OUR VALUES
Our ethical and sustainable foundations were created from our desire to be a brand that is authentic, trustworthy, and real. From the fabrics we choose to the farmers and manufacturers we work with; we strive for the highest ethical practices in everything that we do.
CERTIFICATIONS
Our values are reinforced by our manufacturers certifications to give you and us the reassurance that our planet, our workers and your little one, are being cared for in the best possible way.
RESPONSIBLE
A baby’s skin is extremely sensitive and needs to be looked after. Organic cotton is breathable, pure, soft, and hypoallergenic which makes it perfect for their delicate skin at baby's most vulnerable age. It is grown and processed without the use of harmful chemicals which have been known to cause respiratory problems and skin irritations. We us GOTS certified organic cotton and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 materials. We have also put an additional check in place to ensure that what has been ordered from our manufacturer, is exactly what is received. Once products arrive, a sample of our product is sent to NZWTA, the New Zealand Wool Testing Association to be independently checked for garment safety and correct labelling information. Our checks and certifications ensure that our customers – expectant and new parents can have peace of mind knowing their little one can play, sleep, and grow in the best cotton in the world.
Global Organic Textile Standard is the world’s leading processing standard for textiles made only from organic fibres. GOTS organic cotton is grown without the use of toxic synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
The Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex is a worldwide independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products. All dyes and accessories used for our garment production meet Oeko-Tex Std. 100 requirements.
For example, our YKK snaps on jumpsuits and bodysuits are lead and nickel free and our fabrics are free from harmful chemicals and dyes.
ETHICAL
People and processes are important to us, which is why we hand pick our suppliers and manufacturers in India to ensure their values and practises align with ours. Small businesses need support no matter where in the world they are, so we don’t use large scale factories to produce our garments. Through media it is widely known there are factories around the world, that “appear” to follow ethical practices when they are inspected for certifications, but sadly, they revert to less desirable business and labour practices once the certification or inspection is completed. We personally visit our manufacturers and organic cotton farms so we can ensure good business and employment practices and speak directly with the farmers, staff, and their families. We also utilize the SEDEX social accountability audit process that reassures us that these practices are maintained when we are not there.
SEDEX is one of the world’s leading ethical trade membership organizations, working with businesses to operate responsibly and sustainably, protect workers, and source ethically. Unannounced audits are regularly undertaken to check health and safety measures are in practise, there is NO child labour used, female staff are not exploited and that fair wages are paid.
SUSTAINABLE
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. With the fashion industry continuing to grow exponentially, its carbon impact grows as it churns out high volume, low quality, seasonal trend clothing that’s readily discarded. Paul & Paulie follows the ethos of slow fashion.
The term is used to describe a more ethical approach to the clothing industry that promotes slower, more sustainable methods by producing quality garments, in smaller quantities. These will last longer and hopefully be handed down through family and friends or on sold pre-loved.
Fabric wastage is also a concern in the industry as with large scale commercial clothing production there is often considerable wastage. We follow batch production and use our leftover fabric and offcuts to make baby blankets and face cloths.
We purposely hand-pick smaller manufacturers who can demonstrate that they are actively engaged in improving the sustainability of their manufacturing processes through practices like ZLD (zero liquid discharge).
Zero Liquid Discharge is a wastewater processing system that ensures there is no discharge of industrial wastewater into the environment. Our manufacturer uses the ZLD water saving technique for pollution-free garment dyeing. The water is treated, and all contaminants are reduced to solid waste minimising the impact on the environment.
Our garments are shipped from India in FSC-certified recycled cardboard cartons and certified 100% compostable polybags. In New Zealand, we use 100% compostable plant-based courier satchels and FSC certified gift boxes for shipping to our customers and use NZ Post Couriers who practise carbon-neutral sustainable shipping. We are also in the process of reducing all other packaging and when possible, use 1005 FSC certified Recycled Paper printed with soy-based inks that are 100% compostable.