SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK

Our work in Sustainability

We worked in our own nonlinear, complex but flexible system, which uses one of the most sustainable natural fibers, engages in the conscious design, and helps create sustainable communities of alpaca weavers in Peru. As a result, we offer soft, long-lasting, luxurious, sustainable products for not only value-driven-consumers but for a healthy planet.

Sustainability is a series of complex and dynamic interactions between multiple factors and actors, we use a less intrusive than many other production methods (the animals roam free, they are not hooved, they are well kept/fed).

We have high standards for ensuring we are minimizing our impact on the environment’s biophysical systems with processes that reduce the consumption of water, the use of chemicals, local transportation, and energy. We also commit to designing with less waste, high quality to assure the longevity of the pieces and styles that would not change rapidly. Therefore, our creations are unique artisan pieces that do not change seasonally and retain their quality and value through time. Our fiber is recyclable, and we will soon have our first collection of pure recycled alpaca.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Animal Welfare & Treatment

Imarit takes the wellbeing of alpacas and the Peruvian ecosystem very seriously, that is why we are committed to a holistic approach regarding sustainability that ensures the necessary steps and practices are implemented to preserve and protect these animals and their ecosystem. By focusing our attention on all living beings within this ecosystem, we create a lasting impact on the conservation of biodiversity and species within the fashion supply chain.

One of our greatest concerns is the welfare of our animals. Therefore, we prioritize ethical and humane treatment above production yield and adhere to the highest standards in the industry. To ensure our products are and remain cruelty-free we regularly review our supplier's practices for compliance with our standards, pushing forward our commitment to positive change in the industry. We stand against excessive and intrusive farming, monoculture, and the poor distribution of poor value creation, and any malpractice that would jeopardize the wellbeing and safety of our animals.

The mutual relationship between humans and alpacas in Peru goes back centuries and as such we are proud to be involved with this community and fully endorse their traditions and expertise in their craft. As such, we also actively pursue innovation that will positively impact the overall wellbeing of the alpacas and that does not interfere with the cultural way of life for these Peruvians. We fully endorse free-range and cruelty-free shearing, which reduces the negative imprint on the environment and is a necessity for the longevity and health of the alpacas.

In Imarit we are committed to creating sustainable partnerships with our suppliers and peers within the fashion industry. We believe that the materials we source, manner of production, or any practice along our supply chain say a lot about a company. Therefore, we are always on the look-out to ensure that our products are made to the highest standards in quality, sustainability, ethics, and well-being to all parties involved; this is what we want to reflect as Imarit.

SUSTAINABLE JOY

Buy, carry, and bin - that seems to be the basic tone of the current fashion trends today…

The textile giants produce and launch between 16 and 24 collections a year. The vast amount of overall materials that are needed to produce this “fast fashion” are manufactured and pushed out rapidly to market, causing an oversaturation of goods. To make a long story short, you end up having clothes that meet their demise not stuffing your closet space but filling up landfills, creating an unsustainable practice of the industry.

LONG LIVE TO OUR IMARIT PIECES

At Imarit we want to be mindful when it comes to clothing, we design and produce two collections each year – one in summer and one in winter. The details, the cut, and the functionality are designed with quality in mind that are durable and meant to last. We believe less is more, but at the same time, your collection should be something meaningful, comfortable, and can stand the test of time. However, we do realize that sometimes “time” fights back, and well, life happens. So, our goal is to invest more in the longevity of your favorite Imarit piece and provide you with some basic tips on how to care for your garment.

CARE TIPS

In the world of Alpaca fashion, we have been using a few tricks to keep our Imarit knits looking, smelling, and feeling fresh all season long. We hope these tips help you find more time between washes, add resilience to your piece, and give you an added confidence to wear what you love and enjoy.

1. TO WASH

We all know that slightly insecure feeling when going to wash delicate garments; afraid of ruining that special piece. Well, with these following tips we are sure all your worries should be a thing of the past. • Hand-wash. -How to hand-wash properly: dissolve the detergent in water (max. temperature 30ºC). -Wash the garment for a 15 minutes and be aware as to not soak it too long, then rinse thoroughly with water at the same temperature. - To drain excess water afterward do not twist, instead, either stretch or rub the garment. • Machine Wash -Use a delicate cycle and use low temperatures with reduced spin. -Use a mild detergent or a wool wash. Do not use any products that contain bleach. -A washing-bag is recommended to prevent buttons and zippers from causing damage during the wash cycle and it minimizes pilling. - Wash together with similar colors to avoid color changes and unpleasant discolorations. -Wash clothes inside-out to protect the surface of the garment and its color. • A Bonus Care Tip (that is easy to implement) -Not each garment that is worn must be washed immediately. Letting your garment air out not only saves time and water but is less taxing on the environment and the material as well.

2. TO DRY

Roll the knit in a towel to gently remove the excess water, rather than wringing it out. -From there, the garment will retain a little bit of water, which adds weight to the garment. Therefore, you should never hang your knitwear to dry as it will completely stretch out of shape of your piece. -Knitted clothing should be laid flat to dry on a towel and then pulled into shape slightly. - Also, do not expose it to direct sunlight

3. STORAGE

Knitted pieces do not take kindly to hanging on a cloth hanger. This is simply due to losing your knitted fit. -Instead, they should be folded to ensure a lasting pleasurable fit. -To prevent against moths, use natural moth repellent or essential oils and herbs, such as lavender, rosemary, mint, thyme, cloves, peppercorns, lemon, eucalyptus, and ginseng. Refresh every few months and enjoy the bonus of a nice smelling closet! - Additionally, moths are attracted to soiled fabric, so launder or dry clean clothing before placing it in extended storage. -Keep knitwear in vacuum-sealed bags during summer. Pesky insects love high-quality knitwear, so do not leave the clothing out unattended and always use protection!

4. IRONING

By ironing, you bring your favorite parts back into shape and smooth the fibers of the fabrics that were roughened by the washing process. Not all the pieces need ironing; most of the time after flat drying it is only the fine knitted ones that would need a loving touch up. -Iron clothes on the inside whenever possible; this prevents shiny or matte marks on the outside of your clothes. - Note: For our special natural fiber, the alpaca, and our blends with silk, merino, cotton, etc. We recommend the use of a damp cloth over the garment to be ironed. -Pro tip: Invest in a good ironing board, because with a cheap iron board the marks printed through the metal braid will be noticeable.

5. PILLING

Eventually, with your favorite pieces, when they are made of natural fibers, such as alpaca, little fuzzy balls will start to accumulate. Do not fret, you did not do anything wrong because this phenomenon is called “pilling” and it is completely natural and simply arises due to friction on the surface. - In fact, most woolly sweaters will pill to some extent after wearing them for a while, especially at sections where the fabric rubs, like underarms and sides. - To easily remove just use a special pill comb or electric pill remover. -However, be careful though, if the fuzzy balls are torn off the fiber will be damaged. To avoid this, do not let your piece go unattended and do not neglect pilling removal to avoid the accumulation. -Pieces that have fine long hair you can brush from time to time to avoid pilling.

6. CARE AND REPAIR

If, after a while, a seam opens, a button loosens or a tear happens, then this is no reason to despond or banish your piece to the back corner of the closet. Wear and tear are normal when you wear and wash clothes. With a few tips and some love for your piece, will lead you down a road to increased satisfaction and appreciation for your piece. The number of care symbols applied to clothing can seem as extensive and intricate as a physics equation. The only difference is that no one ever explains what those little care symbols mean, at least you can add. Do not worry, we are here to help and explain how to best take care of your piece in case of emergency.

To start with your alpaca piece is already dirt resistant, breathable in summer, warm in winter, and suited for allergy sufferers. If you keep it aired out after each use you will reduce the need for washing keeping it soft and shiny for longer. To add to the longevity, you can wear a base layer t-shirt as well.

DON'T PANIC - IT'S ORGANIC

We all have been in this situation whether pasta, red wine, coffee, or other little (or sometimes) not so little spots get into our beloved garment. Quick response and a little first aid are required here, so we have summarized the best tips and tricks, so you are always prepared to not give stains a fighting chance!

• Red Wine. Put salt (a lot) on the stain, carefully brush out as soon as the salt has absorbed the stain, and then wash.

• Dry Shampoo. Apply shaving cream, then wash out and let dry. This can still leave a dark shade after treatment, unfortunately.

• Coffee. Apply mineral water or warm water.

• Fat. First, soak the area up with paper towels, then use water and detergent for washing out the stained area. Just remember not to rub the stain out.

• Makeup. Use Gall soap or baking powder.

• Sweat. Yellowish discoloration can occur due to sweat. Soak in warm water with a shot of vinegar essence; after the short soaking treatment wash the piece.

• Outdated Stains. For outdated stains use gall soap bar for stain removal.