Sustainable Fashion - Patchwork Dress

At HiHandmade, we take a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions and addressing key environmental issues. Here's how we're making a positive impact:

Sustainable Materials: We use natural cotton for our fabrics, which is biodegradable and reduces the need for synthetic, petroleum-based fibers. Our trims, including cotton labels and wooden or shell buttons, are 100% compostable, ensuring minimal waste at the end of the product's life.

Eco-Friendly Processes: Our hand-block printing techniques use significantly less water and energy compared to conventional methods. This not only conserves resources but also minimizes our carbon footprint.

Waste Reduction: We prioritize waste minimization in our production processes. By avoiding large-scale factories and working directly with artisans, we produce only what is needed, reducing excess inventory and waste.

Energy Efficiency: By using traditional artisanal techniques and avoiding energy-intensive machinery, we reduce our overall energy consumption.

Chemical Use: We avoid harmful chemicals and dyes, opting for natural, biodegradable and azo-free alternatives that are safer for both the environment and the artisans who work with them.

Packaging: We use minimal, eco-friendly packaging materials that are recyclable or compostable, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.

Through these efforts, HiHandmade is committed to reducing our environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future.

At HiHandmade, our products are crafted using environmentally friendly materials to ensure sustainability. Our primary fabric is natural cotton, which is chosen for its biodegradability and minimal environmental impact. We avoid synthetic materials and focus on natural fibers that are renewable and gentle on the planet. Additionally, our trims are 100% compostable, including cotton labels and wooden or shell buttons, which are biodegradable and sourced sustainably

i. We work with suppliers which align with our own values when sourcing materials and packaging materials. We ensure a sustainable supply chain is in place to reduce potential risks (environmental, reputational, and financial). Mission-aligned suppliers and distributors are those that employ positive social and environmental practices, such as fair labour and monitoring of energy, water, waste, and emissions.
ii. CandleXchange aims to give preference to the products and services of organisations that are recognised for their ethical and responsible trading, sustainable, socially responsible, and Women-owned businesses.
iii. We look for B Corp certification, fair trade, certified organic suppliers.
iv. Local Purchasing: CandleXchange are committed to give preference to locally produced goods and services, purchased from local and independent businesses to strengthen the economic base of the community.

Our purpose is to foster sustainability by reducing landfill waste with circular end of life solutions and supporting domestic violence survivors and refugees through our UpCandle program. The journey to fulfilling this purpose has qualified CandleXchange as a Certified Social Enterprise by Social Traders.

HiHandmade is deeply committed to inclusion and diversity across various dimensions. Founded by Sidhika, a first-generation immigrant and mother, the brand reflects her personal journey and cultural heritage. As a woman-owned business led by a brown woman, HiHandmade celebrates and integrates diverse cultural elements into its designs.

The brand is also committed to size and body type inclusivity, offering garments up to size 20 and ensuring that its timeless designs complement a wide range of body types. This commitment is central to HiHandmade's mission to create fashion that is both meaningful and accessible to everyone.

At HiHandmade, our circular model focuses on extending the life cycle of our fashion products and minimizing waste. We achieve this through several key practices:

Timeless Designs: Our designs are crafted to be versatile, allowing them to be dressed up or down. This ensures that each piece remains stylish and relevant over time.

Functional Details: Our garments come with practical features like pockets and belts that are both fashionable and functional, enhancing the usability and longevity of each piece.

Premium Materials: We use high-quality cotton that is durable and long-lasting. At the end of its life, this cotton is easily compostable, contributing to a zero-waste philosophy.

Azo-Free Dyes: To further support our circular initiative, we utilize azo-free dyes that are safer for both the environment and the wearer.

At HiHandmade, we offer eco-friendly services that include plastic-free packaging and prioritize sustainable practices from raw material selection to final product. Our commitment to small-scale production ensures fair pricing and high-quality craftsmanship, aligning with the principles of slow fashion. We focus on creating timeless pieces and therefore offer limited or no sale, unless we run out of sizes, reinforcing our dedication to sustainability and ethical consumption.