Muzungu Sisters

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Muzungu Sisters Sustainability Actions

Started as a social enterprise

At Muzungu Sisters, we started our journey in sustainability and slow fashion in 2009, two years prior to our official 2011 launch. We started our project as a social enterprise that presented an antithesis to fast fashion, to bring rare hand-crafted timeless pieces to a wider audience.

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Uses natural materials

We use natural 100% biodegradable materials to ensure that all our pieces are fully compostable and will leave no trace on the environment, with the exception of the rPET fabric used for our swimwear that comes from recycled plastic bottles. We utilise deadstock fabric in upcoming collections and we focus on direct to consumer sales that will minimise waste.

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Uses certified cotton and silk

All our silk is OEKO-TEX certified. All our cotton is certified 100% organic. Our organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment, with systems in place to replenish and sustain soil fertility, reduce the use of toxins, fertilisers and pesticides while building biologically diverse agriculture.

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Works with artisan communities

We believe in transparency throughout the production chain, and we have known most of our artisans personally for many years. To be truly sustainable one should really buy less. Yet, as Muzungu Sisters is a social enterprise that sets out to empower artisans to continue to produce traditional crafts, this means we are constantly exploring more sustainable options while continuing our work to bring our artisan wares to a broader audience.

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Uses slow production methods

We have never wavered on our commitment to slow processes that are kind to the environment. We digitally print our textiles; digital printing is a far more sustainable option as it uses less energy, produces less waste, uses less water and has a smaller carbon footprint overall. In addition, we use non-toxic, environmentally friendly inks in our digital printing.

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Uses biodegradable packaging

We are constantly looking for ways to minimize our footprint. This commitment includes using only 100% biodegradable polybags to ship all our wholesale orders, and these bags are only used for wholesale partners that require this form of transparent individual packaging. Where we need to use packaging, our orders are packaged in 100% cotton canvas bags instead of plastic. These bags are biodegradable and can be reused again and again.

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Supports fair trade production

Our alpaca pieces are produced for us by the fair trade cooperative we work with in Cusco, Peru, and the alpaca is dyed using fruit and vegetable dyes.

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