We’re trying our best to look after the planet, and leave the lightest footprint possible - as is our responsibility as a business and as individuals. Since 2019 we have not only reduced our overall production levels but have also worked towards increasing the use of mindful designs and Nique defined natural and sustainable fibres. 

Minimal Waste Series

We have started a minimal waste collection which we plan on continually expanding on. These pieces are hand draped and use at least 92% of the fabric length, drastically reducing waste during production.

Considered Fabrics

In 2018, we set the goal that by Spring Summer 2022, 95% of our collections would be made from natural and sustainable fabrics. This goal did not cover fabric trims. 

As a starting point, natural and sustainable covered all fibres sourced from nature such as cotton, linen, hemp, wool and man made cellulosic fibres. 

 

Since then Nique has worked hard to phase out certain fabrics and increase the use of natural and sustainable fabrics. 

We are proud to say that 74% of our AW22 range and 88% of our SS21 range was made from 100% natural fibres and 84% of our AW22 range was made from 85% or more natural fibres. 84% of our SS21 was made from at least 80% of natural fibres.

This is a big increase from SS19 where 66% of our collection was made from 100% natural materials, with 84% made from at least 80% of natural materials.

*please note that these numbers do not include trims.

With the aim of constant improvement, we are now working on building on the progress made since 2018. Nique is currently working with suppliers to better understand where our fabrics come from, their sustainability credentials and areas for improvement. This way we can ensure that the fabrics we use aren’t just made using sustainable and natural fibres, but that we can verify other environmental credentials such as the processes involved in turning fibre to fabric. 

We are also looking into improving our trims by transitioning to more responsible options such as recycled polyester or organic cotton garment tags.

Canopy Style Commitment

In 2022, we became signatories of Canopy Planet’s Canopy Style. 

Canopy Planet has been able to trace the majority of global man made cellulosic fibre producers and identify whether they source from Ancient and Endangered Forests. We will work with Canopy, innovators, and our suppliers, to trace our man made cellulosic fabrics and when necessary, transition to the use of man made cellulosics which better align with commitments made in our Canopy Policy.

Fabrics we Endeavour to Increase the use of

Organic Cotton

We endeavour to use organic cotton in our collection, which is biodegradable and produced without the use of fertilisers or pesticides, ensuring the health of cotton farmers, workers, communities and ecosystems. Whilst we have increased the use of cotton in alignment with our 2018 goals, we will now focus on transitioning to the use of organic cotton.

Linen

Linen is a type of bast fibre derived from the stem of flax plants. Linen is a temperature regulating, antibacterial fibre which is biodegradable. The fibre originates from the flax plant and is sustainable in production as it’s fast growing, has a high yield, and uses minimal water.

Hemp

Hemp is a type of  of ‘bast fibre’ which means its a natural fibre derived from the stem of the sativa plant. Hemp is incredibly strong and durable, and is also lightweight and breathable. Hemp farming requires little to no use of pesticides, herbicides or chemical treatments, and requires little water. It is biodegradable and can be broken down in landfill or compost in roughly 3 months. 

Wool

Wool has long been accepted as an environmentally positive choice which is breathable and natural insulator. Wool has a unique ability to react to the wearer’s temperature change, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Wool is a fantastic alternative to synthetic fabrics, as it is also beautiful and soft with a natural elasticity. The fibre has a number of sustainable benefits, such as being 100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable.

Tencel

Tencel is a man made cellulosic fabric which is a certified closed loop fabric made from sustainably farmed Eucalyptus trees. As Tencel is made within a closed loop process, 99% of the chemical solution can be recycled and reused again. Tencel requires less water and energy compared to the production of cotton. 

Modal

Modal is a certified closed loop fabric made from sustainably grown Beech Trees. Modal production uses significant less water compared to conventional cotton, and is made using renewable energy.

Corozo Buttons

Nique uses “vegetable ivory” corozo buttons where possible. Corzo is made up of tightly wound, biodegradable, organic fibres. This eliminates waste and reduces the use of plastic.

Product Restricted Substances

Nique requires compliance to REACH for dangerous chemical limits and hazardous chemical content in our fabric and garments.

Ban on Sandblasting

Apparel sandblasting involves projecting fine sand with compressed air to create a worn look on denim and other products. Sandblasting can be extremely damaging to the health of workers if proper safeguards are not followed. For this reason, Nique has banned the use of sandblasting on any of the brands products.

Animal Welfare

Endangered species are not used in any of Nique’s products.

Nique does not use any exotic skins including snake, alligator, crocodile, lizard, ostrich, emu, kangaroo, eels, sharks and stingrays.

Real animal fur or pelts are not used in any of Nique’s products.

No skins, hides, leather or wool are used from aborted animals, foetal animals, unborn calves or newly born animals. This includes slink, Karakul/Broadtail and lambskin pelts from aborted or newborn lambs.

Nique does not use feathers that come from birds used to produce Foie Gras.

Nique does not use veal leather/hides that have been sourced from veal reared in veal crates. This also applies to pigs kept in confinement in sow crates.

Nique recognises the international ban of Angora rabbit hair implemented by PETA. No Angora wool is used in any Nique product or sample.

Nique states that Yak wool must be from domesticated herds only.

Nique states that no ostrich feathers must come from species which are threatened.

Only Camel hair from producers with good animal husbandry practices can be used in Nique products.