the growing of the raw materials, and as ecologically grown cotton etc is very expensive, this would not fit into our price policy. Instead our philosophy is to produce environmentally friendly products, where specific instructions have to be followed in the phases where we are involved, and where we can control it continuously.

To give you a better understanding of our procedures, please find below a short description of each phase in the production:

PRE-WASH
First we remove impurities such as dirt and grease. This pre-wash is done with a very mild soap solution or with enzymes. In order to achieve a homogeneous colour and shade, we bleach the fabrics gently with the use of hydrogen peroxide in a closed system, ensuring that neither the workforce, nor the environment is harmed in the process, as hydrogen peroxide dissolves into water and air.

DYEING
In the dye process we exclusively use dyes that do not contain heavy metals and have a very high fixation rate of approximately 94%-96%.

Most importantly for the above processes is that we only work with dye houses which clean and recycle their waste water.

AFTER-TREATMENT
No harmful softeners or surface treatments are used in our after treatment. The soft surface and handle is instead obtained with enzymes or by mechanical means. Our ramie/ cotton quality is an example of a fabric which is treated with a combination of the above two methods. First the fabrics are washed with enzymes, then later peached mechanically (the surface is "brushed", tearing up the shorter fibres for the finishing soft touch). To reduce shrinkage, we additionally treat the fabrics with a mechanical process called sizing.

PRODUCTION
In the production our concern is in relation to the working environment. Working with the same factories for up to 10 years, we have been fortunate enough to be able to influence and improve things for the better. Yet there is always room for improvement, and we are progressively working and dealing with these issues.

Latest, one of the factories that we have worked with for a long time has relocated to new and very nice premises, improving the conditions for the work force a lot, and as of November1, 2003, the factory that we have worked with since 1994, finished the construction of a 4000 m2 first class factory. Both the above improvements make our efforts worthwhile.

PRODUCTS
We use only natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, hemp and ramie, and natural materials and accessories (eg coconut and bamboo buttons) in The Earth Collection products. Only synthetic thread is used for sewing as cotton thread is not durable enough.

All hangtags and cartons are made from recycled paper, the plastic packaging is also recyclable, and the inks on hang tags and labels are water based.

Leftover fabrics from our productions are re-used wherever possible. For instance we have employed these fabrics to make the Rag Bag and Purse which was introduced in the Summer 2003, and it is our intention to constantly develop new items in this manner.

To sum up the above, we do our utmost to use materials and methods that have the least impact on the environment. We try to make sure that everyone involved in our productions is well treated, which among the above, means that no child or prison labour is used in the production of The Earth Collection.