At Shades, sustainability isn't just a trend—it's a core value that guides everything we do. We believe that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible, and we're committed to making choices that respect our planet and its people.
Our Approach
Our sustainability strategy focuses on three key areas: materials, production, and community. We're constantly working to improve our practices and reduce our environmental footprint.
Sustainable Materials
We carefully select materials that minimize environmental impact while maintaining the quality and luxury our customers expect:
- Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
- Recycled Polyester: Made from post-consumer plastic bottles
- Tencel™: Produced from sustainably harvested wood using a closed-loop process
- Responsible Wool: Sourced from farms that prioritize animal welfare
- Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Using natural tannins instead of harmful chemicals
Ethical Production
We work exclusively with factories that meet our strict standards for worker welfare and environmental responsibility:
- Fair wages and safe working conditions
- No child or forced labor
- Reduced water consumption and waste
- Energy-efficient facilities
- Proper chemical management
Packaging & Waste
We're reducing waste throughout our supply chain:
- Recycled and recyclable packaging materials
- Minimalist packaging design to reduce material use
- Elimination of single-use plastics
- Garment recycling program in our stores
Our Progress
While we're proud of what we've accomplished so far, we recognize that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Here's what we've achieved to date:
- 50% of our cotton is now organic
- 30% reduction in water usage across our supply chain
- 100% renewable energy in our corporate offices
- Eliminated 90% of virgin plastic from our packaging
Looking Forward
By 2025, we aim to:
- Use 100% sustainable materials in our products
- Achieve carbon neutrality across our operations
- Eliminate all virgin plastic from our supply chain
- Ensure 100% traceability for all our materials
We believe that transparency is essential to sustainability. That's why we publish an annual sustainability report detailing our progress, challenges, and goals. You can read our latest report here.