At Kindred Bravely, we’re passionate about supporting moms when they need the most care and love, and we’re dedicated to helping nurture our planet for future generations. As a company, we strive to make premium products with a focus on durability and longevity, and we’ve begun taking conscious steps toward greater overall sustainability. To celebrate the launch of our Sustainable Collection – which features new garments in earthy colorways – we wanted to share some of the different approaches we’re taking.
One of our objectives is to use more natural fibers, which don’t create the microplastics that many synthetic fabrics do when washed. We especially adore the textured, biodegradable blend of linen and cotton we used in our new Linen Relaxed Nursing & Maternity T-shirt. We’re also really excited about our growing Organic Cotton Collection, which all began with our long-time best-seller, the Organic Cotton Nursing & Sleep Bra.
Used widely for centuries, cotton is a natural fiber that is hypoallergenic and durable, and organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides. The dyeing process is free of harmful chemicals, which makes it safe for the delicate skin of moms and babies.
The organic cotton fabric we use in this collection is ethically sourced from GOTS and Fair Trade Certified factories in India. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading textile processing standard for organic fibers with independent certification of the entire textile supply chain (including ecological and social criteria). Fair trade is a global movement made up of a diverse network of producers, companies, consumers, advocates, and organizations putting people and the planet first.
Click the photo to check out our Organic Cotton Nursing & Sleep Bra.
Our classic Organic Cotton Bra has become a staple for those who have sensitive skin and are prone to allergies. Breathable and absorbent, the Organic Cotton Bra is also a favorite among women recovering from mastectomies who love the softness of the fabric and the light support this bra provides. Our expanding Organic Cotton Collection now includes the Organic Cotton Nursing & Maternity Henley Tanks and T-shirts, Asymmetrical Nursing Tees, Skin to Skin Wrap Top, and new Sloan Nursing Pajamas. All of these garments pair perfectly with the Organic Belly Balm and Organic Nipple Balm we carry in our Wellness Collection, Sensible by Kindred Bravely, which features simple formulas and clean ingredients for you and yours.
Another natural fiber we’re loving is SeaCell™, which we used in our new Esme Tie Nursing & Maternity Dress. SeaCell is “produced exclusively from sustainable raw materials – wood and seaweed – using methods that save both energy and resources. It is completely biodegradable.” The fabric is super-soft and gentle on the skin, making this dreamy new dress even dreamier.
Our Swimwear Collection features recycled polyester fabric, which is made from recycled plastic bottles – a great way to divert plastic from landfills. The production of recycled polyester requires far fewer resources than that of new fibers and generates fewer CO2 emissions.
In addition to being better for the environment, recycled polyester also feels great; we work hard with our manufacturers to ensure these garments will be just as soft as moms have come to expect our clothes to be. We’re actively working to incorporate even more recycled polyester styles into our catalog.
We’re similarly dedicated to introducing more OEKO-TEX® certified products. OEKO-TEX is one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for and free of harmful substances. Our Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads, Universal Labor & Delivery Gown, and Grow with Me Collection, among others, are sourced from OEKO-TEX certified factories, and we’re eager to expand this selection even more.
Click above to check out the Zora Maternity Maxi Dress, sourced from an OEKO-TEX certified factory!
On top of using more sustainable fabrics, we’re committed to working with responsible manufacturers who are Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) certified. According to WRAP’s website, "Having a WRAP certification shows potential buyers that you are dedicated to ethical and responsible business standards. It demonstrates that you obey the laws of your country, treat your workers with dignity and respect, and are conscious of the impact your operation has on the environment. The WRAP certificate is a recognized symbol of a commitment to uphold social and ethical standards."
We’re also aiming at improving our shipping materials and packaging. In 2020, we began using 100% biodegradable corn poly mailers for shipping. These bags are fully compostable and Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI®) Certified. As an association established to provide testing, education, and promotion of compostable products, BPI ensures that any product that carries its logo meets the ASTM D6400 standard and specifications required to be compostable.
Additionally, we’re working to make our product poly bags biodegradable, hoping to further reduce the amount of single-use plastic we contribute to landfills.
Finally, long before the pandemic began, we embraced work-from-home as a way to decrease our impact on the environment. About 90% of our team works remotely, which means only a handful of team members commute to work.
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, and reducing impact is a challenge. We’re a work in progress, and we’re proud of the active steps we’re taking to minimize waste, whether it’s creating durable products or donating returned items. As a company dedicated to pregnant and nursing moms, we believe it’s our mission to do better to protect the future for our little ones.
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