Sustainability is an important theme for both Tembo and its company clothing supplier Company Fits. Raw materials are in danger of becoming scarce, making it increasingly important to use the available raw materials as efficiently as possible and to burden the environment as little as possible.
As Tembo is aware of its corporate responsibility, Company Fits is happy to contribute to our sustainability goals. In recent months, a lot of work has been done on a new clothing line that is made of sustainable materials and given a second life after use.
Savings through sustainable materials
Within the new Tembo corporate clothing collection, the conventional cotton and polyester have made way for organic cotton and polyester from recycled PET bottles.
This is a significant saving in the field of CO2, energy and water. For example, during the production process, an average of 96% of water is saved, 50% less energy is used and 64% less carbon dioxide is emitted.
In fact, per softshell jacket an average of 15 PET bottles are recycled.
By using certified organic cotton, we can further guarantee that no chemicals have been used during the cultivation of the cotton and that the end product does not contain residues of pesticides or heavy metals.
Re-used and socially responsible
To complete the circle and avoid waste, the Tembo clothing is collected after use, after which the items are donated to charity.
In addition to the use of sustainable materials, the social area is also very important. Our clothing line is therefore produced in factories that are socially audited by, for example, Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI).
BSCI aims to further improve working conditions in the factories. Examples include: the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, the prohibition of discrimination, fair wages and decent working hours.
Company Fits has also started a project with UNICEF within the factory where Tembo clothing is produced. The Better Business for Children program is working hard to further expand steps that have already been taken in the field of childcare for working parents, improving women's rights and, for example, guiding / training school-leavers and focusing on local needs. A beautiful collaboration that we are proud of!
Picture by Tembo, December 2019