CONCLO
It is important to us that the brands that are on Conclo are genuinely sustainable and ethical. So we are very picky with who we invite onto the platform.
We choose our brands based on how well they fulfill the six Conclo criteria. The criteria were created based on the biggest problems that the fashion industry faces. Obviously, sustainability and ethics are very difficult to judge, but we do our best, using all reliable information that is available to us. Most importantly, we are constantly learning and updating our criteria as we expand our understanding. We require that a brand fulfills at least two of our criteria to be invited onto the platform.
CIRCULARITY
WATER
PRESERVATION
POLLUTION
MANAGEMENT
TRANSPARENCY
FAIR
LABOUR
ANIMAL
WELFARE
THE CONCLO CRITERIA
CIRCULARITY
Products, materials, and resources are maintained in the economy for as long as possible and waste is minimised
Awarded to brands that consider the entire lifecycle of their products. They recycle, reuse, and repair garments and continuously work toward zero waste throughout their supply chain. They produce garments of high quality and versatility that are easily recycled or reused.
Produce garments made-to-order or in very small quantities
Design garments to be zero waste or reuse scrap fabrics
Use only deadstock, recycled or upcycled fabrics
Provide a complementary repair service and/or a takeback scheme
Ensure fabrics are recyclable or suggest ways to upcycle garments
Design garments that can be worn in several different ways
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
WATER
CONSERVATION
Freshwater is sustainably managed in pre-production, production and post-production stages of the supply chain
Awarded to brands that continuously work towards minimising water use throughout the supply chain. They intentionally monitor their water usage and ensure that fresh water sources are not compromised throughout their production.
Make use of fabrics that are less fresh water intensive, such as linen or hemp
Cut out water intensive stages of the supply chain by using recycled, upcycled or deadstock fabrics
Employ less water intensive dyeing and treatment methods or minimise dyeing and treatment as much as possible
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
POLLUTION
MANAGEMENT
The amount of pollution created and released into the environment is significantly below industry average
Awarded to brands that show an understanding of issues of pollution in their supply chain. They make a clear effort to minimise the use of chemicals that could cause water, air, and soil pollution. When chemicals are used they make every effort to stop pollutants from entering the environment both during production and use of their garments.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
Opt for certified organic fabrics
Use natural materials that do not require fertilisers or pesticides to grow
Avoid dyeing or treatment of fabrics or employ non-toxic methods
Keep the supply chain as local as possible
Avoid fabrics that release micro plastics when washed
Ensure that suppliers have proper waste water treatment systems
Cut out polluting stages of the supply chain by using deadstock or upcycled fabrics
TRANSPARENCY
Enough information is disclosed about all stages of production that a garment can be traced back throughout the entire supply chain
Awarded to brands that provide detailed information about all stages of their supply chain. They disclose who their suppliers and partners are and how they work with them. If they hold any certifications they can provide evidence for them.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
Dedicate a website page to talking about who their suppliers are and what they do
Hold third-party certifications that provide an insight into the supply chain
Provide informative behind-the-scenes content
Provide specific production information on each product page, such as a cost-breakdown of producing the product, what the the stages of production are, or who was involved at each stage
FAIR LABOUR
The people who work in the supply chain earn a living wage, have decent working conditions, and basic rights.
Awarded to brands that are transparent about the working conditions throughout their supply chain. They ensure that working conditions comply with internationally recognised labour standards and maintain a close and trusting relationship with their suppliers.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
Work with suppliers that hold fair labour certifications
Visit suppliers regularly and maintain a good relationship or produce products in-house
Work with suppliers in low-risk countries
Provide evidence of working conditions on website or through social media channels
ANIMAL
WELFARE
Animal welfare is a priority and animals are not harmed during the production process
Awarded to brands that are clear and transparent about their use of animal-derived materials in their production. They avoid using materials that require the harming or killing of animals. If they use animal-derived materials they make sure that their suppliers comply with strict animal welfare regulations.
Completely avoid the use of animal-derived materials: pledge to only sell vegan products
Produce only vegetarian products: avoid leather, fur etc
Hold animal welfare certifications, such as the Responsible Wool Standard
Use only recycled or upcycled animal-derived materials
POSSIBLE ACTIONS