Apparel that is both stylish and sustainable

Epona was one of the pioneers in developing on trend, sustainable fabrics for the imprint sector as consumers increasingly demand ethical and sustainable apparel, recognising that as clothing get ever cheaper, the supply chain gets ever murkier.

As a licensee of the Fairtrade Foundation and member of the Fair Wear Foundation, Epona’s supply chain is independently audited. Fairtrade focuses on the cotton farmers while Fair Wear Foundation’s mission is to improve labour conditions in the garment industry. On a recent visit to India, the Epona team was able to see firsthand the benefits to its producers of the Fairtrade model as follows:

• Education – children are provided with school books, bags and sponsorship, allowing them to further their education.
• Rice mill – purchase of a small rice mill to avoid long journeys to process their crops.
• Plate making machine – generate additional income during the quiet periods.
• Steps into the bathing pond – villagers wash themselves and their clothes in bathing ponds which can be dangerous during the monsoon. The steps have made their daily routine much safer.
• Pushbikes – the farmers do not have access to cars or motorbikes, making the transportation of seeds and food difficult.

However, ethics alone doesn’t sell apparel, so Epona has created ranges that are stylish as well as sustainable.

www.eponaclothing.com