Sustainability at the Heart
Welcome back to "Stories," where we continue to explore the essence of our brand and the meaningful impact of our products. In this edition, we delve into the core of our mission: sustainability. Discover how our dedication to eco-friendly fashion practices shapes every aspect of our handmade Krajood bags, from the materials we use to the positive impacts on communities and the environment.
“Sustainable fashion is not a trend, it’s a responsibility.”
Sustainable Materials
Our commitment to sustainability begins with the materials we choose. The Krajood plant (Lepironia articulata) is the foundation of our bags. This naturally abundant sedge is harvested from the wetlands of Southern Thailand, requiring no artificial fertilizers or pesticides. The resilience of Krajood fibers ensures that each bag is not only durable but also eco-friendly.
Natural Fibers: Our Krajood bags are made from 100% natural Krajood fibers, which are biodegradable and have a minimal environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Dyes: Some of our more colourful bags use dyes. We only use eco-friendly dyes that are free from harmful chemicals, ensuring that our products are safe for both the environment and our customers.
Lepironia articulata at a freshwater marsh
Eco-Friendly Production Process
The production process of our woven bags is designed to minimise environmental impact. After harvesting, the Krajood stems are sun-dried, which eliminates the need for energy-intensive drying methods. The boiling process that follows uses natural water sources and is carefully managed to avoid waste. The process of growing, harvesting and preparing the Krajood can take many months, the very essence of slow fashion!
Local Sourcing: Our materials are sourced locally in Southern Thailand, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Handcrafted by Artisans
Our bags are meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who have honed their craft over generations. This manual process not only preserves traditional weaving techniques but also eliminates the carbon footprint associated with large-scale manufacturing. Each bag is a unique piece of art, reflecting the artisan’s dedication and skill.
A weaver making a small purse from leftover Krajood.
Zero Waste Philosophy
Embracing a zero-waste philosophy, we ensure that every part of the Krajood plant is utilized. Any leftover fibers are repurposed into other products, such as smaller accessories or home decor items. This practice not only reduces waste but also supports the artisans by providing additional sources of income.
Efficient Production: We minimize waste by using precise cutting and weaving techniques, ensuring that every piece of Krajood is used efficiently.
Recycling Initiatives: Any leftover materials are repurposed or recycled, reducing our overall waste.
Left-over Krajood stems being prepared for weaving
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Sustainability extends to our packaging. We use recycled and biodegradable materials to package our Krajood bags. Our commitment is to ensure that from production to delivery, every step is aligned with eco-friendly principles, reducing our overall environmental footprint.
Supporting Local Communities
By choosing Krajood bags, you support more than just sustainable fashion; you empower local communities. Our artisans receive fair wages and work in safe conditions, ensuring that their traditional craft provides them with a stable livelihood. This economic support helps sustain entire communities and promotes cultural heritage.
Fair Wages
Ethical Employment: We ensure that all artisans and workers involved in our production process receive fair wages that exceed local living standards.
Safe Working Conditions
Health and Safety: Workshops are regularly inspected to ensure that a safe and healthy working environment for our artisans is preserved.
Workers' Rights
Fair Labor Practices: We adhere to fair labor practices and respect the rights of our workers, ensuring they have the freedom to organize and advocate for their rights.
Transparency: We maintain transparency in our labor practices and regularly audit our operations to ensure compliance with ethical standards.
Family time in Phatthalung
Environmental Impact
The environmental benefits of Krajood bags are manifold. The natural cultivation of Krajood helps maintain wetland ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity. Additionally, the low-impact production process reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional manufacturing.
Vegan Products
Cruelty-Free: Our Homeware range is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, with all products made from plant-based materials only.
No Animal Testing: We do not engage in or support any form of animal testing in our production process.
Ethical Sourcing
Respect for Nature: Our sourcing practices respect the natural habitats and biodiversity of the regions where we operate, ensuring that no harm comes to wildlife.
Continuous Improvement
As a business which is new to the UK market, we know that we will not get everything right first time. We believe that sustainability is not an end goal, or a box to tick, but a practice which must be regularly challenged, reviewed and maintained to be most effective.
Future Initiatives
Sustainability Goals: We are committed to continuous improvement in our sustainability practices. Our future initiatives include increasing the use of renewable energy in our production process and exploring more sustainable materials.
Community Engagement: We engage with local communities to promote sustainable practices and support environmental conservation efforts.
Certifications and Partnerships
Pursuing Certifications: We are actively pursuing certifications from recognized sustainability organizations to further validate our commitment to ethical practices.
Collaborations: We are actively seeking to collaborate with other sustainable brands and organizations to share knowledge and promote best practices in the fashion industry.
Shop Sustainable. Shop Small. Slow Fashion.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at TAI. From the careful selection of materials to the handcrafted production process and eco-friendly packaging, every step is taken with the planet in mind. Whether choosing from our classic beach bags to our custom woven bags, you are not only making a fashion statement but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
Explore our collection of Krajood bags in our online store. Follow us on Instagram for more stories and updates.
