Sustainability
Our Mission
Our overall approach to existing as a brand today has shifted. Although we have manufactured domestically for over 30 years, we realized there's much more we can do. This led to year of innovation.
2020 marked the introduction of multiple new sustainable practices for Allen Schwartz. As technology has improved, it has enabled us to incorporate more sustainable materials into our products and our packaging.
Below you will find a detailed explanation of new innovative fabrics we're using, our manufacturing process, as well as our e-commerce packaging. As we grow, we remain devoted to making a change in the way we create and manufacture our clothing.
We hope you will join us in the cause.
Our signature luxe satin has been replaced with a new sustainable version. Made from a triacetate and polyester blend, this fabric is a game-changer.
The polyester yarn is made from 100% post consumer waste plastic bottles found throughout Japan.
This yarn is then combined with a triacetate that is sustainably sourced and certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council - an international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the world's forests). Triacetate is produced by mixing wood pulp with an acetic acid to create triacetate chips. The mill that we partner with certifies that they do not use any of the following:
100% post consumption plastic bottles - this is what our new recycled polyester is made out of. It is GRS (Global Recycle Standard) certified and utilized throughout our collection as a sustainable alternative to numerous fabrics.
Similar to the satin manufacturing process, our new viscose is created by FSC certified sustainably managed plantations. These logging facilities work to preserve forests and local communities in accordance with high socioeconomic standards.
This is a regenerated wool. It is made from pre consumption (yarn waste) and post consumption (garments) yarns and fabrics. It is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified.
Our vegan leather is made from 100% post consumer waste materials. This fabric goes through the same process as the recycled polyester and is GRS (Global Recycle Standard) certified.
For over 30 years, we have produced our collection in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Our studio houses our design, production and marketing teams. Most employees have worked for our company for over 15 years - everyone knows each other and we operate as a tight-knit family.
Additionally, we partner with three other factories in LA to complete our production process. Working with local downtown LA factories allows us to oversee both the working environment and manufacturing operation of each facility. All of our contractors comply with California labor laws that ensure fair work hours and wage. As a company, we require all manufacturers to provide the California Labor Compliance Certificate. There is a major emphasis on the construction and quality of each garment, so identifying the right partners is integral to our brand. We take a lot of pride in the relationships we have with these factories and plan to nurture them for years to come.
In 2019, we introduced our new e-commerce boxes made from recycled materials. These boxes, similar to our products, are all manufactured domestically.
Additionally, in 2020 we switched all of our poly-bags to 100% post consumer waste recyclable plastic bags. Our e-commerce packaging is now completely recyclable and made from reused materials.
