Faherty recognizes the impact that the fashion industry has on our planet and we are on a mission to change the status quo. We realize the amount of waste and environmental destruction the industry creates and we are committed to making thoughtful and intentional decisions. Through the use of recycled and renewable fabrics, smart supply chain decisions that lower carbon emissions, less toxic chemicals, dyes and finishes and circularity initiatives,we aim to ensure that Faherty is an industry leader in lessening environmental harm.
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Faherty has a Code of Conduct that all vendors are required to sign. We require annual compliance audits to ensure human rights and ethical standards are maintained. Faherty has also established a QA program with complete inline and final inspections. We also require sustainability certifications from all vendors to ensure claims on sustainability are verified. We are proud members of The Textile Exchange and BLUESIGN to ensure we are informed and choose partners that offer traceable materials, sustainably-minded fabrics and non-toxic dyes.
We define preferred materials as more responsible alternatives to conventional fibers, with lower social and environmental impact. We are committed to using preferred materials and are progressively increasing the volume of them in our products. We use industry tools developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Textile Exchange to improve our uptake of preferred materials.
Organic cotton offers a few key improvements over conventionally grown cotton, like being grown without the use of any chemicals—that means no pesticides, insecticides, herbicides or fungicides polluting the land or harming communities. It's grown from non-GMO seeds for improved biodiversity, emits 46% less CO2 and requires 91% less water to grow than conventionally grown cotton, keeping the soil healthier and extending the life of the land.
Tencel™ Lyocell is a type of rayon, or cellulose fibers made by dissolving wood pulp and using a special drying process called spinning. These fibers are derived from beechwood sourced from sustainable forests in Austria and its neighboring countries. The production process requires less energy, dyes and water, and, because the fibers are plant-derived, it is also biodegradable. It is pure white when produced so it requires zero bleaching.
EcoVero is a viscose alternative made using sustainable wood from controlled sources which are either FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certified. Being a cellulosic material, EcoVero fibers are biodegradable, returning to nature after disposal, and cause 50% less emissions than conventional viscose production.
Traceable cashmere relies on meticulous record-keeping and full transparency. Our manufacturer keeps detailed records of all goats, herders, and herd information and shares them with our Faherty production team which gives us the ability to trace all cashmere fibers from herder to final garment, ensuring ethical, sustainable practices.
Linen is a natural fiber made from flax plants. Each part of the plant is used to create a worthwhile product meaning that nothing is wasted in processing. Flax plants are resilient and can grow in poor soil and, in some cases, the plant can even rehabilitate polluted soil. Across its entire lifecycle, a linen shirt uses only 6.4 liters of water compared to a cotton shirt which uses 2,700 liters. Up to 2.1 tons of CO2 are absorbed per ton of flax cellulose produced and it uses 13 times less pesticides than crops such as potatoes. Its natural colors include ivory, ecru, tan and grey.
Polyester is a manmade fiber synthesized from petrochemical products by a process called polymerization. It can either be mechanically or chemically recycled with feedstock consisting of pre or post-consumer waste that can no longer be used for its intended purpose, like plastic water bottles. Recycled polyester reduces the dependence on petroleum as the raw material for a majority of our fabric needs and lessens the amount of polyester that ends up in landfills. This helps reduce pollution to our water and air as well as contamination to our soil.
Not only is Faherty committed to sustainability from a manufacturing, packaging and lifecycle perspective, but our team and stores are committed, too. We purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to negate retail store and headquarters energy usage, utilize green supplies for cleaning, use an ink cartridge recycling program and offer each sales team member a Sustainable Tool Kit, providing reusable utensils, straws and Byta cup, insulated lunch tote, face masks, phone stand and card carrier to encourage sustainable living practices. We also have a sustainability committee that works to ensure the evolution of our practices across all levels of the brand.
In 2021, we converted 85% of our bags to Vela bags which are made from FSC-certified and recyclable paper instead of plastic.
We partnered with Vela for our packaging to ensure that no extra waste is created during our entire production lifecycle. Vela bags are FSC-certified and recyclable paper bags, an alternative to traditional plastic polyester. We are currently converting our plastic bags to Vela bags and will increase usage seasonally, furthering our commitment to plastic free packaging.
We’re always learning, growing and looking for ways to improve how we do business. As part of that ongoing quest, we’ve partnered with a number of organizations committed to making the world a better place.
Faherty has been a member of 1% for the Planet since 2017, and pledge 1% of our swim sales back to environmental organizations.
Faherty is Corporate Sponsors of Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network.
Hector Guadalupe, the founder of A Second U, has been a close friend and trainer to Faherty for years. A Second U has worked with and placed 197 formerly incarcerated men and women in the personal training industry. We support this incredible program on a monthly basis.
We believe that in order to heal the planet and its people, power must be restored to Indigenous communities. For years, the fashion industry has exploited and appropriated Native prints — and for years, so did Faherty. Now that we know better, we must do better. Faherty is committed to actively educating ourselves on Native history and erasure, listening to Native leaders and teachers, holding our team accountable, and continuing our anti-racism work. It is now part of our mission as a brand to model a mutually beneficial relationship between Native artists and non-Native companies for collective healing — one that mutually restores their land, communities, and stories. To that end, Faherty continues to partner with Native and Indigenous designers, hire Native interns, host a Native Board member, and work with Native-led non-profits.
IllumiNative is building an innovative organizational network that fosters meaningful participation from a diverse and committed collective of Native storytellers, artists, youth, organizers, tribal and grassroots leaders as well as non-Native partners in entertainment, media and social justice.
The Lakota Way Healing Center shares the traditional Lakota ways of spirituality with those on their journey of healing. Their mission is to promote spiritual connection and human wellness through programs, events and workshops.
The American Indian Community Development Corporation (AICDC) provides culturally unique initiatives, housing, and entrepreneurial programs that strengthen American Indian communities.
Doing better and making a difference is a collaborative effort. Thanks for all your support.
#BETTERTOGETHER
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