Here at Mayamiko we believe the only way to do good business is to do good by our people and the planet too. This is why we are constantly trying out new ways to reduce our footprint and give back to Mother Earth.
LEADING THE WAY
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In 2019 we were recognised for our leadership in sustainability and received the CO10 Leadership Awards which recognise the 10 brands leading on sustainability alongside Stella McCartney, Raeburn, Outland Denim to name a few. The Awards were judged by leaders from Vogue, Vivienne Westwood, GQ, Farfetch, Kering, Roland Mouret and The British Fashion Council.
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As a member of the Ethical Fashion Forums 'Fellowship 500' and supporters of the Fashion Revolution movement, we are leading innovation trend-setting within the global fashion industry: #onlybuywhatyoulove and #lovedclotheslast are two of our key messages
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We have been recognised for our work ‘Changing Lives’ and as ‘Brand to Watch’ by industry awards, and we have also been shortlisted for Vogue Italia's Eco Talents Scouting. Vogue USA called Mayamiko out for Earth Day as one of the three brands that prove that 'ethical fashion doesn't need to be drab'.
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We are also a proud member of the Textile Exchange, a global non-profit that works closely with our members to drive industry transformation in preferred fibres, integrity and standards and responsible supply networks.
- Leading rating app Good On You rates Mayamiko as 'Great'
- Visit our Press page to see where Mayamiko has been featured and celebrity endorsements
ZERO WASTE GOAL
Let's be honest, no one is 100% zero waste, but we get very close. Our zero-waste goal insures that all scrap fabric gets turned into something new. From headbands and protective parcel bags, to doormats and reusable sanitary pads for young girls in the community. We also have an initiative to
donate recyclable sanitary pads to girls in refugee camps, alongside feminine hygiene programmes.
Finally, we employ a zero-waste pattern cutting technique, which means that our garments are designed to utilise the fabric to the maximum and minimise any waste at the point of cutting. Our designs are adaptive and can be worn in many ways, we have almost been able to do away with all zips, so each piece can adapt to the body more flexibly, and be cherished longer.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
We think that circular is the only way forward, so alongside our Zero Waste Goal, we have introduced a tracking and transparency system for products, which means we know who made and what went in each garment. We have also partnered with rental app By Rotation to make a selection of pieces available for rental. One of our goals once Covid has passed is to launch a mend and resale service, to extend the life of every garment we make.
SOLAR POWERED
One thing Malawi can count on is the sun, this is why we have converted our workshop to run from solar energy! It's clean, efficient and good for the planet.
LOCALLY SOURCED, RECLAIMED OR CERTIFIED MATERIALS
We care about the impact that our materials have on people and planet.
Wherever possible our materials are sourced locally, reducing transport emissions and benefitting the local communities. We also select certified materials like organic cotton, or pick more sustainable fabrics such as linen. We also love to rescue fabrics that have been discarded or left over, like those used in our Saved and Not so Basic collection. Read more about our
material choices.
TACKLING PACKAGING
We take great care that all of our packaging is made from recyclable or compostable materials and printed using eco inks - that means the postal bag, stickers, labels and tissue paper too! Order a Mayamiko delivery and it could come in a hand-painted bag by artists like Nuaka and Nalaka, who graduated from the Chitra Lane School for the Special Child. A unique work of art and 100% sustainable.
ONE TREE PLANTED
We have partnered with One Tree Planted, an amazing non-profit organisation who are helping give back to the planet one tree at a time. Every time you place an order with Mayamiko you will have the option to plant a tree, we will then pay for One Tree Planted to do the honours and plant your very own tree!
I PREFER 30
Mayamiko is a member of the Iprefer30 campaign. Making a small change in temperature can add up to some big benefits! Washing at the lowest possible temperature helps you to cut CO2 emissions, save energy and help the environment. Plus, your clothes will actually look better and last longer!
CERTIFIED PRODUCTS
Not all artisans or groups we work with can afford certification, and we believe they shouldn't be penalised for that. Our promise is that we make sure each group meets the ethical standards the Mayamiko customers value. Wherever possible, to help you find products that match your values, we have placed logos on individual products. Here are some of the logos you might see across the site.
Fair Trade
Having developed alongside our sister charity Mayamiko Trust, fairness and transparency have always been at the core of our approach which is why we go above and beyond to meet, or exceed, the WTFO Principles of Fair Trade. We also follow ILO principles and have documented our own Ethical Promise so you can know exactly what conditions your clothes were made under.
WTFO 10 Principles of Fair Trade
Principle One: Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
At Mayamiko we work to create opportunities for disadvantaged artisans and tailors, focussing on women's empowerment by providing the right skills and opportunities to create a better life for themselves through fair trade.
Principle Two: Transparency and Accountability
At Mayamiko we put transparency and accountability at the core of our business. We know we are not perfect and there are things we need to work on but we always involve our stakeholders in our journey towards full sustainability, traceability and accountability, joining forces whenever we can to learn from others. It takes a village and we know it!
Principle Three: Fair Trading Practices
At Mayamiko we are in it for the long run. Whether it's the Fashion Lab in Malawi, or working with other artisan groups around the world, we want to establish long term relationships that will bring sustainable benefits for the community. This is why we sometimes move more slowly to make sure the relationships are fair, committed and sustainable.
We work together to get the right materials, the perfect design and the best quality so that everyone is enriched in the process. Our long term relationships are based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect - creating fairer trade. We not only recognise, promote and protect the cultural identity and traditional skills of our partners as reflected in their crafts, traditions and heritages, but we also celebrate and honour them by working together to share them with other communities around the world.
Principle Four: Fair Payment
Our payments are negotiated freely and openly with employees and producers. Contracts are regularly reviewed and adjusted in a collaborative and transparent way, based on economic assessments and open dialogue. We do not ask for overtime or weekend working unless agreed freely and appropriately rewarded.
Principle Five: Ensuring no Child Labour and Forced Labour
We do not tolerate any coercion or pressure and we believe that the best place for children to be is in school. We know that working mothers may find it hard to juggle their workload and to help give all women equal opportunities we allow mothers to bring their babies to work where we provide childcare support. We also offer home-work options if the employee finds that this is best for her.
Principle Six: Commitment to Non-Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Freedom of Association
At Mayamiko we believe deeply in equality and tolerance. We do not discriminate in hiring, remuneration, access to training, promotion, termination or retirement based on race, caste, national origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, union membership, political affiliation, HIV/AIDS status or age.
Our mission is to empower women, so, naturally, our activities focus on helping vulnerable women succeed and flourish. We respect the right of all employees to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively, and we enjoy the healthy debates, as they are what allows us to deeply understand our impact and how we can positively increase it.
Principle Seven: Ensuring Good Working Conditions
The safety of everyone involved in our activities is vital, both at work and on the way to and from. We work with our partners and employees to understand challenges and put in place measures to ensure everyone’s safety, together with sensitisation sessions to educate and empower. For example in Malawi, we have organised collective transport all of our employees to ensure ease and safety to those who have to travel in from smaller rural villages.
Principle Eight: Providing Capacity Building
This is one of the main reasons we exist in the first place. We constantly work to develop the skills and capabilities of our employees and artisan partners so they can support themselves and make their own choices about their future. For example, in Malawi we run business management, financial literacy and technical skills training, all at no cost. We also have a clear professional development plan for our permanent employees so that they can continue to develop themselves.
Principle Nine: Promoting Fair Trade
The words ‘fair trade’ have been in our mission statement from day 1. Our work bears testimony to the fair trade principles and the ‘trade not aid’ approach.
Principle Ten: Respect for the Environment
Here at Mayamiko we are committed to causing as little damage to the environment as possible, aiming for zero-waste and even reversing the impacts. From using left-over trimmings to make sanitary pads and giving you the option to plant a tree, to recyclable packaging and the promotion of environmentally friendly dyes, we don't stop!
