FAQ

Why should I wear a “bio & fair” shirt?

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Because organic doesn’t mean fair and organic cotton is often processed under unfair labour conditions. The processing of conventional textiles requires the use of vast amounts of chemicals, provoking harmful effects on humans and environment. Lots of energy is used causing a big contamination of co2. Also the use of water and it’s contamination is enormous.

However the processing of “bio & fair” textiles is based on a sustainability, respecting the fruit cycles (2 years organic cotton, one year crop), so the soil can regenerate itself naturally. The micro organisms and nutriments provide everything for the healthy growth of the cotton plants. This is essential to reach the outstanding quality of the “ RespAct organic Textiles”. The water in the production areas is protected and the health of the local people preserved.

Further the livelihood of many small farmers and processing companies is saved as well as the quality of life is improved.

By purchasing a RespAct organic” T-Shirt you keep around 7 m² free from chemicals. Wearing it you reduce allergies, by not coming into contact with harmful substances. Further more the certification during the whole processing (cultivation, yarn production, fabrics production, dying, and sewing) is guarantied. Talking about RespAct organic you can use “bio & fair” with a good conscience.

Can I trust the organic cotton labels?

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There are different organisations Control Union (SKAL), IMO, IVN, IFOAM, certifying cotton producers and assemblers under international standards.These standards mainly depend on:

  • The production of the cotton is based on sustainability.
  • It is only allowed to work with organic applicants and mechanical treatments.
  • The finished product is free from residues and harmful substances. The textiles, produced under these circumstances can be trusted from your, and our point of view.

Social standards are set and controlled:

  • Fair wages
  • Employment conditions ( Security, Respect of minimum age, work-hours,…)
  • Social security of employees.

Only products which meet these high standards are certificated.

Are “RespAct organic Textiles” faire trade?

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The employment situation in certified processing companies is much better than average and the workers have big advantages being members of those. They get higher wages, there working hours and conditions are well regulated and it exists a kind of social-fond for social- and pension assurance. The whole processing line (from the cultivation to the ready made garment) of “RespAct organic Textiles” is certified. The products are organic, sustainable and fair.

What does the brand name “RespAct organic” mean?

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Sense of well being, durability, and top quality. The textiles are processed under sensible, ecological and social standards, being controlled in certain periods. The certification of our products is a must and every product named “RespAct organic” is officially certified complying the high quality, cultivation and social standards.

Where is the origin of the “RespAct organic Textiles”?

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Regarding the short transport distances, the clean employment conditions and the top quality, we like to pay a reasonable price and improve the situation in Turkey. Our products are processed by well sourced suppliers and imported by “RespAct organic”

How do you colour the shirts?

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Ecru is the natural colour of cotton, however there are a range of t-shirts available in a number of other colours. These colours are available in fabric dyes that meet the requirements of the international organic standards. A large number of inputs are prohibited in the SKAL or IMO standards these include; amine-releasing azo dyes, aromatic solvents, phenols, short-chain aldehydes, GMO’s, halogenated solvents, heavy metals and flourcarbones.

The standards also has strict requirements concerning the management of waste water from dyeing facilities. All dyeing facilities must have a waste-water treatment plant which meets the standards laid out for the quality of water discharged from the facility. The water based print also has some advantages like the possibility to iron about the printing and the transpiration is possible(e.g. during sports).

How do I know that the shirts are produced with ethical correctness?

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As mentioned above the Auditors certify companies according to environmental and social standards:

  • Fair wages
  • Employment conditions ( Security, Respect of minimum age, work-hours, …)
  • Social security of employees.

What is the environmental impact once you have got the Product?

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Many people don’t realise that a garment can continue to impact on the environment once you own it. The amount of energy used to wash clothing, the impact of chemical detergents on the environment and the volume of water used, all add up each time you wash your item of clothing. Doing simple things can have a positive impact. Washing clothes in hot water uses excess energy, while washing in warm or even cold water reduces energy use and can be equally effective. Use eco-friendly detergents, they work wonderfully and are better for you and the environment.