In the last few years we have seen a steep rise in eco-conscious consumers. Taking small steps collectively leads to extraordinary change. Sustainability has always been at the core of Selekt, and now we want to become even better for our customers, our communities, and our planet.
Climate change is one of the biggest issues affecting the world today. Currently, humans are using as many ecological resources as if we lived on 1.6 Earths. We know that there is always room for improvement, and we are committed to finding better solutions for the products we provide. At Selekt, we define sustainability as systems that are healthy, productive and resilient in the long-term. We are creating a business that’s built to last to ensure our planet, our people and our company’s long-term wellbeing. This means when we use resources to meet the needs of the present, we won’t compromise the needs of those in the future. We are firm believers that sustainability should be accessible for any business, team or individuals. If we collectively join forces in making conscious choices, we have a much better chance of making the world a healthier place.
Standards Across our Supply Chain
At Selekt, we have taken a close look at our supply chain in terms of sustainability and consciousness. To do our part as a company, we now provide only organic or recycled materials for our run and cycle apparel. We believe in setting the standard at Selekt, and want to pave the way to a better, healthier planet for the present and future.
Supply Chain: Resources
At Selekt we use materials that have a lower environmental impact on water, waste and energy. All of our items use either eco-friendly sublimation printing and/or screenprinting. Sublimation printing results in minimum wastage and no dyes get into the water system. The same sublimation print can be used multiple times to print onto more than just one piece of fabric (aka exhaust printing). For screenprinting, we use non-toxic, eco-friendly water-based inks.
We’re proud to offer a wide range of ethical garment options made from GOTS certified organic cotton or recycled polyester. We work with a wide variety of the leading ethical garment suppliers and manufacturers, such as Stanley/Stella, to ensure we can offer the best prices while continuing to fight the good fight in providing ethically sourced garments. There are so many benefits of choosing organic cotton over conventional cotton. One of the main reasons consumers are opting for organic t-shirts is that they are free from allergenic, carcinogenic and toxic chemical residues, which is good for both the customer, cotton farmers, and our planet.
Our manufacturing partners play a key role in this ecosystem, and we’re committed to working with them on environmental goals as we move towards a better future together.
Supply Chain:Health, Safety, & Wellbeing
Currently, our team is 10 people and many more working within our supply chains. This year, we are going to continue to ensure everyone within our supply chain is fairly paid and works in a safe environment free of any discrimination or harassment. We stay committed to being a fulfilling, rewarding, inclusive, diverse, safe, and healthy place to work. We’re also committed to minimizing our footprint in our offices and remote locations.
*Fairly paid to us equals a rate of pay that ensures the worker can cover the costs of all their basic needs and have enough discretionary income to save.
Supply Chain: Environmental Management & Circularity
Currently, we partner with suppliers who produce Selekt products to Selekt standards. As we build more relationships with more suppliers, we want to ensure that this standard is upheld with sustainability at the forefront of every decision we make.
To achieve full circularity at Kustom Clothing and Selekt Run & Cycle, we have partnered with Coleo & Recomme who offer a comprehensive solution for pre & post consumer garments and textile waste. Coleo & Recomme focus on increasing Textile-to-Textile recycling volumes and converting technical capabilities into commercial realities. Learn More
Supply Chain: Modern Slavery Act
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 covers four activities (Slavery, Servitude, Forced/Compulsory Labour, and Human Trafficking). Modern slavery is a complex and multi-faceted crime and tackling it requires many organisations and individuals to play a part. With this in mind, we need to pay particularly close attention to our supply chain. At Selekt, our managers and our colleagues have responsibilities to ensure our fellow workers are safeguarded, treated fairly and with dignity. Everyone must observe this Policy and be aware that ‘turning a blind eye’ is unacceptable and simply not an option.We ensure that all employees are made aware of this policy, and their obligation to comply with this policy. We will review our Anti-slavery policy regularly, at least annually. We will provide information and/or training on any changes we make.
Education
Becoming more conscious as a company, we feel obliged to help educate our community. Currently, we inform and inspire our community about sustainability in business through our social media, website and newsletters. This year, we will be looking at exploring educating our global ecosystem further on environmental issues and ways they can make a difference, which will help us build a strong culture of sustainability. We are going to look at what new initiatives we can drive to equip our customers, partners and team with the knowledge to make informed choices that positively impact their communities and local environments.
Progression
As we transition to a fully sustainable company, we are cognisant that it takes time to achieve our end goal. We are cognisant of all the necessary changes involved and will be completely transparent along the way. Taking this first small step to committing to sustainability is the gateway to profound change. We are lucky to have Selekt team members on the ground in all our key manufacturing locations to help monitor and assist with this focus and approach, and this helps ensure greater transparency across our supply chain.
We are constantly localising our supply chain where possible. This is part of our carbon reduction strategy. The Selekt circularity framework is constantly evolving to ensure a positive experience for our customers and planet.
Let’s do this together. What’s one area of sustainability you will improve on as a business this year? Send us an email or DM so we can share our experiences and ideas.
