Sustainable Style From Elvang Denmark
Placing responsible thinking at the centre of everything they do, Elvang Denmark have been sustainable since 2003. A recognized member of the WFTO, their sustainably-sourced alpaca wool is up to 80% recycled and made to last. We take a look behind the brand and their commitment to trading ethically…
Elvang Denmark built themselves on a foundation of ethics, integrity and respect for their surroundings, the people they work with and the designs they make. Creating luxurious sustainable textiles in a timeless Danish design that you’ll never tired of, their collection will add some cosiness to your home.
It all began after returning from a backpacking trip to Peru in 2002, founders Tina & Lasse Elvang experienced the vast traditions of Peruvian culture and discovered one of the finest fibres in the world – alpaca wool. A year later, Elvang Denmark was born and they were first to introduce alpaca wool throws to Scandinavia.
What is Alpaca Wool?
Elvang Denmark chose alpaca wool not only for its exceptionally soft texture but because the animal, as well as its wool, is considered one of the most sustainable combinations. Extremely unique compared to other materials, alpaca wool is exceptionally soft and made up of long-lasting, hypoallergenic and insulating fibres.
There are around four million alpacas in the Peruvian Andes Mountains, which accounts to roughly 80% of the world’s alpaca population, and they lead pretty sustainable lives compared to other wool-producing animals. They drink from natural springs (means no running water goes into livestock caretaking) and when they graze in the Andes Mountains, they bite grass straws instead of pulling out the root like many other animals. They also produce more wool in more colours, which means less dying the final products - an unbeatably sustainable combination.
Trading Sustainably
Their goal is sustainability, something they can only achieve by taking responsibility. As a recognized member of the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization), they only use sustainably-sourced alpaca wool which is up to 80% recycled. The WFTO recognition and their participation in the UN Global Compact Initiative ensure the protection of people, animals and the environment. It also guarantees that their collective supply chain in investigated in terms of complying with the demands of fair trade, this includes the entire company from Denmark to Peru, and must be renewed every other year.
There are ten principals they’re required to adhere to:
- Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers
- Transparency and Accountability
- Fair Trading Practices
- Payment of a Fair Price
- Ensuring No Child Labour and Forced Labour
- Commitment to Non-Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment and Freedom of Association
- Ensuring Good Working Conditions
- Providing Capacity Building
- Promoting Fair Trade
- Respect for the Environment
Want more sustainability inspiration? Explore our One Planet initiative and discover how we’re doing our bit to help the planet.