Our environmental impact
SOFFA cares about the environment!
Textiles
We use recycled, natural, vegan, and plant-based textiles.
We prefer to work with local small businesses, where fabrics are weaved and processed locally and ethically with no chemicals in dying.
The printing is ecological, made through traditional handcrafted techniques from natural manmade colors, printed by refugees working and training at the silk screening workshop of the social cooperative ANKAA Project’s premises.
The embroidery is done in our studio, by our beneficiaries, women survivor victims of human trafficking.
Should our clients require the use of cotton, we choose to purchase only Greek Clean Cotton, weaved and processed locally.
Zero Waste
We implement zero-waste manufacturing processes. We work on order-based rather than bulk productions, to avoid creating stock.
We upcycle all its waste, turning it into clothes and accessories like shopping bags, backpacks and wallets. It also collects industrial waste and household clothing waste.
SOFFA’s environmental impact in numbers:
- 300 kilos recycled textiles and clothes from landfill.
- thousands of meters of donated fabric stock and waste from textile production
- 50 business partners Income created for 50 local economy slavery-free and sustainable suppliers and service providers.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
SOFFA targets the realisation of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #5, #8, #9, #12 #13
SDG number 5 – Gender Equality
“Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”
According to the UN, “gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.” Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes will nurture sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large.
SDG number 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
“Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”
Achieving higher productivity will require diversification and upgraded technology along with innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The target for 2020 is to reduce youth unemployment and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment.
SDG number 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
“Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.”
Manufacturing is a major source of employment. Investment in infrastructure and innovation are crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Technological progress is also key to finding lasting solutions to both economic and environmental challenges, such as providing new jobs and promoting energy efficiency. Promoting sustainable industries, and investing in scientific research and innovation, are all important ways to facilitate sustainable development
SDG number 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
“Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.”
The targets of Goal 12 include using eco-friendly production methods and reducing the amount of waste. By 2030, national recycling rates should increase, as measured in tons of material recycled. Further, companies should adopt sustainable practices and publish sustainability reports.
SDG number 13 – Climate action
“Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy.”
In May 2015, a report concluded that only a very ambitious climate deal in Paris in 2015 could enable countries to reach the sustainable development goals and targets.[69] The report also states that tackling climate change will only be possible if the SDGs are met. Further, economic development and climate change are inextricably linked, particularly around poverty, gender equality, and energy. The UN encourages the public sector to take initiative in this effort to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
