Our eco-friendly and ethical Print on Demand service with organic textiles
We are environmentally aware at TPOP, so it seems only natural that we should offer you products made from organic cotton...
Much more than a fashion, organic and eco-responsible textiles have become an important part of clothing manufacturing in the last few years. It plays a significant role in personalised textiles (t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, polo shirts, etc.).
It was impossible for us not to offer a range of garments made from organic cotton or recycled materials: not because it's fashionable or because we wanted to look good, but because it's something we feel strongly about. At TPOP, we are sensitive to ecological issues and we know that there is still a long way to go for the textile industry to become a totally environmentally friendly sector.
However, we felt it was important to participate in the efforts undertaken by some brands to make their clothing (or accessories) "clean" while respecting the working conditions of the workers in their factories.
Organic, yes, but why?
Don't you feel that the media is telling you more and more often that clothing trends have changed? That you have to update your wardrobe at all costs? That's what fast fashion is all about: everything is faster, everything is more disposable than it was a few years ago. And with good reason: according to a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the life span of clothes - i.e. the number of uses per item before it is thrown away - has dropped by 36% in the last 15 years. Experts estimate that most clothes will be discarded within a year of purchase, after only 7 to 10 uses. This is due to ever-changing trends as well as a drastically reduced quality of clothing to meet decreasing production costs.
In order to counteract this (unfortunately) growing phenomenon, TPOP has chosen to offer clothing and accessories made from materials that are much more eco-responsible than what we are used to seeing in recent years: organic cotton and recycled cotton and polyester.
The use of organic cotton minimises the negative impact of the textile industry on the environment: its production does not require the use of pesticides, insecticides or chemical products. Its production does not require the use of pesticides, insecticides or chemical products, and its cultivation requires less water thanks to the richness of its soils, which allow water to be better retained.
Recycled materials, on the other hand, are good for our planet for another reason: they contribute to a circular vision of the textile industry, where, rather than ending up as waste, the fibre is reused and thus avoids the highly polluting and resource-intensive cultivation of raw materials.
Two beautiful solutions to renew an industry in great (and justified) search of reinvention; two beautiful solutions that we are proud to represent through a catalogue both varied and highly eco-friendly.
This commitment to the good of our planet is verified and guaranteed by the organic cotton and recycling labels that our products have:
Oeko Tex - OCS 100 - GOTS - OCS Blended - GRS
What about the human element?
Human welfare is something that needs to be taken into account. At TPOP, we want to be transparent about the origin of our products. We don't hide the fact that most of the clothes we offer for customisation come from Bangladesh, a mecca for the textile industry. Obviously, the country does not have the same labour code as France. Conditions and working hours are not the same, unfortunately.
However, this situation seems to be in constant evolution; whereas 20 years ago it was one of the poorest countries in the world, Bangladesh is now the 41st largest economy in the world, promising a more engaging future for its people.
We also make it a point to only work with partners who guarantee healthy working conditions for the workers in their factories. How can this be verified? Thanks to the label of the Fair Wear Foundation, a foundation created in 1999 in the Netherlands.
The latter is at the origin of a real code of working conditions in companies; to obtain this label, textile manufacturers must respect several rules, including the non-exploitation of kids through work (the average legal age to work being 15 years), the right to free association and freedom of association, wages corresponding to a minimum subsistence, a regulation working time as well as a day off every 7 days.
These principles seem natural in France, yet they are far from being established elsewhere in the world. This label is a real guarantee of the quality of work in textile factories. The controls are frequent, as they are carried out every year by independent experts.
At TPOP, compliance with this code of conduct is one of the main criteria for selecting our partners, because people are an integral part of our environment and we believe it is essential to do everything possible to contribute to their well-being.
Without further ado, let's take a look at our suppliers and their many qualities.
Our suppliers, those heroes
The (very) famous Stanley/Stella
When choosing our partners, we naturally turned to Stanley/Stella, a pioneer and a reference in the organic textile world: it's simple, the brand ONLY offers ecologically-made clothes.
The company entered the world of fashion in 2012 and aims to be eco-responsible, offering a line of clothing that is more ethically, humanely and environment-friendly. Made mainly in Bangladesh in five GOTS-certified factories audited by the Fair Wear Foundation, Stanley/Stella benefits from the strictest environmental labels on the market throughout its production chain.
They hold the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) label, which is the most demanding certification for textiles made from organic fibres. It controls the entire production chain right down to the cotton field. It certifies that the cotton is grown without GMOs or chemicals and ensures that the social standards of the World Labour Organisation are respected.
Even the polyester, which is used in addition to organic cotton for some sweaters, is recycled.
Everything is designed to be as waste-free as possible and to make the production of textiles as clean as possible.
If there were three words to describe Stanley/Stella clothing, they would be comfort, durability and quality.
We offer you no less than 19 references designed by this highly eco-friendly brand, each one more inspiring than the other for the designers that you are. Among these, you will find classic and emblematic silhouettes as well as products with a more alternative style, for men, women, unisex or even for the little ones. There really is something for everyone, always with the utmost respect for our planet.
Good to know: all Stanley/Stella garments are offered without a collar label, only a size chip. They are the forerunners of "No label" and have allowed many brands to start up without having to remove/tear off the label.
As you will have understood, if you want a 100% ecological garment of impeccable quality, it is to Stanley/Stella that you must go and believe us, you can go with your eyes closed.
Native Spirit, a model of eco-responsibility
We have recently added Native Spirit to our list of suppliers, and for good reason: this is a very young brand that appeared in 2021. Young, yes, but already with a promising future...
As soon as we heard about Native Spirit's arrival on the textile market and learned about its values and catalogue, we were simply won over: this brand positions itself as an alternative to current consumption patterns, more sustainable and ecological, all in silhouettes that are both trendy and essential for any wardrobe. Original shades, modern cuts and fancy details that make all the difference: Native Spirit pieces represent a perfect balance between style and simplicity.
The big, huge plus: the range offered by Native Spirit is perfectly in line with our environmental and ethical convictions. The products are manufactured in conditions that respect workers, in organic or recycled textiles, in compliance with numerous labels and other certifications (GOTS, OCS 100, Global Recycled Standard, Vegan,...). So many good reasons to fall under the spell of this great supplier.
B&C: organic cotton at an affordable price
Created in 1997, the B&C brand is constantly innovating and has established itself as one of the European leaders in promotional and professional clothing.
Their reputation is well established and it was in 2017 that they launched a range of organic cotton t-shirts. We couldn't miss it!
Unlike some of its competitors, B&C manages to offer organic textiles at an affordable price, which is a significant argument.
We offer 5 different models for customisation from B&C:
- Women's scoop neck T-shirt
- The round neck T-shirt for men
- The unisex sweatshirt, a great classic
- The V-neck t-shirt for men
- Women's tank top
They are made from high quality organic combed cotton jersey, offer a soft feel, long lasting comfort and an extremely smooth print surface for a crisp, clean print.
They are designed without a collar tag, just a size chip, making them perfect for launching a ready-to-wear brand.
The icing on the cake: they have been awarded the OEKO TEX - OCS 100 - OCS Blended - Fair Wear labels.
Not bad, eh?
Mantis World, a nice mix of style andSustainability
Founded in 2000, the Mantis World brand no longer has to prove itself as a true ambassador of an eco-responsible vision of fashion. Since 2005, they have been making textiles that are respectful of nature and people: a real forerunner in their sector, at a time when few people were thinking about these issues. Since 2019, the brand officially uses only organic and eco-responsible fibres, a resolution that is perfectly in line with the values we hold dear. They are the source of pieces with ultra-modern and stylish cuts, including the crop top we offer on our app: made of 100% organic combed cotton, this piece is entirely made in Tanzania, from the harvesting of the cotton to the making of the garment.
Mantis is also behind the Babybugz brand, some of whose products we offer for customisation. As the name suggests, this is a brand that is entirely dedicated to clothing for the very young. Their objective? To offer pieces that are the most respectful of nature AND of baby's skin, still very delicate and requiring carefully chosen textiles. In their range, you will find 100% organic cotton products, conforming to the OEKO-TEX, OCS 100, OCS Blended and even Peta-approved Vegan labels. That's all there is to it. Clearly, there is no age limit to doing good for the planet.
We are very proud to work with partners who share our ethical and ecological values. We really do make a point of prioritising quality and hand-picking our products, all with the aim of helping you to make the most of yourself and your brand. Follow us down the path of optimism for the future of our environment by opting for our 100% eco-friendly Print on Demand service; our fabulous (and well-stocked) catalogue is available right here.
