Håndværk’s Small Inventory, Big Difference Pledge.
Running a sustainable business extends beyond sustainable materials. Maybe one day it’ll be an ‘easy’ industry standard to consider the environment, but that day is not today. That’s why we love our client Håndværk.
Recognising the fundamental quantity over quality problem within the fashion industry, the minimalist husband-wife founders focus on hardworking yet luxurious wardrobe-essentials. They prove that a small inventory can make a big difference, not only when it comes to the evolution of their pieces, but sustainability as well. You won’t find their pieces at TK Maxx.
Håndværk's Small inventory
They only make what they need to avoid waste. This comes from being in the industry since 2013, perfecting the ultimate inventory. A small inventory can make a big difference not only in business terms but when it comes to the environment as well. Working towards 100% traceability and transparency, Håndværk is currently 98% traceable.
So how do they maintain a small inventory? The essentials brand keeps a tight focus on a limited collection and avoids the waste that comes with unsold stock. A factor that contributes to maintaining a small inventory is focusing on seasonless pieces and avoiding trend-focused pieces that come with a busy fashion calendar. The founders strive for their consumers to be mindful in their purchases, investing in basics pieces that last you year in, year out.
Another benefit that comes with a small inventory is the ability to keep a close eye on every single piece ensuring that the basics become more durable with each batch. It also means that they can work out kinks in their pieces to truly master the basics wardrobe. One could say that they’re working towards the greater good - a fabulous closet with none of the environmental guilt.
Say no to plastic
The minimalistic brand is also minimising its environmental impact by choosing packaging void of plastic. All products are individually wrapped in biodegradable alternatives when they leave the factories, and as such, they prevent at least 100,000 plastic bags from ending up in landfills. So when you receive your order, you can recycle the packaging.
You can make a big impact
Taking care of your garments is the best way to ensure that they last a long time. You can do this by reducing the number of times that you wash your pieces. Ensure that you wash the pieces at the lowest temperature on the gentle cycle option to save water and clean your clothes. Håndværk suggested using liquid biodegradable laundry detergent when laundering your delicate essentials.
Most of the basics pieces don’t require ironing! Saving time and environmental cost, all you have to do is hang your pieces on a drying wrack and let the air do its thing.
The big difference fabrics they love
First and foremost it all begins with authentic, natural and sustainable materials. Håndværk sources the highest quality materials to perfect the look, feel and performance of each garment. The brand highlights the innate beauty and longevity of the materials through minimalistic design.
Their Pima cotton is sourced from Peru’s Northern coastal valleys and is harvested by hand. This reduces the environmental impact and results in a superior fibre that hasn’t been damaged by industrial machinery.
Håndværk is also a proponent of alpaca wool. It’s softer, lighter and warmer than cotton and more durable and versatile than cashmere. Performing well in extreme temperatures, this type of fabric makes for an excellent basics wardrobe. If you’re looking to master your basics wardrobe with Håndværk, invest in an alpaca wool piece. As most of their knits contain alpaca components, this won’t be a challenge.