SUSTAINABILITY

At Mad Nomad, we are committed to sustainability in fashion by making thoughtful choices that extend the lifespan of our clothing and reduce our environmental impact. By embracing a made-to-order model, we are working to minimise textile waste and excess production.

I believe that communication and transparency are key in building strong, lasting relationships. That’s why I openly share the journey of our garments, from the sourcing of our fabrics to our amazing partnerships. This empowers you to make informed choices that resonate with your values.

Note: I’m constantly learning, and always on the lookout for ways to improve our sustainability practices. Any feedback or suggestions you may have are appreciated!

Please find all the specifics listed below.

OUR MATERIALS

DEADSTOCK FABRICS (click for details)

Deadstock fabrics are materials that are no longer needed or wanted by the original buyer, manufacturers, or textile mills. These fabrics would otherwise be destined for disposal or landfill unless “saved”.

The fabrics are unique and limited. I only select deadstock fabrics that are high in quality, and by repurposing them, we are preventing them from ending up in landfills, contributing to a more eco-friendly approach to fashion.

NATURAL & SUSTAINABLE FABRICS (click for details)

Cotton / Organic Cotton:

Soft and breathable, cotton is a versatile natural fibre. Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. The latter is always my first choice, however, I have a weak spot for really cool prints, and if I find something special within some cotton deadstock, I will often choose to make something from it.

Linen / Organic Linen:

Linen is a durable and breathable natural fibre made from the flax plant. Organic linen is produced without harmful chemicals. Again, selecting organic is always on the top of my list of priorities, but I also don’t want anything to go to waste (especially if it works within our collections) – so if I find a high quality linen among deadstock, I will likely choose to work with this.

Bamboo / Organic Bamboo:

Bamboo comes from the pulp of bamboo plants, and is known for its softness and moisture-wicking properties. Organic bamboo is produced using more environmentally friendly methods.

Hemp:

Hemp looks similar to linen (but has a slightly rougher texture), and it gets bonus points in the sustainability category for being a strong and durable fibre that requires minimal water and no pesticides to grow.

Ramie:

Ramie is also very similar to linen. It’s known for its strength (and it doesn’t wrinkle nearly as much).

Wool:

Sourced from sheep, and known for its warmth, durability, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Wool is a renewable and biodegradable fibre, making it environmentally friendly.

Tencel (Lyocell):

Made from wood pulp, and known for its silky feel and closed loop production process, (which means the chemicals used to break it down are kept, treated and recycled to be used again in more batches, instead of being released into the environment).

Cupro:

Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fibre made from cotton waste. It’s known for its silky texture and breathability. It has similar properties to silk and is biodegradable.

SYNTHETIC FABRICS (click for details)

Recycled Polyester:

Known for being durable, wrinkle-resistant, and quick drying. Recycled polyester is produced from post-consumer plastics or polyester waste, reducing the need for virgin polyester and diverting waste from landfills. Having said that, it can still contribute to microplastic pollution in our water systems.

Recycled Nylon:

Known for being lightweight, quick drying, strong, and has good elasticity. Recycled nylon is made from post-industrial waste like fabric scraps, fishing nets, or plastic waste.

Note: While I gravitate mostly toward natural fabrics, there are some exceptions to our usage of recycled synthetic fabrics in small amounts.

On occasion, we may incorporate high-quality deadstock with a low synthetic blend into our designs to prevent waste.

Additionally, a small blend of synthetic fibres may be used in small amounts to enhance the quality or functionality of certain garments. (For example, up to 5% spandex or elastane if a little bit of stretch is needed for comfort and flexibility.)

LOCAL PRODUCTION

We take pride in collaborating with talented makers and woman-led businesses who share our commitment to quality and sustainability.

I'd like to introduce you to our incredible maker, Renee, whose workroom is based in North Canterbury. With boundless energy and contagious positivity, Renee has been helping me bring my sketches to life, from prototype to finished product. She is so talented and an absolute joy. Every time I visit - whether it's to run through design ideas and drop off fabric, garment fittings, or to pick up samples, I find myself saying, "I LOVE working with her!"

For our Merino knitwear, we have the pleasure of working with Textile Creations. They are an experienced family owned and operated manufacturer, based in Auckland, and share our values of sustainability, quality and functionality.

CERTIFICATIONS

When selecting fabrics, I also pay close attention to certifications that verify sustainability and ethical production throughout the textile supply chain. If a fabric is certified, you will find it in the product description on our website, as well as on the care label sewn into the seam of our garments.

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100:

    Ensures that textiles have been tested for harmful substances to safeguard our health and minimise the environmental impact of textile production.

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  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard):

    This is the gold standard for organic textiles, guaranteeing that fabrics are made from organic fibres and produced using environmentally and socially responsible methods.

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  • GRS (Global Recycled Standard):

    Verifies the use of recycled materials in textiles, promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction. GRS certified fabrics can give new life to existing materials and minimise the need for virgin resources.

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  • BCI/BPI (Better Cotton Initiative/Biodegradable Products Institute):

    Emphasise sustainable farming practices and biodegradability. These certified fabrics support water efficiency, biodiversity, and the reduction of environmental impact at the end of their lifecycle.

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  • REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals):

    Regulates the use of chemicals in textile production, ensuring the safety of both humans and the environment. REACH certified fabrics meet strict standards for chemical safety, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

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  • FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) CERT:

    Ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests, promoting forest conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Fabrics with this certification contribute to the preservation of natural ecosystems and support sustainable forestry practices.

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PACKAGING & PRINTING

THANK YOU CARDS and SWING TAGS are digitally printed on eco100, environmentally responsible offset paper, produced using FSC Certified, 100% Post Consumer Recycled, PCF pulp. Source: Pinc Printing. New Zealand owned and operated.

GARMENT NECK LABELS are printed on bleached organic cotton. Source: Identity Solutions Limited.New Zealand owned and Operated. These particular labels are organised by Identity Solutions to be made in China, as there currently aren't any NZ resources that can print on natural fabric labels.

CARE LABELS are printed on Satin, in New Zealand. Source: Identity Solutions Limited. (New Zealand owned and Operated).

STICKERS are digitally printed on recycled paper grade adhesive, and can be recycled after use. Source: Pinc Printing. New Zealand owned and operated.

ACID-FREE TISSUE PAPER for wrapping our garments in, are biodegradable and can be curbside recycled and/or used again. Source: Ribbon & Blues. New Zealand owned and operated. 

BOXES for shipping are made from eco-friendly cardboard and 100% recyclable. Source: Packaging Products. New Zealand owned and operated.

POLLAST!C MAILERS for shipping are made from 100% recycled ocean bound plastic pollution, and can be recycled with soft plastics. Source: Better Packaging Co. Australian B Corp certified company with headquarters in New Zealand.

If you share my passion for ethical fashion and want to stay updated on our latest materials, initiatives, and exclusive offers, join our newsletter community today (sign up below), or reach out via email with any questions or feedback – I’d love to hear from you!