Production and value chain

 

Production and Value Chain

The majority of our value creation is within Switzerland

Imagine, ideate, create and design: in Andermatt 

  • In these locations we have the creative direction, collection development, product design, fabric sourcing and garment development in collaboration with expert product developers and seamstresses in London United Kingdom. We procure our materials within the European Union, mostly from France and the United Kingdom. All materials are ethically sourced from Europe. The recycled yarn is produced in Italy. The sustainable swimwear fabric is woven in Spain, components are sourced in France and the woven brand and care labels are made in Germany. 
Develop: in London United Kingdom
  • Development from idea to 2D CAD designs, translating into technical packs. Hand-crafting of garments by artisans in our atelier in London (cut/make/trim). Currently we are exploring further ateliers in Switzerland and Italy to flexibly respond to increasing demand. 
Connect: in Zurich 
  • General management, branding, marketing, sales and customer service is based in Zurich from where we run our online boutique UONDAS.com. 

Deliver: globally

  • Fulfillment of orders is operated by our fulfillment partners globally.

Towards holistic sustainability 

While we have started our journey we envision a fully circular process going forward. We will be continuing to improve every step of our process towards holistic sustainability.

Design 

  • Pattern cutting: zero waste design for pattern making so no fabric is wasted during the cutting phase.
  • Sampling; use leftover and recycled fabrics.
  • Sourcing: use recycled materials where possible and available. Is using raw materials ensure they are natural and organic or regenerative.
  • Product lifecycle: timeless collections with trans-seasonal appeal and multifunctionality to prolong garments life and reduce cost to wear. Offer replacement of components.

Production

  • Partners: Factories holding SEDEX, WFTO, SA800 certifications to ensure ethical standards. Keep manufacturing local in Europe to reduce environmental impact during production, reducing shipping and potential production issues. Use modern machinery to increase energy-efficiency,
  • Dying process: prevent harmful dyes from being released to the environment with closed-loop processes, using natural dyes without harmful chemicals or carcinogenic components
  • Stock: demand forecasting, limited production runs of permanent collections with timeless styles to have zero overstock, build anticipation around collections

Packaging and delivery 

  • Eco-friendly: plastic-free or biodegradable alternatives for swing-tags, bags, boxes and hangers. Soluble mailing bags or bio-based, compostable materials (based on availability)
  • Partners: establish additional  production partners in Switzerland/Italy, use UPS carbon-neutral delivery option.

End of Garment Life

  • Biodegradable fabrics (once available)
  • Repair service and incentive for customers to recycle

Our Global Sustainability Standards

  • GRS: Sets requirements for third-party certification of recycled content, chain of custody, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. The goal of the GRS is to increase use of recycled materials in products and reduce/eliminate the harm caused by its production. The GRS uses the ISO 14021 definition of Recycled Content, with interpretations based on the US Federal Trade Commission Green Guides; the intention is to comply with the most widely recognized and stringent definitions.
  • OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances. It stands for customer confidence and high product safety.
  • EU ECOLABEL is indicating the products with the best ecological performance. This makes it easier for the consumer to choose a high-quality product while contributing to keeping the ecosystem intact. The green tag certifies that the product or service has a low impact on the environment throughout its entire lifespan. 
  • HIGG INDEX The idea behind the Higg index is to create a unique instrument enabling to assess the environmental impact of a garment's entire life cycle. It is a significant step forward towards transparency in the textile sector, and a powerful support for all companies in the value chain as it provides them with a method of comparing different materials so they can make knowledgeable, more sustainable choices.
  • ECONYL Our sustainable techno-fabric, made of a ECONYL® regenerated nylon that turns waste problems into fashion and interior solutions. It is versatile, hyper-resistant, thin, elegant, stretch, soft and breathable: a unique mix of muscular compression and comfort. Thanks to its innovative construction, it is twice as resistant to chlorine and suntan creams and oils than competitors’ fabrics. Contains: 78% Recycled PA and 22% EA. UPF50+.
  • Q-NOVA® Is an environmentally-sustainable nylon 6.6 fibre obtained from regenerated raw materials and which meets given traceability requirements. More than 50% of the fibre comes from recycled materials. Q-NOVA® enables us to manufacture more lightweight fabrics with the same qualities as fabrics made from Cotton or Polyester. It boasts excellent moisture control meaning that the skin stays fresh and dry while the fabric has the best possible dyeing quality. It is as robust as polyester made from virgin polyamide.
  • Q-NOVA® is certified and traced by the Global Recycle Standard system, the European ECOLABEL EU system and by the OEKO-TEX STD 100 CLASS I system. All these certifications vouch for the integrity of the fibre. The benefits deriving from lower emissions and reduced water consumption were measured according to the European method LCA - ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.