Sustainability

At U-chüs, not only are we dedicated to following fair trade practices, but we are also mindful of our environmental impact. This is reflected in the materials used, as well as the procurement and production practices followed in sourcing and producing our products.

We ensure that minimal recyclable packaging is used when the products are shipped to us by our suppliers and all packing material is either reused or recycled. Additionally, our tags are made of recycled paper and jute.

Below are some of the materials we use to ensure sustainable production.

Recycled Fabrics

Recycled denim and other recycled fabrics are often used in our products as they are readily available materials that would otherwise end up in an ever-growing landfill. Re-purposing these fabrics and giving them new life also negates the environmental cost of producing new materials, making them one of the most sustainable materials available.

Organic Cotton

Organic cotton is cotton produced in a more sustainable way. It uses non-GMO crops, no harmful pesticides or fertilisers and 88% less water and 62% less energy compared to conventional production methods. The system is also designed so 80% of water used is from rainfall and not irrigation. In addition to environmental benefits, it also keeps the farmer communities healthy by not exposing them to chemicals and helps them earn sustainably by growing more than one crop.

Hemp

Hemp uses less water compared cotton and also has a higher yield. Not only does it require fewer pesticides to produce, but it also helps remove toxins from the soil. The fabric made of hemp fibres is breathable, durable and naturally anti-microbial. These properties make it one of the most versatile sustainable materials available.

Palm Leaf

A large variety of palm trees (not the kind used for manufacturing palm oil) grow abundantly in South East Asia and are used in various applications. Our products use palm leaves which fall naturally, to produce woven baskets and products. Palm leaves are also 100% biodegradable.

Seagrass

Seagrass comes from the Typha plant also known as Hogla, that grows abundantly along Bangladeshi river banks. As it is fast growing and invasive, it is a sustainable material and harvesting it is actually beneficial for biodiversity. The material makes for naturally durable woven products that are eco-friendly.

Jute

Soft, natural and durable, jute comes from the stalks of jute plants. Jute grows mainly in Bangladesh and is the same fibre that is used to make burlap. It requires no chemical intervention, less water than cotton and very little land due to its’ fast growth cycle. It also is 100% biodegradable and compostable, making it an ideal eco-friendly material.

Cane

Cane is made from the soft part of the rattan palm which is a climbing palm. It is the fastest developing tropical wood and has a renewing cycle of 5-7 years, making it exceptionally sustainable. Cane is a byproduct of making rattan wood as it is the softer outer skin that is stripped to prepare the wood. It is lightweight, flexible and durable whilst also being biodegradable.

Indigo

Indigo is an organic pigment produced from the leaves of a broad range of plants that grow in Asia and Central America. The indigo used for U-chüs products comes from Rajasthan, India, and is harvested from the Indigofera Tinctoria plant. Indigo and the production of indigo dye is not toxic to people. Water leftover from the dye extraction process is used as a bio fertiliser.

Azo-free Dyes

Azo-free dyes are low-impact synthetic dyes that don’t contain heavy metals and toxic compounds that conventional Azo dyes contain. Azo dyes contain carcinogens such as aromatic amines which can be extremely harmful to workers. Moreover, as Azo free dyes are 70% more absorbent than conventional dyes they result in significantly less chemical and grey water pollution of waterways.