Sustainability
Responsibly Towards a Green Future
In 2002, Spreadshirt entered the e-commerce business with big dreams. Since then, we've been helping people carry their individual message to the world – on products that are printed on demand, resource-efficiently, and exclusively for them. What began as a start-up is now part of the Spread Group, a global corporate group with more than 1,000 employees.
As a company that has grown significantly with its own production facilities, we are aware of our increasing responsibility for the planet and people. We want to transform our business with higher standards and have a positive impact on sustainability. Our Corporate-Social-Responsibility Report shows in detail how we live sustainability.
We bear responsibility for tomorrow.
Responsibility is a measurable value. It encompasses respect for our planet as well as for people and is built on sustainable business relationships. Our responsibility also includes questioning our own actions. We aim to strike a balance between the growth of our online business and its impact on the environment.
OUR PLANET
No Overproduction thanks to Print-on-Demand
Our business model is "Print-on-Demand." Unlike traditional manufacturers, we only print what customers have selected or designed themselves – and only when they place an order. We also produce only the desired quantity – from a single piece to a large order. Since Spreadshirt was founded over 20 years ago, sustainable production and business practices have been in the DNA of our company. This benefits not only us and our planet but also our customers, who return less than two percent of our products. This makes us an industry leader. Even returns are given a second life through donations and recycling.
Investments in Sustainable & Ecological Production
We regularly invest in modern, more environmentally friendly technologies and products. Recently, we upgraded to modern Kornit Atlas printers with an investment of €10 million. For digital direct printing, our standard printing method, we use sustainable inks, vegan pigments, and a particularly water- and energy-saving printing process. Since 2019, we have eliminated paper use in our production processes – saving the equivalent of 767 trees per year.
Our Own Green Product Line
Whether T-shirt or hoodie – we love sustainable products. That's why we are gradually expanding our range with many products made from ecological materials. The products in our own, multiple-certified premium collection are made from organic and eco-friendly fabrics, and other eco brands are already represented in our assortment. By the end of 2022, we aim to double the number of our green products. In this way, we will offer our customers a sustainable alternative in nearly every product category. We are also working on making the origins, materials, and certifications of our products more transparent.
Durable Products & Prints
Products made from high-quality fabrics and materials last longer – making them particularly sustainable. Every product is thoroughly tested before we add it to our assortment. We test the durability of fabrics and prints through a series of test prints and several washes. After printing, we check for possible chemical residues, color brilliance, and precise processing. Even for products that have been in our range for a longer time, we regularly check customer feedback to ensure consistent product quality.
Renewable Energy
The transition to renewable energy is a simple but important step in the right direction. Since 2020, we have covered the electricity needs of our servers in the EU and our Leipzig headquarters entirely with green electricity. We plan to do the same for our locations in the USA.
Certifications and Labels
Stanley & Stella
The trend label Stanley & Stella is more than just a manufacturer of good eco-clothing. Stanley & Stella combines absolute wearability with a touch of rock ‘n’ roll and a deep green conscience. From the organic cotton farmer to the clothing manufacturer, the label only selects partners whose sustainable and environmentally conscious actions, as well as their respectful treatment of employees, it has personally verified.
Certifications and Labels: Öko-Tex® Standard 100, FWF
Memberships: FWF
For more information on sustainability at Spreadgroup, visit here: https://www.spreadshirt.de/nachhaltigkeit