SUSTAINABILITY AS AN ESSENTIAL COMMITMENT
The prioritization of sustainability is no longer just an option today; rather, it has become an imperative commitment. Within the corporate culture of Stanley/Stella (also known as ST/ST), sustainability holds a central position as a core value. The belief that a fairer and more sustainable fashion industry is achievable propels continuous improvement in designs and processes.
From cotton field management to waste management and product collections, the declared goal is to consistently act with transparency—in the interest of people, the planet, and society. Dedicated sustainability teams are established both at the headquarters in Brussels and among suppliers in Asia. This commitment is affirmed through the introduction of the new Stanley/Stella Charter, supported by measures for the supply chain and various certifications and memberships.
Responsible supply chain
Processing of the most environmentally friendly raw materials
For their collections, ST/ST uses GOTS-certified organic cotton as well as recycled cotton, recycled polyester and recycled nylon that are certified according to the GRS standard.
State-of-the-art factories
ST/ST's nine partner suppliers in Bangladesh and its partner supplier in China are GOTS certified and a local team manages operations in South Asia. ST/ST has been a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2012.
Partner with high sustainability standards
To reduce the carbon footprint when transporting products to Europe, ST/ST has opted for sea transport. They only work with GOTS-certified warehouse service providers.
ST/ST's distribution network
ST/ST's official distributors within the network share the same vision and values. ST/ST encourages and supports them in obtaining GOTS certification.
Certifications and Memberships
ST/ST's supply chain is independently certified to various standards, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally friendly practices and respect for the planet. Beyond the rigorous requirements of certifications, they are actively committed to creating greater understanding and positive impact for the planet and people.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): As the world's leading certification organization, GOTS guarantees ecological and social standards in the processing of textiles made from organically produced natural fibers. The certification ensures the organic origin of the cotton and its processing without harmful chemicals.
- OCS (Organic Content Standard): An international standard that verifies the presence of organically produced material in an end product. The standard applies to all ST/ST products that contain less than 70% organic cotton.
- GRS (Global Recycled Standard): As the world's leading standard for recycled textiles, the GRS extends across the entire supply chain and includes traceability, environmental protection, social requirements, chemical ingredients and labeling. All recycled materials used by ST/ST are GRS certified.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100: A globally recognized label for textiles tested for harmful substances, which confirms that ST/ST products do not contain any harmful substances that are harmful to health or the environment.
- PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals): ST/ST is a PETA-approved vegan company that is committed to opposing animal testing and eliminating animal fiber in products.
ST/ST not only advocates for organic cotton, but goes beyond that by improving their entire value chain. Through limited suppliers, close relationships with farmers and their own sampling controls, they strive for full traceability and fulfill their obligations to customers and themselves.
Memberships:
- Fair Wear Foundation (FWF): An independent organization that improves working conditions in textile factories. ST/ST has been a member since 2012 and undergoes regular audits.
- Textile Exchange: A non-profit organization committed to sustainable change in the textile industry. Participation in the annual Material Change Index Survey reflects ST/ST's progress in sustainable raw material sourcing.
Raw materials selected with care
The choice of fibers significantly influences the durability, recyclability, and ecological footprint of garments. At ST/ST, they consistently opt for high-quality raw materials to minimize the addition of other fibers. Nevertheless, there are no perfect materials, and in the quest for optimal solutions, compromises are inevitable. In some cases, to enhance product durability, they incorporate synthetic fibers into their materials, always mindful and judicious in their material selection.
ORGANIC COTTON: SUSTAINABLE CHOICE
ST/ST consistently uses 100% organic cotton, which comes from non-genetically modified seeds and is grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Originally sourced from India, the company has been diversifying its sourcing strategy since 2021, integrating suppliers from other countries such as Turkey.
Organic cotton makes up only a small proportion of global cotton production. By growing organic cotton, no harmful substances end up in the soil or water. The water resources used in organic farming can be reused without causing any damage. This underlines ST/ST's commitment to the well-being of cotton farmers and their communities.
Recycling as a circular model
ST/ST aims to reduce its manufacturing waste and relies on a circular model in which recycled cotton plays a key role. The company has been using recycled cotton for accessories since 2017 and has since expanded the range with products such as RE-Creator, RE-Blaster and RE-Cruiser, which are made from its own cutting waste.
Additionally, ST/ST relies on recycled polyester for durability and uses GRS-certified fabrics in their outerwear collection. Tackling plastic waste is a priority and ST/ST only uses recycled polyester from reused PET bottles.
For some accessories and outerwear products, ST/ST uses recycled nylon from industrial yarn waste. The range is expanded to include materials such as Modal and TENCEL™ Modal, while meeting strict chemical standards according to GOTS and STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.
CARBON FOOTPRINT
In 2022, ST/ST worked with external partners to determine its carbon footprint across the entire supply chain. Using recognized calculation methods, CO2 emissions were quantified in every phase, from raw material extraction through product manufacturing to the product life cycle. In 2021, total emissions were 90,300 tonnes, with less than 1% coming from Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. ST/ST is planning measures to reduce emissions and offset them.
WATER CONSUMPTION
ST/ST is committed to reducing water use and protecting water quality throughout the supply chain. The cultivation of organic cotton is resource-saving, and wastewater from dyeing processes is treated in partner factories and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. The treated wastewater is often used for other purposes and solid waste is used as fuel in brick factories. ST/ST ensures that all wastewater meets legal requirements and carries out regular testing.
Focus: People
ST/ST places fair and safe working conditions and the well-being of employees as top priorities. Measures are being taken in offices around the world to create a motivating work environment. Collaboration with partner factories, membership in the Fair Wear Foundation and the pursuit of living wages underline ST/ST's commitment. As part of the ecosystem, the company feels responsible for its fellow human beings and implements specific projects.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
ST/ST takes the responsibility for safe and fair working conditions in the supply chain seriously. Compliance with social standards is ensured through close collaboration with suppliers, monitoring reports and instruments such as the Supplier Sustainability Scorecard and the Sustainability Audit Report.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Stanley/Stella Code of Conduct is based on international labor standards and includes seven pillars, from bans on child and forced labor to living wages. Membership in the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) further strengthens our commitment. ST/ST strives for living wages and invests in concrete projects, such as fair-priced grocery stores in factories.
PROJECTS ON SITE
ST/ST implements concrete projects to improve the social environment of workers. In India, for example, a solar deep well pump was installed in a remote community to ensure access to clean drinking water and improve quality of life.
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