You hear all the buzzwords from so-called green companies who use a lot of marketing copy to convince consumers their practices are sustainable. Let's be honest, the rate at which we consume is not sustainable, full stop. Thinking broadly, we need to buy less, keep using more, and gain access to products that are fossil-fuel-free and don't rely on the oil and gas industry [Want to know why?] if we ever want to get close to a sustainable system.
There are some realities to the current globalized manufacturing system and supply chain. Making product half way around the world, shipping them back, this is incredibly inefficient from a supply chain standpoint. We're not going to pretend that it isn't. Yet, there are realities that brands face about where they can reliably produce quality products, and offer them at price point that is accessible. Origyn currently produces goods in Asia, with plans to begin producing in South America and Italy in the coming years. To get there, we need to start here, with a small run of goods that we're really proud to offer. Producing in relative proximity to our consumers is the goal.
Let's take a look at what we're currently doing and where we need to go.
What is the Origyn Strategy?
The Origyn Strategy is a comprehensive approach to sustainability that focuses on the entire lifecycle of a product. It is based on the principles of the circular economy, which aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract maximum value from them, and then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of their life.
Origyn's strategy involves three key pillars:
- Design for circularity using responsible and ethical materials
- Responsible production
- End-of-life management
Design for Circularity
Designing products with circularity in mind is a fundamental aspect of the Origyn Strategy. This means considering the entire lifecycle of a product from the very beginning, including the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the eventual disposal or recycling of the product.
This principle is why we've launched the brand using MIRUM®. MIRUM® is a revolutionary plant-based material developed by Natural Fiber Welding.
"Circularity is quickly becoming a buzzword in the materials space as brands and consumers look for ways to lower their impact and promote sustainable solutions. At Natural Fibre Welding (NFW), circularity has been part of our approach from the start. By beginning with inherently circular, natural ingredients, NFW is making a material-rich, plastic-free future possible." - Natural Fibre Welding
Using MIRUM® as an ethical alternative to traditional leather, we take a significant step towards reducing our environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable future.
Learn more about MIRUM®'s carbon footprint.
Responsible Production
Responsible production means carefully selecting producers that align with our commitment to sustainability. We have been fortunate to build a relationship with a production partner who shares our values and who prioritizes ethical and environmentally responsible practices.
Ethical Manufacturing Practices: Putting People First
We place a strong emphasis on ethical manufacturing practices, recognizing that sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns to include the well-being of the people involved in the production process. From fair wages to safe working conditions, our production partner adheres to responsible environmental and social standards, and they regularly audit their production process and labour practices to verify compliance.
Small Production Runs: Quality over Quantity
Our approach to production is a departure from the fast fashion model that dominates the industry. Instead of mass-producing items, we focus on small production runs, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. This intentional approach not only reduces waste but also ensures that we balance demand and production. By limiting production quantities, we want to encourage consumers to cherish and invest in items that reflect their values.
We are also actively committed to using as much of our materials as possible. With our inaugural collection, we are designing a series of limited-run items made from our off-cuts. As the founder's grandmother always said, "Waste not, want not". Stay tuned for more details about these products.
End-of-Life Management
The final pillar of the Origyn Strategy is end-of-life management. Origyn recognizes that products have a limited lifespan and that it is important to have a plan for what happens to them once they reach the end of their useful life.
What happens to our products when they are no longer usable?
Where we are now:
- Using MIRUM® we are assured that the material used in our products is biodegradable over time without releasing toxins into the soil or water table. Of course, zippers and metal components don't degrade at the same rate. Ideally, the zippers and trims would be separated from the items before it's disposed of.
- Natural Fibre Welding just completed a pilot study using MIRUM® as a soil amendment for the equestrian community. Not only is MIRUM® non-toxic as a plant-based material, it adds valuable nutrients back to the soil.
Where we want to be as we grow:
- As we grow we want to introduce a return program where pre-loved items can be either refurbished or responsibly disposed of so we can manage the full life-cycle of our products. If you wonder why more brands don't do this... it's incredibly cost-prohibitive and time-intensive. But that doesn't mean it's not worth doing.
An Ongoing Commitment
The Origyn Strategy is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing commitment to circular practice--this is a journey, not a destination. We are constantly evaluating and improving processes to minimize waste, track and reduce our carbon footprint, and promote a more sustainable future.
Join us on this journey and let's see what we can do together!