Sustainability
Since Merle Kids’ inception, I always had sustainability in the forefront of my mind when taking any decisions. I deeply want a healthy planet for all our children, fresh air, happy communities. Making new products will always have an environmental impact, but I’m dedicated to make it as small as I can. Of course, Merle Kids is not perfect, and there are many things I want to improve, but here is what I am doing for now:
Organic Cotton
All Merle Kids products are made from organic cotton. This is the obvious choice - it protects the environment and thus the future of our planet, the production line workers and, last but not least, the delicate skin of your child.
Organic fibres are natural fibres grown without the use of harmful synthetic pesticides, herbicides and GMOs (genetically modified organisms) according to the principles of organic farming. Strict criteria must also be met when processing, dyeing and printing these fibres.
The handmade products are hand sewn by me in Leipzig, Germany. The fabric is made in Albstadt, Germany by a family-owned manufacture that adheres to strict German labour laws that provide for the fair treatment of workers. The fabric they produce is certified organic (GOTS) and 95% cotton, 5% elastane.
The Villar Portugal-based manufacture that produces Merle Kids’ goods since the Spring of 2022 has been certified organic (GOTS) since its founding in 2013, as is the entire supply chain. They have always been focused on avoiding harmful substances and treating their employees fairly. I’m glad I was able to move to 100% organic cotton, and move away from elastane, since this means less micro plastic in our oceans, and less reliance on fossil fuels. Theoretically, you could compost the clothes when they’re too old! This might mean that the colours will fade a little faster if not washed with care, and that the fabric is not as elastic, but I think it’s a fair compromise to make.
As a small company, Merle is not yet GOTS certified. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!
Plant a Tree
For each order placed in the webshop, a tree is planted! Please visit the plant a tree page for more information.
Packaging
Your order will be packaged with care, while keeping packaging deliberately minimal. Only FSC-certified paper and cardboard are used, and plastic is avoided as much as possible. Merle is a vegan company, and as such, no animal products are being used, ever!
Production Model
Merle Kids’ products come out in one or two mini-collections per year and are manufactured in small quantities to avoid overstocking, which is a huge problem in the fashion world. Merle is definitely not a “fast fashion” brand, and proud of it. I strongly believe in buying less, better, and this is what I want to encourage.
The clothes don’t follow trends, so your child can wear them for a long time, and hopefully pass it on to a sibling or a friend!
The future of Merle Kids
There are of course many aspects I want to improve in the coming seasons and years:
An important goal is to introduce recycled cotton and other recycled materials in my products. I can’t wait to create knitted wear and other heirloom products that would last for generations.
One thing I don’t want is to grow this label unlimitedly. I don’t believe in growth at any price, and would rather keep my brand smaller and sustainable.
Profit should not be the main motivation, instead I always want to keep the focus on the environmental and social impact of my products.
I don’t plan on multiplying collections and “drops”, as I think this encourages overconsumption.
If anything, I would rather go in the other direction and make one “seasonless” collection per year, as it is said to reduce impulse buying and overall waste.
If you have any comments or suggestions, I would love to hear them! Please don’t hesitate to contact me.