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Trade is neither inherently good nor bad. But how it is conducted is a matter of great concern-and an unprecedented opportunity. Trade can either contribute to the process of sustainable development or undermine it. Given the rapidly accelerating destruction of the earth’s natural resource base, there is no question what the choice must be.” (-Hilary French, author of Costly Tradeoffs: Reconciling Trade and the Environment)
Nurtured by Nature Source our merino fibre directly from New Zealand Merino.
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NZM acts to increase demand for New Zealand Merino globally by working with supply chain partners to champion the unique attributes of the fibre; NZM undertakes significant research & development to enhance all aspects of the Merino offering from on-farm practices to garment production. Journey limited is currently going through the process of becoming a supply chain partner with NZM. |
In New Zealand, Merino sheep graze on pasture in ‘free range’ conditions throughout the year. The free-range style of farming system suits both the high country environment (alpine and sub-alpine grassland) and the hardy Merino breed.
Merino producers have developed the necessary stockman ship, often over many generations, to ensure the health and welfare of their sheep and that the productive capacity of their farms is maintained or enhanced, rather than degraded, over time.
In New Zealand, the Animal Welfare Act (1999) defines minimum standards that specify the obligations of people who own or are in charge of animals. It also defines best management practices for the provision of an animal’s physical health and behavioural needs.
No Mulesing
Merino fibre is selected from properties that have never mulsed, or that have stopped mulesing sheep supplying Zque Merino fibre. Mulesing is named after Mr J. W. H. Mules. While shearing a ewe which had suffered several fly-strikes, Mules's hand slipped and his blade shears removed some skin from her hind end. After performing this procedure on his other sheep, Mules noticed that it prevented the occurrence of flystrike. The procedure was refined and experimented with and demonstrated to reduce flystrike. It was approved for use in Australia in the 1930s. This practice therefore greatly assists in the prevention of flystrike in the Australian environment.
Easy the bull terrier shares a quiet moment with Holly the lamb
Clive and Tracy who are the brand owners are extremely passionate about ethical and humane behaviour, “it is what our logo stands for” says Clive. “We run a small flock of sheep in the North Island ourselves and as long standing supporters of Animal Rights we are acutely aware and sensitive to how they should be managed with kindness and respect. We are also advocates of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, a human rights treaty. When we started Nurtured by Nature we wanted the best possible fibre for our baby garments and that is why we went to New Zealand Merino”. We are greatly encouraged by NZM’s initiative as we feel this will give greater credibility to suppliers and help the consumer with their choices.
Dyes and Processing
“Products and manufacturing processes have minimal impact
on human and ecological health”
Further to our work in this area we are examining all areas of our business to bring them in line with ethical trading initiatives. We have been investigating our production and can now report that, the dyes used in our processing are non AZO activated dyes from CIBA in Switzerland (www.cibasc.com)
“Our current cotton yarns are sourced under the Oeko-Tex 100 Standard”.
Philosophy of the Öko-Tex Standard 100 marking
The Oeko-Tex 100 Standard comprehensively addresses the Human Ecology component of textile products. It evaluates and screens for any harmful substances present within processed textiles intended to come into contact with consumers.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Öko-Tex Standard 100 is an international testing and certification system for textiles, limiting the use of certain chemicals. It was developed in 1992.
Responsibility for the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is shared between the 17 test institutes, which make up the International Oeko-Tex Association, which has branch offices in more than 40 countries worldwide. The criteria catalogue which forms the basis for the tests for harmful substances is based on the latest scientific findings and is continually updated, ensuring that the requirements for the human ecological safety of the textiles tested are more far-reaching every year. The test criteria and the related test methods are standardized on an international level and are widely included as guidance in terms and conditions of purchase and delivery right through to the retail sector. With a total of over 51,000 certificates issued for millions of different individual products, and over 6,500 companies involved world-wide, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 has become the best known and most successful label for textiles tested for harmful substances.
The Oeko-Tex label is not only a recognized benchmark for the consumer – it also serves as an additional quality assurance tool for the manufacturer. The concept has become established as a safety standard throughout the textile manufacturing chain and enables checks to be made for any harmful substances at each stage in the production process. The test samples are tested by the independent Oeko-Tex institutes for their pH-value, formaldehyde content, the presence of pesticides, extract-able heavy metals, chlorinated organic carriers and preservatives such as pentachlorophenol and tetrachlorophenol. The tests also include checks for any MAC amines in azo dyestuffs and allergy-inducing dyestuffs. The use of flame-retardant and biocide finishes is prohibited in the clothing sector. The certificates issued are distributed or allocated in line with the international guidelines and specifications of the Oeko-Tex Test Association.
www.oeko-tex.com
