Sustainability

At Raaskallen, one of our main missions is to reform the sustainability of the ravewear sector, which fast fashion brands currently dominate. We strongly believe in creating products that make a statement on the dance floor and contribute to a better planet through a more sustainable business model.

Here's how we keep sustainability at the forefront of everything we do:

Eco-freindly Materials

We are committed to using sustainable, eco-friendly materials in every single piece of our products. Our products solely use organic cotton which is GOTS certified. By choosing GOTS-certified organic cotton, we:

  • Ensure our entire supply chain meets approved standards
  • Use 91% less water per t-shirt than if we were to use standard cotton
  • Eliminate chemical pesticides and fertilisers, which improves soil quality and longevity, water quality, and conditions for workers and also reduces nitrogen emissions to the atmosphere
  • Improve the biodegradability and recyclability of our products, helping contribute to the circular economy by extending the lifecycle of the materials used
  • Create a product which is better for your skin as it is more breathable than standard cotton whilst being softer and hypoallergenic due to it being grown without chemicals

Ethical Production

Raaskallen only partners with manufacturers who share our values of fair labour practices and ethical production. Each supplier is
assessed thoroughly to ensure they provide a safe working environment where workers are treated with respect and paid fair wages. All our suppliers are Fair Wear Leaders.

 

Our suppliers must also be PETA-Approved Vegan to certify they do not use animal materials or adhere to any animal cruelty in the production of our products.

Direct-to-Garment Printing

Raaskallen only uses Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. Within the textile industry, DTG printing is regarded as the most sustainable printing method due to the use of biodegradable water-based inks instead of inks with harmful chemicals. This
means there is no need for large amounts of water and detergent to remove chemicals and additives in the after-treatment process.

 

Additionally, DTG is an automated process that allows us to print on demand. This means Raaskallen can avoid the overproduction issue that permeates the rest of the fashion industry. Unsold inventory is typically burned or thrown away, with fashion businesses wasting 92 million tonnes of textiles annually.

Sustainable Packaging

Raaskallen uses both compostable and reclaimed mailing bags to ship our products in.

  •  Our compostable bags are made from organic matter, which breaks down within 12 weeks if disposed of correctly. We strongly encourage customers to do their bit by disposing of it in a food waste collection bin or compost bin to ensure it breaks down properly and gives new life to the soil.
  • Whilst not as sustainable, our reclaimed bags are collected from other businesses that otherwise would have thrown these away, what a waste! We encourage customers to re-use these further were possible and dispose of them properly.

 

We have also reduced unnecessary packaging, such as inner packaging like plastic bags or paper, and return forms (returns can be done online instead) to further contribute to the circular economy goal of eliminating waste.

Green shipping

Raaskallen solely uses Royal Mail for its UK deliveries as they have the lowest C02 emissions per parcel delivered by some margin. They achieve this by having circa 5000 electric vans, using biofuels in heavier trucks, using 100% renewable energy across the UK, reducing their use of air transport, and having half of their delivery routes on foot with posties across the UK walking a billion steps per day.

 

We believe the Royal Mail shares many of the same goals as Raaskallen regarding sustainability and the circular economy. The Royal Mail is reducing its impact year on year and is “taking steps” towards Net Zero. Targets, such as a 50% reduction in overall emissions and a 25% reduction in water consumption, have been set for 2030.

Returns

The environmental impact of online clothing returns was Raaskallen’s co-owner, Harry, University’s dissertation topic. He discovered that the lack of research, legislation, and knowledge from businesses and consumers around this area is shocking. Here are some quick facts:

  • Over half of our product returns are destroyed, burnt, or sent to landfills when they can be reused
  • The majority of UK businesses have not made a link between product returns and sustainability
  • Many businesses don't measure their return rates
  • Consumers who purchase a product knowing they will return it ("Planned Returners") cost UK businesses £1.5bn in sales annually.

 

Raaskallen is committed to making its returns process one of the most sustainable by creating a quality product that is unlikely to be returned in the first place, guaranteeing size charts are accurate, ensuring that no returned products go to waste, and educating customers to make the right purchasing decisions.

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Moving Forward

Raaskallen is committed to advancing our sustainability through the continued adoption of Circular Economy principles and the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Our goal is to be a leader in sustainable fashion.

 

We are looking to start initiatives such as a take-back programme where we will encourage customers to return old clothing, which we can then recycle into new products or donate to those in need.