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An ambiguous and over-used word that has become almost devoid of meaning.
We believe in transparency and simply outline all the steps we take to reduce our own environmental impact.
The most effective form of sustainable fashion is slow fashion. Using premium long-fibre yarns rather than open end short-fibres, typical of the fast fashion industry, we can achieve a stronger, more durable cotton. We work with an independent boutique textile studio, making small batches of products at a time. This means greater care and attention to detail for every single item. By creating high quality garments with simple, timeless design, our products can be worn for years to come.
Our patented fabric is produced in a state-of the-art factory that is powered by 100% green hydro-electricity, as well as utilising a rainwater harnessing system. The facility has won national environmental awards for it’s eco-friendly manufacturing operations.
Did you know that the textile industry’s standard fabric-dying methods are damaging to marine life? When the waste water from the conventional process returns to the environment, it contains significant iron and magnesium deposits (80 and 300 milligrams per litre, respectively), with a high alkaline water pH of 12.0. Thus, disrupting delicate aquatic ecosystems. Thanks to a completely natural and organic dying process, under ICP testing, our production water contains zero heavy metal residue and has a potable pH level of 8.0, perfectly aligned with the natural range of rivers and lakes.
Furthermore, our organic processing of the cotton is faster and uses less energy. Regular cotton treatment involves peroxide bleaching, which requires additional fixing (fibre restructuring) and finishing (lubricating) stages.
Efforts to protect the planet are so often undermined by failures to protect the people on it. Sweatshops and wage violations are still very much in practice today. No more so than within the sportswear industry, with many big brands acting as ‘shadow employers’ over such operations.
Our brand is not just represented by its products. We also take full responsibility for knowing and maintaining an ethical supply chain. Our direct producer is a member of both Sadex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) and BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative). These bodies monitor a wide range of labour standards including, fair wages, working hours, health and safety and non-discrimination. We have a close working relationship with our suppliers and have witnessed their high-standard premises and working environment first hand.
We believe we have one of the lowest mileage footprints of any clothing brand, from raw material to finished garment. The cotton, minerals and organic dyes are all sourced with a 250 mile radius of the production factory.
As neither the technology or the raw materials are available in the UK, this initially low footprint does unfortunately increase post production through importing our small batches. However, by sourcing from Western Turkey, the closest available supply location, our logistical Co2 emissions are still very low by industry standards.
We mail out our orders in biodegradable polythene bags, (which includes a prodegradant catalyst - Reverte™) tested in accordance with ASTM6954-04 standards. This allows the polythene to degrade and then biodegrade by conversion into small-chain organic chemicals, such as ketones, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and low molecular mass hydrocarbon waxes. The remaining chemicals are no longer plastic and are biodegradable by bacteria. The developer of Reverte™ has been awarded the EcoVadis gold medal for sustainability. Our internal packaging is also biodegradable and Dojo swing tags are made from recycled paper and hemp.
While we are proud of these achievements, we are also aware that there is always room for improvement and recognise the importance of continuous self-criticism.
The biggest challenges to ‘naturalising’ the sportswear industry is the demand for stretchable fabrics, particularly in the case of leggings. Our products clearly have an overall positive impact on this space in terms of sustainability and health credentials. Nevertheless, an unavoidable fact is that Dojo Yoga Leggings still contain 5% elastane. Albeit less biologically damaging than other synthetics such as polyester, it is still something we are eager to address.
We are currently experimenting with some recent innovations of both recycled and plant-based elastane, which we hope to implement in upcoming products. In addition, we are developing a range of 100% cotton items, for which stretch is not required.
As the Dojo brand grows we also have plans ahead to utilise a green-shipping program.
In the meantime, to offset our present limitations and with an ultimate goal of becoming carbon positive, we have partnered with Ecologi to plant a tree for every single order we receive.
