OUR COMMITMENT
OUR STORY
Mindful Merch: a beacon of change in the world of apparel. Proudly designed in Noosa, Australia, we stand as a sustainable and ethical company, dedicated to crafting high-quality blanks that redefine the industry. With our tagline "Premium Ethical Blanks," we embark on a mission to revolutionise the market, challenging mass-production norms and offering a superior alternative for conscious consumers.
At the heart of Mindful Merch lies a commitment to excellence, responsibility, and quality. We believe that true value is found in products that withstand the test of time. Our journey is guided by unwavering core values—sustainability and ethics are not mere buzzwords; they are the driving forces behind every decision, every growth stage, and every facet of our business.
What sets us apart is more than just a commitment; it's personal. We have built our production house from the ground up, creating an environment where we know each of the workers by name. This personal connection ensures that every garment is infused with care and attention to detail, embodying the spirit of our commitment to quality and ethical practices.
We take immense pride in our Australian roots, with Noosa as our design hub. This coastal paradise inspires our dedication to sustainability, echoing the pristine beauty that we aim to preserve in every garment. We believe in facing the challenge of upholding ethics and sustainability because we know it's not just worth it; it's essential. By presenting an alternative in a market saturated with consumerism, we empower individuals to make a better choice—one that aligns with their values and contributes to a more sustainable future.
Join us at Mindful Merch, where every stitch tells a story of positive change.
PEOPLE
Mindful Merch is committed to ensuring that all individuals involved in our supply chain are treated with respect and dignity. We believe that transparency is key to building a strong and ethical business, and we are committed to putting people first in all that we do. Our supply chain is at the heart of our business, and we are dedicated to eliminating any forms of slave labour and offering only high-quality products. From the farmers who grow our raw materials, to the yarn spinners, dyers, pattern makers, and sewers, each person plays a crucial role in the production of our products. We are proud to share the stories of our team members through social media and videos, and invite you to get to know the people behind Mindful Merch.
PLANET
At Mindful Merch, sustainability is a key principle that guides all of our decisions. We are dedicated to creating a more sustainable future through continuous evaluation and improvement of our practices. We strive to use fabrics that have minimal impact on the environment and on individuals. Our commitment to sustainability is an ongoing journey, as new information and technology emerges, we are able to learn and adopt new processes and practices that are better for the planet. We make all decisions based on the most current and accurate information available and maintain transparency and alignment with our ethical principles.
The production of high-quality products has a significant positive impact on the environment. Cheap, poorly made clothing that quickly loses its shape and falls apart not only ends up in landfills, but it also contributes to the pollution caused by microplastics. Additionally, the use of cheap synthetic fabrics and the exploitation of cheap labour in the production of these garments often result in a lack of value placed on them by consumers. In other words, because they are inexpensive, people are inclined to buy them but don't see them as valuable or worth keeping, thus leading to increased consumption and waste.
PACKAGING
Mindful Merch have been completely free from the use of plastic from the beginning. To ensure this, we use 100% cotton for all of our care labels, size tags, and sew-in labels. When possible, we screen print the information directly onto our garments to minimise fabric usage. Additionally, all of our swing tags are printed on recycled cards and feature cotton strings. Our garments are packaged in either biodegradable or compostable bags. Our suppliers also ship our products in boxes sealed with paper tape, which makes them easier to recycle. Furthermore, the boxes we use for shipping are blank, so that customers can remove our branded paper tape and reuse them for their own purposes.
HAVING A TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN
Transparency is crucial in ensuring ethical and sustainable apparel manufacturing because it allows for accountability and traceability throughout the entire supply chain. By being transparent about each step of the manufacturing process, from sourcing materials to final production, it is possible to identify and address any issues related to labour practices, environmental impact, and other concerns.
For example, a transparent supply chain would make it possible to ensure that the cotton used in their clothing is grown using sustainable methods and that workers involved in farming and harvesting the cotton are paid fair wages and treated humanely.
In the manufacturing phase, transparency allows for the monitoring of working conditions and labour practices to guarantee that no forced or child labour is being used and that workers are paid fair wages and have safe working conditions.
Transparency in the distribution and retail phase, allows consumers to have access to information about where the products are being sold and at what price, and how they were manufactured and sourced. This promotes fair trade, and allows consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
OUR SUPPLIERS
Mindful Merch has partnered with sister company TTK Collective, a reputable and sustainable manufacturing house that adheres to all ethical and regulatory standards, to oversee the supply chain and logistics with all necessary certifications. Through this partnership, we will have direct communication with on-ground managers at each manufacturing facility, allowing us to establish trustworthy relationships.
We have personally visited and audited each facility to ensure that their certifications align with our ethical standards and code of conduct. Additionally, we are committed to treating our direct team and evolving supply chain with the utmost respect and support, and we will actively listen to individual needs and provide opportunities for growth within the company.
We will conduct thorough due diligence on all of our supply chains before committing to new or existing partnerships and will work closely with TTK Collective to achieve B Corp certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
CHINA
Years working with us: 2
Location: Shenzhen, China
Certifications: Global Recycled Standard, amfori BSCI, OEKO-TEX, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Amount of employees: 400 over 3 factories
Pay a Sustainable living wage: Yes
Employee Benefits: No weekend work or overtime. Regular team building and company trip .
Produce Our: Hats and Hemp Garments
BANGLADESH
Years working with us: 3
Location: Chasara, Naranyanganj
Certifications: Global recycled standard, amfori. BSCI, OEKO-TEX, GOTS, ACCORD, Higg Index, WRAP, ACS, Sedex
Sustainability: Factories are solar powered.
Amount of employees: 120
Pay a Sustainable living wage: Yes and paid by skill level.
Employee Benefits: 5% pay increase each year, bonus twice a year, assist with childcare and education costs, provide lunch each day, doctor facilities on site.
Produce Our: Tees and fleece/terry products
VIETNAM
Years working with us: 12
Location: Ho Chi Minh
Certifications: QIMA, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) OEKO-TEX
Amount of employees: 8
Woman: 6 Man: 2
Pay a Sustainable living wage: Above a Sustainable living Wage
Employee Benefits: Work the hours they want, No overtime, respectful work environment and holidays.
Produce Our: Deadstock and french terry garments
CERTIFICATIONS
QIMA: QIMA (formerly known as SGS) is a global organisation that provides inspection, testing, verification, and certification services. They offer a wide range of services, including product inspections, factory audits, laboratory testing, and certifications. QIMA is one of the most well-known and respected organisations in the industry, and their services are used by businesses of all sizes and industries to ensure the quality and safety of their products.
GOTS: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an internationally recognised standard for the production of organic textiles. It covers the entire production process, from the sourcing of raw materials to the final product. To be certified under GOTS, textiles must be made from at least 70% organic fibres, and the entire production process must meet strict environmental and social criteria. GOTS certification is a guarantee that the textile product is made from organic fibres and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
OEKO-TEX: The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a global certification program that tests textiles for harmful substances. It ensures that textiles meet certain safety standards and that they are free from harmful chemicals. This certification is particularly important for baby and children's clothing, as well as for products that come into contact with the skin.
AMFORI BSCI: The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) is an initiative of the AMFORI organisation. It helps companies to improve working conditions in their supply chains by using a common code of conduct and a system of audits. It promotes fair labour practices and encourages companies to take a proactive approach to improving working conditions in their supply chains.
GLOBAL RECYCLED STANDARD: The Global Recycled Standard (GRS) is an international standard for recycled products. It covers the entire supply chain of recycled products, from the sourcing of raw materials to the final product. To be certified under GRS, products must contain a certain percentage of recycled materials and meet strict environmental and social criteria. GRS certification is a guarantee that the product is made from recycled materials and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
B CORP: B Corp is a certification for companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. B Corps are for-profit companies that use business as a force for good. Certified B Corps are required to meet certain standards of social and environmental performance, as well as to meet a minimum standard of transparency and legal accountability. The certification process is rigorous and is conducted by B Lab, a non-profit organisation.
FABRIC
The materials we select for our products are paramount. We strive to utilise natural fibres that will degrade naturally over time. Additionally, all hardware and accessories must be chosen with sustainability in mind. The dyes and treatments we use are also crucial, and we are committed to finding the most environmentally friendly options to keep our products low in toxins. Our preference is for undyed natural fibres and eco-friendly dyes.
CORE FABRICS
Hemp 55% / Cotton 45% Blend
Explore our perfect blend of Hemp and Cotton—a sustainable masterpiece designed to redefine your wardrobe. Hemp, a resilient and fast-growing plant, meets the soft embrace of cotton in a unique blend. This fabric is celebrated for its durability, breathability, and minimal environmental impact. Hemp requires less water and pesticides, making it an eco-friendly choice. Crafted for sustainable wear, this blend embodies our commitment to mindful merch, providing lasting comfort with a minimal ecological footprint.
GOTS Organic Cotton
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton. This fabric is more than just cotton; it's a symbol of sustainability. Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, GOTS Organic Cotton promotes soil health and reduces environmental impact. Ethically produced, it ensures fair labor practices throughout its supply chain. Immerse yourself in unmatched comfort while making a powerful statement for a sustainable and ethical future.
Organic Cotton Canvas
This versatile fabric, woven from organically grown cotton, combines durability with eco-friendly cultivation practices. Organic cotton is cultivated without harmful chemicals, promoting soil fertility and biodiversity. The canvas weave enhances its strength, making it a sustainable choice for various wardrobe pieces. Elevate your fashion with pieces that not only make a statement but also contribute to a healthier planet.
RPET (Recycled PET)
Wear the change with our RPET fabric—a revolutionary approach to sustainable fashion. This fabric is crafted from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles, transforming plastic waste into stylish and eco-conscious garments. Recycling PET bottles reduces dependence on virgin polyester production, conserving energy and natural resources. Choosing RPET fabric is not just about fashion; it's a conscious decision to support a circular fashion economy and minimize plastic pollution. Every RPET garment is a tangible commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable future.
DYES
Natural or eco-friendly fabric dyes are derived from natural sources such as plants, minerals, and insects. These dyes can vary in shade from batch to batch because the colour intensity of natural dyes can be affected by factors such as the quality of the raw materials, the mordanting process, the pH levels of the dye bath, and the temperature and duration of the dyeing process. Additionally, since natural dyes are not as colorfast as synthetic dyes, the shade may also fade over time. This is why natural dye colours are often considered to be more subdued and muted than synthetic dyes.
OEKO-TEX is a certification program that tests textiles for harmful substances and ensures that they meet certain safety standards. While OEKO-TEX certified dyes are not necessarily natural or eco-friendly dyes, they are still subject to the same factors that can cause shade variations in natural dyes. These factors include the quality of the raw materials, the mordanting process, the pH levels of the dye bath, and the temperature and duration of the dyeing process. Additionally, OEKO-TEX certified dyes may be formulated to meet the required safety standards but they are not immune to variations in shades because of the complexity of the chemical reactions involved in the dyeing process.
THE FOUNDERS
Hey there! We're Janelle and Nicki. We've been on a mission to change the fashion industry for the better for over a decade now. We started our journey with TTK The Label, using only deadstock fabrics to create our ethical fashion brand. As we've grown, we've expanded to include TTK Collective, an ethical manufacturing house, and now Mindful Merch, a premium ethical blanks company.
We've learned a lot along the way and we've become experts in ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices. We believe that it's important to be transparent and conscious in everything we do, and we're dedicated to making a real difference in the fashion industry.
Our goal with Mindful Merch is to make high-quality merchandise that is ethically and sustainably produced accessible and affordable to everyone. We want to shift the industry's current standards towards more responsible practices and make it easier for other businesses to follow in our footsteps. We're here to help make a sustainable and ethical fashion industry the norm.
Noosa showroom
Visit our Noosa showroom to explore mindful blanks
Showroom Hours:
Mondays: 10 AM - 2 PM
Every Other Day: By Appointment Only (info@mindfulmerch.com.au)
Location:
5/4 Vision Court Noosaville
At our showroom, you'll have the chance to explore our available styles of blank garments in person. Whether you're seeking the perfect fabric, style, or sizing, our team is here to assist you. Mondays are open for drop-ins from 10 AM to 2 PM, providing a convenient opportunity for you to peruse our collection. For personalised service and appointments on other days, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us via email above. For all custom orders or custom apparel please make an appointment to view styles and options.
Step into our showroom and experience the quality, sustainability, and style of our blank apparel firsthand. We look forward to assisting you in finding the perfect blanks to bring your creative vision to life.