Amsterdam-based MADE-BY is a fashion initiative with respect for people and the planet. The mission of MADE-BY is to make sustainable fashion common practice. It is the first fashion initiative to focus on environmental and working conditions throughout the entire process chain from growing the cotton to marketing the finished garments.

Brands that join MADE-BY are assisted to achieve social or environmental certification and in sourcing sustainable materials by means of the MADE-BY network of farmers, spinners and fabric suppliers. So far, only one Australian brand has joined the initiative among the mainly European labels on board.

A new programme launched by MADE-BY called Track&Trace, gives shoppers the opportunity to learn about the rich story behind some of the products they buy. Several Netherlands-based fashion brands have joined the programme by adding a tag to their products with a unique tracking code that “unlocks” the history of the item. Shoppers enter the code on the MADE-BY site and are given a glimpse into the product’s long journey into the shop window – where the garment was manufactured, by whom, who spun the yarn and who grew the cotton.

While MADE-BY helps the brands improve their production processes, they can continue to do what they are good at, namely creating beautiful products. The initiative promotes more informed consumption and serves as a nice reminder of the many steps it takes to produce the things we buy.

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Featured Contributor: Sar Ruddenklau

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