Sustainability
Sustainability From the Beginning
In the beginning there were cloth nappies. At least that’s how Albert Postlethwait started after child number 4 was born back in 2012. I started making my own cloth nappies to try and save some money, and in 2014 Albert Postlethwait was born. Shortly after opening, clothing was introduced due to demand, along with other reusable products such as cloth pads, breast pads, baby wipes and make up wipes. Sustainability was never the main goal but it was there right from the beginning.
The fabrics used to make clothing and reusable products have always been of a high standard with the goal never about quantity, but with the idea of people buying less clothing of a higher quality. This means clothing can be passed down from child to child and lasts much longer. The fabrics used for my children’s clothing are either certified GOTs or Oeko-Tex.
GOTS ensures the organic status of textiles from raw materials through to delivery to the consumer. It covers the process, manufacturing, packaging, labelling and distribution, of all textiles which are made from at least 70% organic natural fibres.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification means the fabric has been tested and certified to be free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be harmful to human health.
Learning about Sustainability
In 2016 I started a degree in fashion and textiles, and I learned about a side of the fashion industry that I’d previously been unaware of. I was horrified to learn about the way fast fashion is impacting the environment, and the disasters that occurred as a result of textile and clothing production. I researched into the impact the fashion industry has on the environment and wrote my dissertation on this subject. I went on to produce my final major project as a children’s wear collection, made from jeans. Once I had graduated in 2019, I came back to Albert Postlethwait with a new perspective on sustainability.
Fabrics
As from the beginning I’m still very careful with fabric, producing as little waste as possible. Anything too small for clothing is used for cloth pads, breast pads, baby wipes and make up wipes. The leftover scraps are saved and go into beanbags, floor cushions and poufs. I also offer more reusable products than before, such as wet bags, swim nappies, training pants and pad pods. I try to create as little waste as possible, and use materials effectively.
In the shop
In the day to day running of the shop I aim to be zero waste. All packaging is recyclable. I offer a wide range of box sizes to avoid more packaging than necessary. All tissue paper and tape is fully recyclable. Customers are given paper bags in the shop. Large boxes from deliveries are recycled. Packaging is made in-house where it can be to save on my carbon Footprint. I use a laser printer. The toner lasts a lot longer than an inkjet and the printer is at least 15 years old and still going strong. Shredded paper goes into guitar packaging in the music shop next door. The shop is decked out in second hand furniture and accessories. I don't buy new unless it's essential.
Reworked
Albert Postlethwait reworked is built on the idea of being as sustainable as possible. All fabrics sourced are second hand, vintage, donated, collected and nothing is bought new, - its all about repurposing. I try and source everything as locally as possible. All zips, threads, and interfacing are bought locally, to support a local business and reduce my carbon Footprint. Where I do have to order online I buy in bulk and group together. I have the same ethos as with the children's clothing in regards to saving fabrics. All Linings come from bed sheets and second hand fabrics.
The Future
Going forward I would like to souce deadstock Jersey for children's clothing. I have already stopped buying from wholesale. I'm also going go be creating some collections of children's clothing using repurposed fabrics. I would love to hear ideas that would help me to become a more sustainable business. Please reach out if yout have any suggestions.