Dutch fashion brand By-bar has received B Corp certification. The brand sees the certification as ‘another milestone in the brand’s journey towards greater transparency, accountability and positive change’.
The brand has achieved a B Corp score of 80.9, according to B Corporation. A score of at least 80 is required to obtain the certificate and the average score of companies is around 50.9. In the fashion industry, brands such as Patagonia (166), Fabienne Chapot (86.3) and Ganni (90.6) have previously achieved certification.
This is taken into account before obtaining the certification ‘governance, workers, community, environment, customers’. Companies are given a score in these five areas and this is combined.
To find out more about making By-bar more sustainable, FashionUnited asked brand founder Barbara Brenninkmeijer a few written questions.
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By-bar has received B Corp certification, but the press release emphasizes that this is not the end of the journey. What is the next step in the brand’s sustainability journey?
It is an important step in our sustainability mission, but certainly not the end point. We are extremely proud of the B Corp certification, because it shows that we are taking valuable steps in the field of sustainability and transparency, both socially and environmentally. But we still have a lot of plans. For example, we want to focus more on circularity, ensure full transparency in the chain, and continue to increase the share of certified, more sustainable materials in each collection. In addition, we continue to collect data so that we can always make well-informed and conscious choices for the future.
The press release mentions the use of ‘more sustainable materials’. Which materials can we think of and what is your definition of ‘more sustainable’?
We have developed a Fiber Index with which we classify materials based on their environmental impact, from low to high. For us, the “more sustainable materials” include recycled and upcycled material, materials with an official certification such as organic cotton or materials that have been dyed in a natural way. We also recently started using regenerative cotton, which goes beyond organic cotton and actually contributes to restoring ecosystems. We also process recycled cutting waste in some of our denims. The quality of materials also plays an important role in the impact; we set high quality standards and the materials must last a long time. These are important core values for By-bar.
What steps does By-bar take to increase transparency in the chain?
Since the beginning of 2024, we have been working with Tex.tracer, an innovative platform that provides insight into the entire journey of our products, from raw material to end product. Together with our suppliers, we delve deeper and deeper into the chain. This so that we know exactly where everything comes from. Partly due to the strong relationship with our suppliers, many of whom we have been working with since the beginning of By-bar (2008), we are making valuable progress.
From the upcoming summer collection (available from January/February ’25), many of our products are provided with a QR code. In this way we ensure more transparency, we can show our customers what the product journey looks like and take them into the story behind their clothing.
What should I consider when ‘reducing the ecological footprint’?
For us, reducing our ecological footprint means making conscious choices that reduce the impact on people and the environment. We are aware of the impact that the clothing industry has and strive to reduce it throughout the company and chain. This includes, for example, using more sustainable materials, choosing production methods that minimize water and energy consumption and optimizing transport options. Sustainable packaging also plays an important role in reducing our footprint. We also invest in a Climate Neutral Group project to offset our emissions.
We believe that close cooperation and strong relationships with our suppliers and partners are crucial. Together we work on ambitious sustainability goals, we are always looking for responsible alternatives and we strive to become more sustainable every time. By working together we can achieve positive change.
By-bar produces largely in Europe, are there plans to bring production all the way to Europe?
We have no plans to bring production all the way to Europe. Each country brings unique expertise and craftsmanship, which contributes to the quality of our products.
Currently, the majority of our collection is produced in Europe (Italy, Turkey and Portugal) and by our trusted partners in India, with whom we have had a special bond and strong collaboration since the beginning of By-bar. These strong, long-term relationships with our suppliers mean a lot to us and form the basis of our success.
Our suppliers in India are extremely motivated to continue developing and are also taking important steps in the field of sustainability. By working together, we hope to create positive change in the fashion industry and work together towards a more sustainable future.
Source: fashionunited.nl
