Fashion that respects people and the environment while conserving resources. Fashion that takes responsibility in the here and now and for more tomorrow. Also for the people who make them. This is how we make our contribution every day to make the now and the future a little better. We show you here how we act responsibly. FOR MORE TOMORROW.
OUR LAST YEAR IN NUMBERS.
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395 tonsWe have reduced CO2 emissions simply by using organic cotton. This is a flight from Frankfurt to New York. Every day!
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922 million litersWe saved water just by using organic cotton. That's the equivalent of 369 Olympic-size swimming pools.
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19 MILLION SQUARE METERSWe have left behind a healthy earth through organic farming. With this we have protected an area of 2,667 football pitches from leaching. And provided for more biodiversity.
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95.31%We have audited or visited our partners despite the pandemic. We know 100% of our partners personally.
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99.5%The fibers we use are natural fibers.
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67%our materials consisted of only one material. This enables sorted recycling.
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34%of our partners have been working with us for more than 10 years.
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56%our materials were produced in Europe.
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60.33%
our production took place in EU member states.
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12.8 tonsLeftover cuts and threads were given new life in the form of jeans, jerseys and fabrics. Because we create new favorite pieces from our own valuable production leftovers.
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2Beehives in hessnatur's own garden contribute to the preservation of biodiversity.
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6.628 kilometersour employees covered during our step challenge. 20 teams. 47 days. We walked from Butzbach to Nepal. On foot.
To date we have recycled 12.8 tons. And we continue.
Our Nature Shell has received multiple awards: the federal ecodesign prize and the German Brand Award 2022. The Nature Shell Ripstop jacket with eco-finish also won the Red Dot Design Award 2022.
Our next step towards a circular economy.
We talk to experts about fair trade, the future of work, a sustainable lifestyle, Extinction Rebellion, biodiversity, living without plastic, the food of the future, sustainable finance, the future of fashion, beauty and self-acceptance, and about Children, that is, the future of all of us.
The podcast is available on Spotify , Apple Podcasts and Zeit Studio .
Circular economy.
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BETTERRECYCLING COLLECTION.
We think in cycles and give our cuttings and yarn leftovers a second life. This is how new favorite pieces are created from our own production leftovers. For a sustainable material cycle system. Resource-saving and without the use of harmful chemicals. This is our BetterRecycling collection.
More about our leftover recycling -
THE BEGINNING OF A FASHION REVOLUTION.
With our BetterRecycling Denim, we are laying the foundation for a revolution in fashion production.
More about our fashion revolution -
UPCYCLING SHOES WITH ORGANIC DENIM.Mules, slip-ons, sneakers - our organic selvedge denim ensures a good appearance thanks to upcycling.
More about our upcycled shoes
Transparency.
Our aim is to be an international role model for labor and social standards and to continuously develop them further. That is why we are regularly certified by non-profit and government organizations. Our Impact Report also documents every year how we develop, implement and further promote sustainable measures.
Transparency from cultivation to the hanger: Find out more about our production facilities and materials.
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PARTNERS & PRODUCTION
We select our production sites carefully and only work with partners who share our mindset.
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CONTACT & CONTROLS
We carry out regular checks and have introduced independent contact and complaints offices.
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SCHOOLS & COMMUNICATIONWe regularly train employees and management in all our sites and areas.
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. Their goals are to improve working conditions in clothing manufacturers and to promote collective social responsibility. This happens, for example, through international dialogue with unions, workers, management and brands, through audits, training and the establishment of a neutral international grievance mechanism for workers in the textile industry. As the first German brand, hessnatur joined the FWF in 2005.
Responsibility.
OUR VISION: A FAIR FUTURE. FOR EVERYBODY.
High social standards, fair working conditions, promising perspectives - the future of our partners' workers is also our responsibility. That's why we rely 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. Awareness training also teaches communication mechanisms that can improve working conditions. At hessnatur itself, too, all new employees take part in an onboarding session on the values and practiced sustainability in the company.
This is how the textile chain works at Hessnatur.
For us, trusting in nature means using natural materials from controlled organic cultivation during production. Environmentally friendly processes and good working conditions are equally important. Learn more about the making and life of our fashion:
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1. The idea
Strict ecological guidelines and regular controls ensure modern sustainability.
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2. CULTIVATION
All organic - from cotton seeds and organic fertilizers to crop rotation and natural pest control.
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3. Yarn
Only good yarn becomes good fabric. It is strictly controlled that there is no contamination with conventional fibers.
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4. Cloth
The manufacturing process uses natural sizing agents to protect the yarn against wear and tear.
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5. Processing
We conserve materials and resources by using oxygen for bleaching, dyes without toxic heavy metals and water recycling systems, among other things.
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6. Production
We are always in close contact with production facilities and, in cooperation with the FWF, we continuously strive for better working conditions.
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7. Transportation
We pay attention to short transport 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 expressly regulate the working conditions at our production sites.
Our social standards address many issues that are also covered by local legislation in the production countries - however, the rules do not always correspond to one another. In all cases where there are differences between our social standards and local legislation, the stricter regulation takes precedence.
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1. Free choice of work
There must be no forced labour, including slave or prison labor (ILO Conventions 29 and 105). For example, employees must not be forced to give a “deposit” or identity papers to the employer.
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2. No discrimination in the workplace
Equal opportunities and equal treatment must be ensured in recruitment, wage policy, access to training programs, promotion and termination practices and all other aspects of the employment relationship, regardless of race, skin color, gender, religion, political opinion, nationality, social origin or other distinguishing features (ILO Conventions 100 and 111).
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3. No exploitation through child labor
Child labor must not be used. Only employees who are at least 15 years old or have passed compulsory school age (ILO Convention 138) are hired. If child workers are to be dismissed, sufficient financial transitional aid and appropriate educational opportunities must be offered. Prohibited are "all forms of slavery or all practices similar to slavery, such as the sale of children and child trafficking, debt bondage and serfdom, as well as forced or compulsory labor[... ]". Young people between the ages of 15 and 18 are also not allowed to do any work that could endanger their health and safety. You may e.g. B. do not work at night or work excessively long hours (ILO Convention 182).
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4. Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining
The right of all workers to form and join trade unions (“freedom of association”) and the right to collective bargaining (“collective bargaining”) is recognized (ILO Conventions 87 and 98). Worker representatives must not be discriminated against and must have access to all necessary workplaces in order to be able to carry out their representative function (ILO Convention 135 and Recommendation 143). In the event that the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining is prohibited by law, the employer should have a positive attitude towards the work of trade unions and be open to their activities in terms of organizing workers.
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5. Payment of living wages
Wages and other benefits for a normal working week must at least correspond to the statutory or industry minimum wages. Wages should be sufficient to meet the basic needs of employees and their families and also include an amount at their disposal (ILO Conventions 26 and 131). The latter is a procedural requirement and every possible measure must be taken to achieve this goal. Neither are deductions allowed from wages as a punitive measure, nor are deductions allowed without the express permission of the workers concerned that are not made through the national laws are justified. Before starting work, all employees receive written and understandable information about the wage conditions and the exact details of their wages for each payment period.
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6. Reasonable working hours
Working hours must be determined in accordance with applicable laws and industry standards. Employees shall not be required to work an average of more than 48 hours per week and shall have at least one day off in any 7 day period. Overtime must be voluntary, must not exceed 12 hours per week, must not be ordered on a regular basis and must always be compensated with an overtime bonus in line with legal requirements (ILO Convention 1).
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7. SAFE AND HEALTH-FRIENDLY WORKING CONDITIONS
A safe and hygienic working environment shall be provided and the highest level of health and safety promoted in the workplace, taking into account current knowledge of the industry and any specific hazards. For this purpose, appropriate protective equipment should be provided and the workers should be trained in its use. Physical abuse, threats of physical abuse, unusual punishments or discipline, sexual and other harassment, and intimidation by the employer are strictly prohibited.
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8. A legally binding employment relationship
The labor and social obligations towards employees arising from the regular employment relationship must not be circumvented, not even through unilateral contracts binding only the employees or training programs that are not really aimed at imparting skills or regular employment. Younger workers should be given the opportunity to participate in education and training programs.
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 throughout our value chain. We think that the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity are equally important - that's why we're tackling both problems directly. In order to achieve this goal, we take a close look at every aspect of our supply chain and align the entire textile chain with a nature-positive future.
Tomorrow's world builds on today's resources. We see a sustainable production process not only as our responsibility, but as an investment in the future.
We save energy.
We use the latest 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 floors.
Through our ecological cultivation and grazing methods, we keep soil 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. In addition, 78% of our materials consist of only one material, which means that sorted recycling is possible.
FAIR FASHION PIONEERS.
Our fashion was organic before organic was fashionable. For more than 45 years we have stood for more tomorrow. Purpose has been a must for us since we were founded. Every day we prove that fashion and sustainability don't have to be mutually exclusive. This striving 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.
Out of the desire for natural baby clothing, Dorothea and Heinz Hess founded hessnatur in 1976. Today, more than 45 years later, more than 350 employees work at hessnatur, who work every day for more tomorrow. Every year, we not only allow ourselves to be put through our paces several times by external organizations in terms of sustainability, but also set our own standards with the hessnatur guidelines.
Our mission has always remained the same: to produce fashion from sustainable and natural materials that Respects people and the environment while conserving resources. Fashion that takes responsibility - also for the people who make it. Because everyone has a right to fairness. We live this tradition every day out of conviction.
More than 45 years of sustainability: We set standards.
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1976
Founding of hessnatur
Heinz and Dorothea Hess found hessnatur with the idea of making fashion from sustainable and natural materials that respects the environment and people.
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ab 1991
Pioneering work
With the Sekem farm in Egypt, Heinz Hess realizes the world's first organic cotton project. Other organic cotton projects follow.
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ab 1994
New paths in West Africa and Peru
hessnatur starts an organic cotton project in Senegal and another organic cotton project in Peru.
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1996
hessnatur goes digital
The first website goes online.
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1997
Regional Commitment
hessnatur protects the old breed from dying out with a purchase guarantee for the wool of Rhön sheep.
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1998
New ways in Turkey
hessnatur starts an organic cotton project in Turkey.
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2004
Aid projects worldwide
hessnatur supports the New SADLE project in Nepal and the Nepra eV initiative, which works to integrate people who were formerly leprous.
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2005
Founded on fairness
hessnatur becomes the first German member of the Fear Wear Foundation.
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2005
Flagship project in Burkina Faso
Together with the Swiss development organization Helvetas, hessnatur establishes a cultivation project for organic cotton in Burkina Faso.
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2005
Innovation: Hessen-Leinen
Together with the Institute for Biodynamic Research (IBDF), hessnatur is launching the first production of Hessen linen.
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2008
Excellent
hessnatur wins the German Sustainability Award in the Purchasing category and is recognized for the exemplary, fair and ecological supply chain.
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2010
Promotion of young talent
hessnatur announces the first European design award for green and sustainable fashion, the Humanity in Fashion Award (HIFA).
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2011
Strong designs
The internationally renowned designers Eviana Hartman, Miguel Adrover and Clodagh create their own collection for hessnatur.
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2012
In dialogue with customers
For the first time, a customer council is elected at hessnatur.
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2012
Demonstrably sustainable
The first comprehensive sustainability report is published, documenting the high level of quality in social and ecological standards.
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2014
Sustainably exemplary
hessnatur is the first company to sign the federal government's "Alliance for Sustainable Textiles".
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2015
Donation aid Nepal
After the great earthquake catastrophe, employees and management initiate a fundraising campaign for our social project New SADLE.
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2015
Research for more tomorrow
The hessnatur foundation for research and development of applied sustainability is established to promote sustainability in the textile industry.
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2016
40 years of hessnatur
hessnatur starts the 40th anniversary year with a trend talk on the subject of 'slow fashion' at the Berlin Fashion Week.
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2017
Role model for Bangladesh
With the Selvedge Jeans project, hessnatur shows that exemplary textiles can also be produced in Bangladesh.
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2017
Houses for shepherds in Peru
hessnatur supports shepherds in Peru by building houses.
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2018
#fairfashionmove
During Berlin Fashion Week, 200 like-minded people followed hessnatur's call to demonstrate for more fairness in fashion.
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2019
Green Button Certification
The entire hessnatur collection receives the German Green Button textile seal.
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2019
Most Sustainable Fashion Brand
Hessnatur is rated by customers as the most sustainable fashion brand in Germany.
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2020
Innovation
hessnatur launches the most sustainable denim and the BetterRecycling collection.
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2021
Excellent soft shell
We win the Federal Ecodesign Award for our innovative soft shell made from pure organic cotton with sustainable impregnation.
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2021
Excellent company
hessnatur receives the 'Top Company' award from kununu.
"The reconciliation of economic and ecological requirements of our modern society can only succeed through sustainable development ."
Heinz Hess
Engagement.
We set standards.
Progress only works if you get things moving. And that's exactly what we've been doing since 1976. Our motto "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 dirtiest industry in the world. It causes 10% of global CO2 emissions, contributes significantly to global water pollution and employs workers on poor terms. For more than 45 years, hessnatur has been proving that there is another way and is working according to the highest standards. All products bear the Green Button and meet the hessnatur guidelines. We have the leader status of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF). In addition, many of our products are GOTS-certified.
We strive to only use natural, organic materials. We exclude human and environmental toxic substances in the entire manufacturing process. The use of organic cotton alone saves an average of 91% water and 46% CO2. In addition, organic farming does not deplete the soil. 92% of our products made from plant fibers are of certified organic origin. All others correspond to our hessnatur guidelines and are therefore also of biological origin.
OUR IDEA OF SUSTAINABILITY: CONSTANT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT.
Sustainability is not a fixed state that can be grasped. Also no finish line to cross. For us, sustainability means constantly questioning the status quo; the further development and advancement of innovative, resource-saving ideas. This is the only way we can bring products and production into harmony with people and nature.
Together we are more sustainable:
the hessnatur foundation
We not only promote the topic of sustainability in our production facilities and in the extraction of our raw materials. We develop practical solutions for sustainable management with external partners, companies and scientific institutions.For more cohesion.
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.
Hessnatur has been a pioneer for ecological and social standards in fashion since 1976. 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 work continuously to be the innovation leader for the coming generation.
