In 2005 Mantis launched it’s Tender Loving Clothing ™ (TLC) range; the aim being to take a positive step towards more sustainable production. Made from 100% certified organic cotton, the TLC collection provides customers with the choice of organic cotton in the three Mantis World brands of promotional wear: Mantis, Humbugz and Babybugz.

The range is manufactured from 100% Organic Cotton grown in East Africa and is certified by the accredited organisation EcoCert International. The resulting cotton is manufactured into fabric using no chemicals to retain its natural ecru colour, while 2007 has seen Mantis introduce colours to the range using certified organic dyes.

Organic and Fairtrade does, however, come at a cost and often this is something not understood by the end user when they are looking to source organic and fairly traded products.

Many customers ultimately chose to take a ‘natural’ colour product and support it with the Ethical Policy of the manufacturer when looking to purchase an‘ethical’ product. T-shirts manufactured in natural have received no dye process.

The Ethical Policy provided by a manufacturer will often provide information not only on the working conditions, pay and freedoms of association for their factory workers, but will often contain information on the manufacturer’s policy on environmental impact.

Brands that produce products in natural include Fruit of The Loom, Jerzees Colours and Gildan.

To support their Ethical Policy a manufacturer’s products are often supported by the Oeko-Tex standard.

This standard contains analytical tests for specified harmful substances and gives limiting values based on scientific considerations. A manufacturer whose product meets the requirements set by the standard is licensed to use the registered mark or label "Tested for Harmful Substances according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100" on his product.

Further re-enforcement is then given to the Ethical policy through membership of independent organisations dedicated to the promotion and certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing such as WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production) and FLA (Fair Labor Association).

Web: www.uk-leisurewear.com
Tel: 01793 496 599

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