Improvement Efforts
We strongly believe in the power of self-reflection in order to create positive change and are committed to continuous improvement. In order to transparently share our current shortcomings and action plans to combat those, we have created this page.
You as a customer play an important part in this. We do not only want to self-reflect — we want to incorporate your feedback in this process. Please send us any suggestions to hello@theslowlabel.com.
Project: Barcode stickers
Issue: The barcode stickers on our hangtags are currently made of synthetic materials.
Action steps/Solution: We have communicated to our barcode sticker supplier the need for a more sustainable solution. Our supplier has since started testing alternative materials and will hopefully supply us with plastic-free stickers in 2022.
Project: Plastic zipper
Issue: The zipper for our Wide Leg Pants is made of synthetic materials, which might shed microplastics.
Action steps/Solution: Unfortunately we were not able to find a sustainable solution for our zippers yet. We are keeping our eyes open and are hoping to replace the virgin plastic zippers with recycled ones for our reorder of the Wide Leg Pants.
Project: Girlfriend Collective Yoga Wear
Issue: Made of synthetic materials, which might shed microplastics.
Action steps/Solution: Even though recycled polyester is a much better material than virgin polyester, there are some downsides. We have therefore added the Guppyfriend washing bag to our store, which is a practical and effective way to reduce plastic pollution when washing clothes.
Project: Summer 2020 collection thread
Issue: We tried buying sewing thread made of TENCEL™ fibers, which would have been the most sustainable option. However, we could not find a supplier that catered to our needs, as most minimum order quantities were too high for us.
Action steps/Solution: We have successfully switched to TENCEL™ and cotton thread and have stopped using polyester thread!
Project: Summer 2020 collection size range
Issue: Our sizing for these products only ranges from XS to L. As this is our first full ready-to-wear collection, we have invested a lot of money and time in the creation of our products. In order to avoid risks of overstock, we have decided to launch with a more narrow size range. Please let us know if the size you need is not available. We want to understand customer demand in order to then meet this demand with our next collection.
Action steps/Solution: We have since expanded our size range to XS-XL and designed our clothes (current and upcoming) to be more flattering on various body types. This includes making many pieces more relaxed fitted and working with knits and jerseys instead of woven fabrics.
Project: Supply chain transparency
Issue: Due to Covid-19, we were not able to visit all our manufacturers, as we had planned to do. We did visit our dye house in Austria and have visited our manufacturer in Stuttgart, but we have yet to visit all others.
Action steps/Solution: The manufacturers we work with have all been visited by our production team in Berlin, but not by us personally. Many are certified, which adds another level of trust. We plan on visiting all manufacturers as soon as the situation is safe enough for us to travel.
