Ramblers Way is boosting its sustainability commitment and debuting the first Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified organic wool clothing line.
The Maine-based company worked with MBDC, a global advisor in material health and product design, which helped create the Cradle to Cradle Design Framework established by Dr. Michael Braungart and William McDonough, to assess the line against the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard.
The standard is an independent certification that advises manufacturers and designers through an in-depth evaluation of product components and supply chain stages in five environmental and social areas: material health, material re-utilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship and social fairness. With this certification, Ramblers Way could help the wool industry reduce its carbon footprint.
“We’re extremely proud to receive C2C certification for our organic wool clothing, as it serves as further proof that high-quality clothing can be made in harmony with nature,” said Tom Chappell, Ramblers Way CEO and founder. “At the same time, this certification offers ongoing opportunity for Ramblers Way to continue improving and innovating, so we can create clothing that meets the lifestyle needs of conscious consumers.”
The line offers 16 apparel products–10 women’s garments and six men’s–which are certified at C2C Certified Product Program’s Silver level (the middle rating on a scale from Basic to Platinum). The collection’s products feature Ramblers Way’s lightweight organic wool jersey in six low impact hues. Ramblers Way’s wool is treated with enzymes and has not been subjected to the chlorinated industry standard process dubbed “Superwash.” The company designed its 4-ounce fabric for softness, a lightweight feel and durability over multiple laundry washes.
The C2C certification is also applicable to all Ramblers Way apparel certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which uses independent bodies to verify compliance with globally recognized organic textile standards across each step of the wool supply chain, from purchasing to garment production.
Related Stories
“Our goal has always been to produce high-quality clothing that stays in your wardrobe for years to come. We are also constantly rethinking how to embrace designs that are not simply ‘less bad’ but also ‘more good,”’ said Nick Armentrout, Ramblers Way’s supply chain director. “C2C and GOTS reinforce our commitments to sustainable agricultural, fair social practices, clean water standards, and end of life product requirements–a true circular path from the earth to the earth.”
Ramblers Way is also involved in the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) program, a voluntary global standard that addresses the welfare of sheep and their grazing lands. The RWS aims to provide the wool industry will a tool to recognize best farming practices to ensure that wool comes from farms that practice sustainable agriculture methods and treat sheep ethically. Under the RWS, all sites, starting with wool farmers and ending at wool product sellers, must receive certification, with the brand or garment manufacturer being the last part of the supply chain to be certified. Ramblers Way joins other brands, including Eddie Bauer and Patagonia, that have pledged to the RWS.