Sustainability
& Environmentally conscious diversity
The printwear® brand offers a versatile range of the classic promotional bags and sacks: from Fairtrade-certified organic cotton bags, colourful shopping bags, trendy oversize bags to reusable food bags. Different suppliers and different product characteristics stand behind the multitude of articles.
OEKO-TEX
With regard to pollutant-reduced production, all articles of the printwear® brand meet the EU REACH requirements. In addition, the majority of articles are certified according to OEKO-TEX 100. The STANDARD 100 from OEKO-TEX® is a globally uniform testing and certification system for textile raw materials, intermediate and end products at all stages of production. Requirements of the REACH Regulation as well as the ECHA-SVHCCandidate List are covered by the test procedure.
Fairtrade Cotton
The Fairtrade product label for cotton stands for fairly grown and traded raw cotton that is directly traceable through all production steps and is processed separately from non-Fairtrade cotton. The cotton for selected printwear® articles is grown by Fairtrade producers, certified and traded according to Fairtrade standards. Fairtrade promotes better working and living conditions for cotton producers as well as environmental protection. Printwear® articles with Fairtrade certified cotton are labelled accordingly, licensed and approved by Fairtrade Germany. More information on Fairtrade: info.fairtrade.net/sourcing.
Organic-Cotton
Some articles of the printwear® brand are also certified according to a recognised organic standard. The articles are marked with a 100% Organic Cotton symbol. The certification is carried out by GOTS or OCS and ranges from cotton cultivation to delivery to the exclusive textile wholesaler/distributor of printwear®. In both standards, the organic cotton is traceable along the supply chain. GOTS includes not only ecological requirements but also social standards along the supply chain. printwear® bags made from organic cotton are marked with the 100% Organic Cotton symbol on the article.
Combining Fairtrade certified and organic certified cotton is the best possible solution to improve social sustainability and protect the environment in the growing countries.
Seeds without genetic engineering
Only traditional seeds are used in the cultivation of organic cotton, genetically modified plants are prohibited.
Low artificial irrigation
Organic cotton also needs water – but the water consumption is lower than for conventional crops. Most of organic cotton’s water needs are met by rainwater and moisture stored in the soil.
Without pesticides
Only natural methods are used for fertilisation and crop protection instead of synthetic chemical agents.
Hand-picked
By eliminating machinery and defoliants, farmers’ health and soil fertility are preserved.
RECYCLED MATERIAL
A small selection of printwear® articles consists of of 100% recycled blended fabric (cotton and polyester), other articles are made of 100% recycled polyester. Accordingly the articles were certified under the Global Recycling Standard (GRS). The international standard enables companies to record the exact proportion of recycled material in a product and track it through the production chain. Furthermore, GRS ensures that social, environmental and chemical regulations are met in production.
Recycling old cotton fabrics and plastics saves resources and reduces reduces waste. The result is cotton and polyester fibers that were combined for printwear® in a collection. Even more environmentally friendly than recycling is is to wear the bags for as long as possible. The prerequisite is provided by printwear®: Basics in classic colors and good quality.
Social standards in the supply chains of printwear® articles
All printwear® articles have been manufactured in factories with at least one certification regarding improved working conditions/human rights in the workplace. These include the amfori BSCI, Fair Wear and SA8000 standards. Beyond factory audits and certifications, the programmes also include training and continuous improvement in all social areas.
