A Sustainable Journey from China to Europe

Location: Tutzing, near Munich
Year founded: 2008, first LangerChen collection in 2013
Year of GOTS certification: 2014 and 2021
Number of employees: 110 employees in China and 10 in Tutzing
Types of products: Eco Outerwear Coats, Jackets and Accessories
Number or quantity of material or products produced: Every year we produce a spring/summer and an autumn/winter collection according to customer orders. We have around 250 customers in central to northern Europe and Canada.
How much of it (material/products) is GOTS certified: In the actual spring/summer collection, 3 out of 34 models are GOTS certified, in the fall/winter collection it is 11 out of 45 models
Where can consumers find your products? www.langerchen.com
and in numerous shops that sell our products:
https://www.avocadostore.de
https://loveco-shop.de
https://rrrevolve.ch/stores,
and from spring 2024
https://www.manufactum.de

LangerChen, founded by Miranda Chen and Philipp Langer in 2008, has redefined "Made in China" in the fashion industry. Its story began with the establishment of Jiecco, a textile manufacturer in China. The vision was clear: to create environmentally friendly and ethically produced textiles in a region often associated with mass production and subpar working conditions.
That passion for fashion and an expertise in fabric development were the foundation for LangerChen's eponymous fashion label emerged in 2013. Since then, it has become synonymous with fairness, quality, and timeless style.

Combining organically certified natural fibres with technical membranes LangerChen creates weather resistant eco-outerwear that blends fashion with function. Its commitment to social responsibility, sustainable practices, and the environment is evident in every aspect of operation. LangerChen manages the entire production process, from fabric to finished jacket, in its own GOTS-certified facility, located just an hour from Shanghai.

In the LangerChen factory in China, the company has established not only a transparent supply chain but a close-knit team. With a strong focus on employee welfare, company owners and managers know each of their 110 long-term employees personally. LangerChen pays fair wages, ensuring that good working conditions are maintained. Going a step further, it organises daily transportation for the team, fostering an inclusive and sustainable working environment.

In 2014, LangerChen’s production site achieved GOTS certification, marking a significant milestone in its journey. The choice of GOTS reflects its commitment to the highest standards for environmental and social practices. In 2021, European distribution completed the certification of the supply chain in order to provide customers with the security of a fair and sustainable product with the GOTS seal.
Aligning with the strict criteria of GOTS has had an influence throughout the company’s operations. Not only has it enforced measures to maximise resource conservation and minimise its carbon footprint, its entire production process revolves around the GOTS principles. That means ensuring that it produces only what is needed, reduces excess quantities, providing an in-house repair service for garment longevity, and decreasing plastic packaging. Even transportation is optimised for minimal CO2 emissions.
In the fashion industry, where change is often slow, LangerChen's commitment to responsible production sets the bar high, demonstrating that 'Made in China' can signify ethical practices, quality, and timeless fashion.

CRAFTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Family business or big player? Socks or underwear? Stylish or simple? At SNOCKS, the answer is: definitely everything! This e-commerce company started with socks on Amazon and has since made a name for itself with basic and sportswear. The most important pillars have never changed: quality, comfort, and responsibility.

SNOCKS is aware of the challenges in the production industry and understands that every manufacturing process leaves an ecological footprint. The company does not hastily label itself as 'sustainable', but instead chooses the path of transparency and honesty. It is constantly looking for ways to reduce ecological impacts and improve working conditions along the supply chain. And SNOCKS takes its customers along on this journey.

Through its partnership with GOTS, SNOCKS ensures that the processing of organic cotton meets the highest ecological and social standards. SNOCKS commits to improving working conditions for everyone involved in the supply chain. And the customers are informed about it. Because SNOCKS communicates its efforts, progress, and also challenges in a transparent and easily understandable way.

-       Manufacturing timeless basics to reduce overproduction.
-       Promoting fair working conditions.
-       Using more environmentally friendly materials.
-       Committing to transparent and clear communication.

SNOCKS and GOTS work hand in hand. Not just to show how things can be done differently, but to demonstrate how they can be done better. Together, they stand for a change that goes beyond mere concepts – it's about actions and about truly embodying values like quality, comfort, and honesty.

Pioneering Sustainable Fashion

Since its founding in 1985, Living Crafts has been at the forefront of sustainable fashion, playing a pivotal role in shaping the industry. With a humble beginning in a garage producing organic socks, the company has evolved into one of the most prominent suppliers of environmentally friendly textiles. Living Crafts is dedicated to providing high-quality, durable, and sustainable clothing and home textiles that resonate with the values of consumers who care about their environmental impact.

Living Crafts is based in the Bavarian town of Selbitz, where product development, administration, and warehousing take place. Its products, however, are sourced from around the world, including countries such as Lithuania, Turkey, India and Germany. In a world where fashion is often seen as disposable, Living Crafts stands out by emphasising quality and durability. The company's philosophy centres around offering high-quality clothing that endures beyond a single season.

Living Crafts is committed to offering alternatives that customers can trust. The company prioritises sustainability through its GOTS-certified products, membership in the Fair Wear Foundation, and CO2 compensation partnerships with renowned organisations. These efforts ensure that the environmental and social aspects of the supply chain align with the company's core values.

Living Crafts aims to make every day special for its customers. The company focuses on fashion trends that meet the demands of daily life, offering versatile designs that can be combined into various outfits. Additionally, the company's home textiles are designed to create a sense of well-being in one's living space, making customers feel good every day, whether at work, leisure, or special occasions.

Living Crafts adheres to the principle of offering high-quality products at affordable prices. The company believes that sustainable clothing should be accessible for everyday wear, and this affordability plays a crucial role in driving change from the exception to the rule in the fashion industry.

With sustainability as the guiding principle of operations for Living Crafts, GOTS certification not only reinforces the company’s own commitment to responsible production, but it also has enhanced the credibility of Living Crafts with consumers. It reinforces the alignment of GOTS and the company's values, serving as a testament to its commitment to responsible sourcing.
During the certification process, Living Crafts encountered the challenge of formalising practices that were already ingrained in its sustainable operations. The company needed to put these practices in writing to facilitate internal and external communication. For example, it introduced a Code of Conduct that all suppliers must sign, as well as meticulously documenting various aspects of the operation.