At Roekate we have a very simple philosophy: to do the best we can for people and planet, whilst being honest that we aren’t perfect; sustainability is an imperfect journey.
In the wake of a global climate crisis, sustainability has become a hot topic globally in the last 10 years, forcing individuals, groups, and nations to turn inwardly and ask ‘what can we do better?’ and ‘how did it all go so wrong?’. It is reported that over 81% of UK adults are concerned about climate change (ONS, 2022). As a business we have a responsibility to help consumers change their habits for the better.
However, what has also become prevalent, especially in the retail sector, is greenwashing. Greenwashing is where a business publishes incorrect or misleading statements about their sustainability credentials (to make them look like they are doing more good than in reality).
So how does Roekate avoid greenwashing? It’s simple: we are open, honest, and transparent about every aspect of our business - including the areas where we know we can improve. However, our founder Olivia, believed the best way to be truly sustainable is to have it embedded in your business model from the outset:
Our ethically-made loungewear is manufactured in very small quantities in our North-East Atelier, to reduce waste and avoid overproduction. In theory, this excess could result in those garments ending up in landfill (not that we would let that happen!). The Hannah Sweatshirt and Sweat Trousers are also made-to-order to reduce our waste even further, as these garments require more fabric than most.
As part of being a British fashion brand, we want to source British too. All of our brand and care labels are made in the UK, using recycled cotton and polyester. Our swing tags are also recycled, recyclable and compostable and are dyed with natural inks (either water or soy-based). The only non recyclable component is our swing tag string. This is for security reasons, but we are continuing hunting for a sustainable alternative.
Even our buttons are sustainable, made out of Corozo, known as ‘vegetable ivory’. Corozo comes from the Tagu Palm which is grown in Ecuador and what is known as ‘mococha’ balls fall naturally from the plant. These balls contain nuts from which our buttons are produced: 100% natural and no deforestation is required.
Our packaging is 100% recycled, home recyclable and compostable, inclusive of boxes, tissue paper, flyers and stickers. We currently only ship to the UK, whilst we work out our logistics to expand globally but in an environmentally-friendly way.
We collaborate with cutting edge fabric suppliers across the UK and Europe who hold numerous environmental certifications, such as ISO 14001, to mark their sustainable commitments. As part of our commitment to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum, no fabric or garment component is sourced outside of mainland Europe.
Our suppliers also ensure all fibres can be traced from seed to the final production stage here in Great Britain.
Roekate has been built on sustainable foundations and it is at the forefront of every decision that is made across our business, as Olivia believes:
‘I want Roekate to offer our customers a more responsible shopping experience. Knowing how and where your garments are made is the first step in changing your shopping habits for the better. If you think about a child working 20 hour days in a sweatshop, you are going to be put-off buying that item. That mindset is how we truly shift our currently unsustainable, throwaway fashion industry.’
Roekate is committed to our people and our planet. As a British brand, we champion small businesses based in the UK, because we know this is how you create a community for change.