OUR IMPACT
Every decision we make is geared towards minimising the impact we have on the planet - as a business and as individuals. So, from our production processes, to the materials and packaging we use, we're always finding new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and sustain our future.
We are passionate about educating our customers on how to be more sustainable
We’ve partnered with CarbonClick to encourage customers to offset their online orders. In 2022, over 3,000 customers opted to do this, resulting in a total of 836,495 kgs of carbon being offset.
Aspiga continues to be an active participant in the Climate Neutral Now Initiative. Read our latest Climate Neutral Now Achievement Report to see how we plan to reduce our carbon emissions in line with net-zero 2050.
To help customers live more sustainably, we published our ‘Guide To Living a More Sustainable Life’, which is available in store and online.
Our recycled packaging saved 121,814 plastic bags from going to landfill in 2023
We eliminated all plastic from our own packaging in 2019, and are always looking for new ways to improve. In 2023, we partnered with Weavable, a bespoke clothing branding specialist dedicated to creating sustainable packaging and innovative design solutions. With their help, for our 2024 collection, we are now using certified organic cotton woven labels, our swing tags use certified FSC paper, and all our garment bags are made from biodegradable cornstarch.
All our garment care labels and kimbles are now made from recycled polyesters and we have also developed sustainable hygiene stickers for our 2024 swimwear range. These are made out of YUPO® paper, which can be recycled, rather than using single-use plastic that ends up in landfill.
Traceability at every step of the process
From the field to the mill, we invest in certified fabrics to ensure responsible sourcing and accountability throughout every product’s lifecycle. EUROPEAN FLAX® Linen, FSC & EcoVero™ Viscose, and Tencel™ are just some of the certified fabrics that form the building blocks of our collection.
Recycled fabrics also play a big part in our collection. In 2022, we launched our first own brand range of swimwear, made from 82% recycled polyester which is derived from waste such as plastic bottles. We also launched our sequin occcasionwear which is made from 95% recycled sequins.
On the rare occasion where we haven't been able to work with responsibly sourced or organic cotton, we donate £1-£2 for each item to WaterHarvest, the India-based water charity.
Clothes that aren’t just for Christmas...
We stand against fast fashion by designing clothes that will be treasured forever and last for years to come. We have partnered with The Cirkel, a resale platform, supporting our ambition to extend the life of every Aspiga item. Whether choosing from our new collection or a perfect pre-loved piece, feel assured that you are supporting stylishly sustainable fashion.
Our quality is very important to us and we take pride in creating clothes that are sustainable, beautifully crafted, and made to last. And don't worry about natural wear and tear, we offer a Repair and Rewear service to extend the life of your beloved Aspiga pieces.
It is well-documented that a huge amount of fabric is wasted in the fashion industry. To combat this we worked with suppliers to minimise wastage, by introducing new products - such as wash bags, scrunchies, and face pads - in fabrics that would have otherwise gone to landfill.
Funding a better future
Over the years, we have provided financial support to some of our small suppliers, enabling them to buy tools, build workshops, and expand their business. We are proud to have consistently supported Kenyan and Indian institutions, where many of our original suppliers are based - we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.
In 2022, we donated just under £12,000, supporting charities around the world, including Elimu Sewing Project, Bluebells School, WaterHarvest, and many more. One of our most fulfilling initiatives is the support we give school children in Kenya. Each month, 12 school children volunteer for our Beach Clean in Malindi. In return, we pay for the children’s school fees.
Our 2024 Goals...
We are proud of what we have achieved so far, and recognise there is so much more we can do. Our mission will always be to be more sustainable. Our goals for 2024, as always, are centered around: Doing Right by People, Doing Right by Planet, and Supporting Positive Change.
Doing Right By Planet
- In 2023, we shipped 75% of our initial buys by sea and 25% by air. In 2024, we plan to increase this to 80% and 20% respectively.
- We will work with our third-party logistics provider to identity options for zero-carbon delivery and then make these available for customers to choose.
- We aim to support the Race to Zero campaign as expressed at COP 28. We will continue to use offsetting as part of this commitment but we will work with B-Corp to identify other ways in which we can move our business towars net zero.
- We will work with our landlords to ensure best possible EPC ratings are achieved in all of our shops and within our HQ.
- Achieve an EPC rating by the end of Jan 2024 and aim to be carbon neutral by UNEP's "Climate Neutral Now" programme by 2025, including all business travel for stores and HQ.
Doing Right By People
- We offer a bike to work scheme and try to recruit individuals who live close to our offices and encourage them to bike and walk to work for well-being and environmental benefits.
- Aspiga HQ will commit to increasing the number of beach cleans to 1 per month in work hours. In addition, we will continue to support beach cleans in Kenya financially through support for schoolchildren in Malindi.
- We believe in the value of bringing people together to work collaboratively. But we also recognise that occasional working from home is a good option for some elements of some roles and we are committed to putting in place a programme to support this for the right roles and seniority. We also aim to implement a programme whereby employees can work from home one Friday every two months to make weekends away easier.
- We will engage more deeply with the B-Corp community by requiring all employees to sign up to the Beehive, B-Corps community platform for B-Corp companies.
- We will use all of our channels to engage more fully with our customers and employees with tips and ideas to promote sustainability. Additionally, every member of staff to have a sustainable objective for 2024.
Positive Change
- We aim to introduce QR codes for 30% of the range to promote more transparency on our products. Initially this will focus on our Indian Block Prints, Merino Wool, and Corduroy, as well as products made in Europe.
- We will reduce the number of samples used for all new production by 50%. Our target will eb a maximum of 3 samples per product. In pursuit of this, we will adopt 3-D technology into the design process to reduce the requirement for sampling and the waste it generates.
- We will aim to launch a capsule collection of new products using mineral or natural dyes.
- We will work further with all suppliers to upcycle fabric wastage into products or ensure that uses are found for it in the supplier's local markets.
- In 2024, we will ensure that all of our 3rd party suppliers are signed up to sustainable processes.
- By the end of the year, 100% of Aspiga's brand assets and marketing materials will be printed on recycled materials and papers. Currently we are at approximately 95%.
- We will keep using our voice to promote sustainability via our Sustainable Facebook group and our free booklet "Tips for a more sustainable life".
“Sustainability has been woven into our DNA since day one. We recognise
that sustainabaility is a process across all levels of our business, not a
destination. We believe that we are making steps in the right direction,
even if sometimes the progress is slow.”
