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45 years of hessnatur

Sustainable fashion made from natural fabrics.

We have been doing what we do best for over 45 years:

Fashion that respects people and the environment while conserving resources. Fashion that takes responsibility in the here and now and for tomorrow. Also for the people who make it. This is how we do our bit every day to make the present and the future a little better. We show you here how we act responsibly. FOR MORE TOMORROW.

Figures
Our last year in figures.
99,6%

of the fibers we use are natural fibers.

69,3 %

Materials made from just one fiber. The best prerequisite for recycling.

63,7 %

of our materials were produced in Europe.

9.2 tons

Cut and yarn remnants were given a new lease of life in the form of jeans, jerseys and woven fabrics. Because we create new favorite pieces from our own valuable production waste.

59,9 %

of our production took place in EU member states.

37 %

of our partners have been working with us for more than 10 years.

270 tons

Of CO2 emissions have been reduced through the use of organic cotton alone. That's 271 flights from Frankfurt to New York.

631 million liters

Liters of water have been saved through the use of organic cotton alone. The equivalent of 253 Olympic swimming pools.

13 million square meters of

of healthy soil through organic farming. This means we have protected an area the size of 1,828 soccer pitches from leaching. And ensured more biodiversity.

4

Beehives in hessnatur's own garden contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.

2.728 kilometers

were covered by our employees during our walking challenge. 10 teams. 43 days. We walked from Butzbach to the Danube Delta. On foot.

Highlights
Our highlights.
Innovations for tomorrow Award

We have created our own sustainability award. And thus support sustainable, innovative and visionary start-ups that want to change the fashion industry. Just like us. From 60 applications, 13 nominees and five finalists, our jury selected three impact start-ups in a very close decision:

Betterrecycling

We value natural resources and think in cycles. That's why we give new life to our offcuts and yarn remnants. We only use our own scraps for our BetterRecycling collection. Together with raw fibers, we process them into new, high-quality yarn. We use them to create new favorite pieces and contribute to a sustainable material cycle system.

Certifications

We are once again certified according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and offer a wide range of GOTS-certified products. Most of our products are certified with the "Green Button". In addition, we were once again awarded Leader status by the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). A great recognition for our work and that of our partners.

Nature Shell

Functional clothing is often a burden on nature due to the use of synthetics and harmful chemicals. We saw this as a challenge and wanted to do better. That's why we developed a natural Nature Shell together with our partner. It is made from organic cotton and is woven using a special ultra-tight weaving technique. The material is ecologically impregnated and offers full functionality.

Coreva

Together with our partner Candiani, we have developed a completely natural stretch denim. The jeans are made from organic cotton and the innovative stretch yarn Coreva™. The rubber used is obtained from the rubber tree. Coreva™ decomposes completely after just six months in the compost. And it does so without releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics.

Podcast for a better Tomorrow

Together with ZEIT Studio, we have launched the sustainability podcast FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. The presenter Kristina Kara talks to experts about fair trade, the future of work, a sustainable lifestyle, biodiversity, a life without plastic, the future of fashion, beauty, self-acceptance, etc. as well as about children, i.e. the future of us all.

The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts available.

Signs we set for sustainability.

So you can rely on us.

The environment

More environment

Circular economy

ReDUCE - ReUSE - ReCYCLING - RePEAT

Betterrecycling collection

We think in cycles and give our offcuts and yarn remnants a second life. This is how we create new favorite pieces from our own production remnants. For a sustainable material cycle system. Conserving resources and without the use of harmful chemicals. This is our BetterRecycling collection.

The start of a fashion revolution.

With our BetterRecycling Denim, we are laying the foundations for a revolution in the production of fashion.

Upcycling shoes with organic denim.

Mules, loafers, sneakers - our organic selvedge denim ensures a good appearance thanks to upcycling.

Transparency
Transparency
Transparency

Our aim is to be an international role model for labor and social standards and to continuously develop these further. That is why we are regularly certified by non-profit and government organizations. Every year, our Impact Report also documents how we develop, implement and further promote sustainable measures.

Transparency from cultivation to the hanger: find out more about our production sites and materials.

Partners & production

We carefully select our production sites and only work with partners who share our mindset.

Contact & controls

We carry out regular inspections and have introduced independent contact and complaints offices.

Schools & communication

We regularly train employees and management in all our sites and areas.

More people

More people

Anti-exploitation - anti-discrimination - anti-child labor

We have been awarded Leader Status by the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2017 and are committed to implementing high social standards and good working conditions.

FWF is an independent, internationally active multi-stakeholder organization. Its goals are to improve working conditions at clothing manufacturers and to promote collective social responsibility. This is done, for example, through international dialog with trade unions, workers, management and brands, through audits, training and the establishment of a neutral international complaints mechanism for workers in the textile industry. Hessnatur was the first German brand to join the FWF back in 2005.

Responsibility

Responsibility

Our vision: A fair future. For everyone.

High social standards, fair working conditions, promising prospects - the future of our partners' workers is also our responsibility. That's why we focus on fair prices, long-term partnerships, training and education. The Workplace Education Program (WEP) initiated by the Fair Wear Foundation informs workers and management about their rights, obligations and social standards. The awareness training also teaches communication mechanisms that can improve working conditions. At hessnatur itself, all new employees also take part in onboarding on the values and sustainability practiced in the company.

This is how the textile chain works at hessnatur.

For us, trusting nature means relying on natural materials from controlled organic cultivation during production. Environmentally friendly processes and good working conditions are equally important. Find out more about the production and life of our fashion:

1. The idea

Strict ecological guidelines and regular inspections guarantee modern sustainability.

2. Cultivation

Organic all round - from cotton seeds and organic fertilizers to crop rotation and natural pest control.

3. Yarn

Only good yarn becomes good fabric. Strict controls are carried out to ensure that there is no contamination with conventional fibers.

4. Fabric

The manufacturing process uses natural sizing agents to protect the yarn against wear and tear.

5. Processing

We conserve materials and resources by using oxygen for bleaching, dyes without toxic heavy metals and water recycling systems, among other things.

6. Production

We are always in close contact with production facilities and, in cooperation with the FWF, are constantly working to improve working conditions.

7. Transportation

We pay attention to short transportation routes and environmentally friendly packaging - one of the reasons why we focus on production in Europe.

Social standards. Our 8 basic rules.

The eight core labor standards are based on the conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the UN Declaration of Human Rights. They explicitly regulate the working conditions at our production sites.

Our social standards address many points that are also covered by local legislation in the production countries - however, the rules are not always consistent with each other. In all cases where there are differences between our social standards and local legislation, the stricter regulation takes precedence.

More us

Sustainable strategy
Sustainable strategy

We want to rethink sustainability. That's why climate-neutral is not enough for us. We want more. We want to become nature-positive along our entire value chain. We think so: The climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity are equally important - which is why we are tackling both problems head on. To achieve this goal, we are taking a close look at every aspect of our supply chain and aligning the entire textile chain towards a nature-positive future.

Tomorrow's world is built on today's resources. We see a sustainable production process not just as our responsibility, but as an investment in the future.

We save energy.
We use state-of-the-art technologies to reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gases in the production of our textiles.

We save water.
Thanks to our recycling system, we prevent water scarcity and pollution at every stage of production. And with just one BIO-DENIM, we save up to 45,000 bottles of water.

We protect soils.
Through our ecological cultivation and grazing methods, we keep soils fertile now and for future generations.

We preserve biodiversity.
We protect ecosystems and biodiversity by using organic fertilizers and natural enemies of pests.

By the way: 99.6% of the fibers we use are natural fibers. 78% of our materials also consist of just one material, which means that they can be recycled by type.

Fair fashion pioneers

Our fashion was already organic when organic was not yet fashionable. For more than 45 years, we have stood for more tomorrow. Purpose has been a must for us since our foundation. Every day we prove anew that fashion and sustainability do not have to be mutually exclusive. This pursuit is an elementary part of our DNA, regardless of the zeitgeist. Because we are firmly convinced that consistent action in harmony with nature and fair cooperation will never go out of fashion.

Dorothea and Heinz Hess founded hessnatur in 1976 out of a desire for natural baby clothing. Today, more than 45 years later, over 350 employees work at hessnatur, who are committed to more tomorrow every day. Every year, we not only undergo several sustainability audits by external organizations, but also set our own standards with the hessnatur guideline.

Our mission has always remained the same: To produce fashion from sustainable and natural fabrics that respects people and the environment while conserving resources. Fashion that takes responsibility - also for the people who produce it. Because everyone has a right to fairness. We live this tradition every day out of conviction.

Over 45 years of sustainability: we set standards.
Founding of hessnatur

Heinz and Dorothea Hess found hessnatur with the idea of producing fashion from sustainable and natural materials that respects the environment and people.

Pioneering achievement

Heinz Hess realizes the world's first organic cotton project with the Sekem farm in Egypt. Further organic cotton projects follow.

New paths in West Africa and Peru

hessnatur launches an organic cotton project in Senegal and another organic cotton project in Peru.

hessnatur goes digital

The first website goes online.

Regional commitment

hessnatur protects the old breed from extinction by guaranteeing the purchase of wool from Rhön sheep.

New paths in Turkey

hessnatur launches an organic cotton project in Turkey.

Aid projects worldwide

hessnatur supports the New SADLE project in Nepal and the Nepra e.V. initiative, which is committed to the integration of people formerly suffering from leprosy.

Founded on fairness

hessnatur becomes the first German member of the Fair Wear Foundation.

Showcase project in Burkina Faso

together with the Swiss development organization Helvetas, hessnatur establishes a cultivation project for organic cotton in Burkina Faso.

Innovation: Hessian linen

together with the Institute for Biodynamic Research (IBDF), hessnatur launches the first production of Hessian linen.

Awarded

hessnatur wins the German Sustainability Award in the Purchasing category and is recognized for its exemplary, fair and ecological supply chain.

Promotion of young talent

hessnatur announces the first European design prize for green and sustainable fashion, the Humanity in Fashion Award (HIFA).

Strong designs

The internationally renowned designers Eviana Hartman, Miguel Adrover and Clodagh create their own collection for hessnatur.

In dialog with customers

A customer council is elected at hessnatur for the first time.

Demonstrably sustainable

The first comprehensive sustainability report is published, documenting the high level of quality in social and ecological standards.

Exemplary sustainability

hessnatur is the first company to sign the German government's national "Alliance for Sustainable Textiles".

Donation aid Nepal

After the major earthquake disaster, employees and management initiate a fundraising campaign for our New SADLE social project.

Research for a better tomorrow

The hessnatur Foundation for Research and Development of Applied Sustainability is established to promote sustainability in the textile industry.

40 years of hessnatur

hessnatur kicks off its 40th anniversary year with a trend talk on 'Slow Fashion' at Berlin Fashion Week.

Role model for Bangladesh

With the Selvedge Jeans project, hessnatur shows that textiles can also be produced in an exemplary manner in Bangladesh.

Houses for shepherds in Peru

hessnatur supports shepherds in Peru by building houses.

#fairfashionmove

During Berlin Fashion Week, 200 like-minded people followed hessnatur's call to demonstrate for more fairness in fashion.

Green Button certification

The entire hessnatur collection is awarded the German Grüner Knopf textile label.

Most sustainable fashion brand

Hessnatur is rated by customers as the most sustainable fashion brand in Germany.

Innovation

hessnatur launches the most sustainable denim and the BetterRecycling collection.

Award-winning softshell

We win the German Federal Ecodesign Award for our innovative softshell made of pure organic cotton with sustainable impregnation.

Award-winning company

hessnatur receives the 'Top Company' award from kununu.

Respecting the environment and people.

"Reconciling the economic and ecological requirements of our modern society can only be achieved through sustainable development succeed."

Heinz Hess

Commitment
Our commitment

We set standards.

45 years of sustainability:

Progress only works if you get things moving. And that is exactly what we have been doing since 1976. Our guiding principle "For more tomorrow" is based on the core principle of sustainability. The high social standards in our production facilities and the careful use of natural resources make hessnatur the most sustainable brand in Germany.

The fashion industry is considered the second most polluting industry in the world. It is responsible for 10% of global CO2 emissions, contributes significantly to global water pollution and employs workers under poor conditions. For more than 45 years, hessnatur has been proving that there is another way and works to the highest standards. All products carry the Green Button and comply with the hessnatur guideline. We have the Leader Status of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). Many of our products are also GOTS-certified.

We strive to use only natural materials in organic quality. We exclude substances that are toxic to humans and the environment from the entire production process. The use of organic cotton alone saves an average of 91% water and 46% CO2. In addition, organic cultivation does not deplete the soil. 92% of our products made from plant fibers have a certified organic origin. All others comply with our hessnatur guideline and are therefore also of organic origin.

Our idea of sustainability: constant further development.

Sustainability is not a fixed state that can be grasped. Nor is it a finish line that can be crossed. For us, sustainability means constantly questioning the status quo; developing and advancing innovative, resource-saving ideas. This is the only way we can bring products and production into harmony with people and nature.

The hessnatur Foundation.

Together we are more sustainable.

We promote sustainability not only in our production facilities and in the extraction of our raw materials. Together with external partners, companies and scientific institutions, we develop practical solutions for sustainable business.

For more cohesion.

Innovation
Innovation

The future only works with companies that dare to innovate. hessnatur has been committed to sustainable standards in the fashion industry for over 45 years.

Since 1976, hessnatur has been a pioneer for ecological and social standards in fashion. We were the first fashion brand in Germany to offer a completely natural baby collection and, as international pioneers, initiated the world's first organic cotton project in 1991. With our hessnatur Foundation and in cooperation with NGOs and textile certification bodies, we are continuously working to be an innovation leader for the next generation.

Material cycle

A more circular economy means more environmentally friendly, sustainable production. Our BetterRecycling collection stands for products that we manufacture from our own production waste. Some of our products are also given a second life through upcycling. We also use mono-materials to make the recycling process as efficient as possible.

Our innovations in the material cycle mean

  • holistic use of resources through the processing of surplus cuttings

  • more durable products through upcycling

  • improved recycling through monomaterials

Materials

We are constantly setting new sustainability standards with our materials. Our new organic stretch denim technology, for example, is based on natural rubber and is completely free of plastic and elastane. Our outdoor clothing also relies on the high performance of natural fibers and sustainable impregnations. We are also highly innovative when it comes to dyeing our fashion - the result: our Natural Dye series with favorite pieces ranging from unbleached and undyed, color grown to naturally dyed.

Our innovations in materials mean:

  • No plastic and microplastics

  • naturally obtained colors

  • maximum functionality with simultaneous conservation of resources

Social responsibility

We are constantly developing new concepts to set the course for a better future worldwide. For example, we founded the Solidarity Fund and the Innovations for Tomorrow Award. We regard our suppliers as partners on an equal footing. We value long-term cooperation based on partnership, the same values in terms of sustainability and pay fair prices so that our part of the payment of living wages is made possible.

Our innovations on a social level mean

  • long-term partnerships at eye level

  • fair prices that enable the payment of living wages

  • concrete and rapid assistance in times of crisis

  • Appreciation of all partners in the textile chain

Sustainable Movement

We set things in motion. That's why we support initiatives and projects such as Fashion Revolution Week and the #fairbylaw online petition. We initiated the Fair Fashion Move and were the first German company to sign the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles. Our entire collection is also certified by the Green Button.

Our innovations in the Sustainable Movement mean

  • Standing up for our convictions

  • Cooperation with other partners and brands, because together we are stronger

Sustainable strategy

Producing our fashion in the most resource-friendly way possible has been a matter of course for us for over 45 years. But that alone is not enough for us. That's why we are committed to projects that make a positive contribution to climate protection and biodiversity. Because we believe that the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity are equally important and are therefore tackling both problems directly. To achieve this goal, we take a close look at every aspect of our supply chain.

Our innovations in strategy.mean:

  • Aligning the entire textile chain towards a nature-positive future

  • integrating sustainability strategies in other companies with our hessnatur Foundation

Impact report
More tomorrow
Sustainability since 1976 - our Impact Reports.