Newborn Merino Mittens | Grey Marle

We minimise waste by making sure all usable fabric is cut into beanies or mittens and donated to charity. Any fabric scraps too small to sew into something useful are adde to the filling of punching bags which are donated to low decile schools around New Zealand. Merino wool is 100% biodegradable. When it decomposes, like compost, it releases valuable nutrients back into the ground. We used exclusively GOTS certified dyes. Wool fibres are also biodegrade in marine environments, meaning no micro plastic pollution into our oceans. Our fabric is dyed by a company that recycles and re-uses 85% of their water. All Sweet Cheeks Merino packaging and swing tags are recyclable. We do not use poly bags or single use plastic when dispatching our goods. All our postage bags are compostable. We encourage customers to mend any holes first, pass unfit items onto family and friends, donate to charity or compost garments at the end of their life.

Merino wool is one of the most sustainable fibres. It is a totally sustainable circular fibre. It is 100% biodegradable (on both land and in the ocean). The reason this is so amazing is because this is the total opposite to synthetic fibres (polyester and nylon). Synthetic fabrics are made from fossil fuels and crude oil and does not breakdown. They take hundreds of years to decompose - releasing micro-plastics into the soil and the oceans as they do so. On the contrary, merino not only fully breaks down in a few months, it actually improves the quality of the soil as it does by releasing valuable nutrients back into nature. Merino sheep live off the land and the sun, they eat grass and drink water available to them in their environment. They need to be sheared yearly otherwise their fleece gets too heavy for the sheep to handle. In that regard merino wool is totally sustainable.

At Sweet Cheeks Merino, the services we offer are rooted in environmental responsibility. Our commitment to sustainability begins with our choice of materials, particularly merino wool, which is 100% biodegradable and renewable. By offering garments made from this natural fibre, we promote products that do not contribute to landfill waste or microplastic pollution, unlike synthetic alternatives.

We also embrace slow fashion, offering durable, high-quality clothing designed to last for years and be passed down through families. This reduces the need for frequent purchases, conserving resources and minimising waste. Additionally, we offer guidance on how to care for merino wool garments in an eco-friendly way, such as reducing washing frequency to save energy and water.

Our zero-waste production approach ensures that leftover fabric is repurposed into other products or composted, and our recyclable and compostable packaging further reduces our environmental footprint. By prioritising sustainability at every step, our services contribute to a healthier planet.

Sweet Cheeks Merino is a small family business who supports other small family business when possible. Our fabric broker, pattern maker, cutter and sewer are also all small family business. We personally know the people behind the products. All our clothing is manufactured in Auckland, New Zealand where we can frequently visit the suppliers. We work with our suppliers to ensure that our good are produced in a way that minimises the amount of waste - no excess packaging and sustainable production.

At Sweet Cheeks Merino, we believe in the importance of giving back to our community. As a little company that spans across Australia and New Zealand we have selected a handful of little but important charities to support. Not only are we able to provide Sweet Cheeks Merino to families who would not be able to afford our clothing but it completely minimises our production waste. All fabric off cuts are cut into beanies and mittens which are then donated to families in need. Growing up in New Zealand, we know first hand just how cold the winter mornings can be. And too many houses in New Zealand are not built with sufficient heating. By donating what we can, we are doing our part to help ensure that every newborn starts their life toasty and warm. As our brand grows, we cut more and more fabric which produces more scraps, more samples, more end of line products which we can then donate. By continuing to support Sweet Cheeks Merino, you are helping to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of newborns each year.

We are a small family business, its all hands on deck!

At Sweet Cheeks Merino, our circular model is built on sustainability, waste reduction, and longevity. We use merino wool, a fully biodegradable and renewable fibre, which naturally breaks down at the end of its life, enriching the soil rather than contributing to landfill waste. This circularity starts with the materials we choose and extends throughout the lifecycle of our products.

We focus on creating durable, timeless garments that are designed to last and be passed down through families. Our slow fashion approach ensures that our pieces maintain their quality, reducing the need for frequent replacements. When garments are no longer needed, we encourage customers to mend, pass on, donate, or compost them, ensuring they re-enter the natural cycle.

Additionally, we minimise waste in production by using leftover fabric to create items like beanies and mittens, which we donate to charity. Fabric scraps too small to use are either recycled or composted, ensuring that every part of our material is utilised responsibly.