HOW ABOUT DURABILITY?

As many of us know - our clothing purchases have a major impact on the climate, environment and people. The clothing industry uses raw materials, chemicals and water. Loads of. The production accounts for emissions of greenhouse gases on a par with aviation and boat traffic. Together. It is not always that production takes place under decent working conditions. There are dangerous microplastics that migrate from synthetic garments when washed, and questionable substances are still used in many fabrics today. In short, the clothing industry is pretty shitty. At the same time, clothing consumption has increased by almost 30 percent in the last 30 years. The average Swede now buys 13 kg of clothes and throws away 8 kg. Every year. Not particularly sustainable, in other words.

After all, a lot of positive things also happen. Perhaps most of all within our own outdoor industry, if we may say so. Sustainability has been the main theme at most industry fairs and events for the last 7-8 years. Here there are actors to look up to and to be inspired by. Clothing brands and suppliers who actually stand up, act and who drive development in a more sustainable direction. Over time, we ourselves want to be involved and drive the development. It is at the same time complex and there are few simple truths.

Today, we have two overall focus areas:

1. LIKED PRODUCTS THAT LAST. We also see reduced clothing consumption as the only way forward. Our task is to develop clothes that you really like and take care of. Ideally, it should be your new favorite. Garments you hang on to for a long time and repair the day it is needed. Well, we promise to help you if you want. If we succeed in our task, we can contribute to reduced consumption.

2. KNOW OUR SUPPLY CHAIN. After many years in the industry, we see the importance of keeping track of the supply chain. The chain is complex and few things are static. The more information and knowledge we have, the greater the opportunity to make good decisions, to avoid pitfalls and to find future solutions together with talented suppliers and industry colleagues.

Design philosophy

1. Make it relevant. Make sure the product is well thought out and makes a difference. Involve the user in development and testing.

2. Make it comfortable through fit and material selection that gives freedom of movement. Place pockets and seams correctly. Choose comfortable fabrics that help the wearer stay warm and dry.

3. Make it pretty. Ensure fit, design, fabric choice and details bring out the user's true self. Sit pretty me. Encourage vanity during product testing :-)

4. Make it long-lived. Choose materials, details and constructions of good quality. Minimize the number of seasonal products and facilitate proper care and repair.

We like bio-based and recycled fibers

We often choose synthetic fabrics in order to improve strength and extend the life of the product. For those fabrics, today we want to use bio-based fibers that are wholly or partially made from renewable raw materials or recycled polyester or polyamide.

Over time, we intend to remove fossil-based new fibers such as polyester or polyamide almost completely. Today we use these when we lack a good solution with the bio-based or recycled fibers.

Minimize migration of microplastics

A real challenge. Not least for those of us who like the sea. Microplastics (<5mm) migrate when washed from synthetic fabrics. In the sea, environmental toxins can attach to these plastics and which are then mistaken for food by the inhabitants. Our actions today:

1. Offer naturally antibacterial garments with limited need for washing. (e.g. wool)

2. Avoid conventional fleece fabrics (e.g. brushed polyester) in garments that are washed frequently.

3. Encourage infrequent washing/airing and use of GUPPYFRIEND® when washing synthetics.

Known partners and factories

At the start of HENMARK, we have worked with partners and factories we have known from before, as well as those recommended by networks and with whom we have now cultivated a relationship. At the time of writing, we are producing in Portugal, Lithuania and Vietnam. Our fabrics are manufactured in Taiwan, Portugal, Italy and Lithuania.

Mulesing-free merino wool

There is a reverse side with the merino wool that many people know today. Mulesing. An act where the rear of the merino sheep is scalped in order to prevent attacks from flies. This is especially common in Australia, where it is fully legal. Our yarn from Austrian Schoeller uses wool from sheep that have not undergone mulesing.

Water-repellent DWR 100% free from fluorocarbons