Our sustainability criteria

The Fair & Social criterion includes two interrelated areas: socially acceptable conditions in production and fair trade. It is important to us that the products of our contractual partners are made from raw materials that meet the Fairtrade standards. Fairtrade encompasses more: both the cultivation and processing of raw materials, as well as the transport and marketing and fair remuneration of those who create the raw materials and products. Products certified with the Fairtrade seal guarantee that the value chain has taken place without exploitative intermediary trade and that the products have not been created by the hands of children.

The Fair & Social criterion also includes products that are manufactured in the course of a social project, such as in a workshop for the disabled. The employees receive a fair wage and honest prospects for the future. A product or offer also falls under our Fair & Social criterion if a portion of the proceeds are donated by the manufacturing/responsible company to charitable organizations/for social purposes.

The focus of the criterion " reduced pollutant production " is on the reduction or elimination of ingredients that are harmful to humans or our environment. Only low-pollutant or pollutant-free ingredients are used, which can also be traced. Especially allergy sufferers will be happy about that!

The use of natural ingredients such as herbal extracts or essential oils in the cosmetics sector also counts towards this criterion, as does the minimisation of pollutants in the reduction process, such as the use of water-based varnishes for wood products.

Bed linen, clothing or towels are textiles that are in direct contact with the skin. The transparency that we would like to achieve through our verifiable criterion for pollutant-reduced production is intended to facilitate the purchase decision in our shop.

By regional production we mean products made in the most diverse regions of the world. With this criterion we would like to give a name to people and companies that we know & trust. The manufacturers are mainly small manufactories that produce high-quality niche products.

In smaller, manufactories value is placed on craftsmanship, whether it is furniture or accessories made by hand. The high quality with simultaneous handwork is achieved through the enthusiasm of the manufacturers, through professional qualifications and attention to detail. Through these businesses & manufactories, craftsmanship is preserved and jobs are secured in the individual regions.

The criterion longevity distinguishes products that are long-lasting due to their robust, sustainable materials and thus reduce the consumption of resources. The high quality of the products combined with a timeless design have a significantly increased ecological value: due to their long life expectancy, they outlast trend cycles and are a meaningful contrast to the throwaway society!

Whether high-quality raw materials, construction or resilience: durable products are characterised by individuality, exceptionality and attention to detail. Whether it's children's toys or furniture, decorative objects or clothing - with durable products, the battle is declared against the fast-moving mass market and conscious shopping becomes possible. Buy a durable product and enjoy it for a very long time!

This criterion refers to products that come from certified organic cultivation. These products receive certificates that provide proof of origin or refer to assessment standards in the field of organic cultivation. These certificates are valid for food, but also for textiles. Austria, Switzerland and all other EU countries have their own organic quality labels that refer to organic cultivation, as does the EU standard "EG Öko-VO", which creates regulations in this area.

The area of textile certificates is becoming increasingly important, because high-quality textiles made from raw materials that are grown organically, such as organic cotton, last longer and feel pleasant on the skin. Often the proven organic cultivation goes hand in hand with other criteria such as fair trade.

Climate affects us all. That is why it is important for us to include products in our range that are climate-friendly, i.e. that save CO2. Conserving resources in production means planning and using the required resources efficiently in the production process and making the supply and transport chain as resource-efficient and CO2-saving as possible.

Our resources can be conserved in many ways. Climate-friendly products help the environment by emitting less greenhouse gases, and they also save valuable energy. In addition to eco-efficient production, renewable raw materials such as linen, hemp or bamboo are important factors in production that can replace energy-intensive or rare raw materials.

"Re-introduce into the cycle" - The recycling criterion covers products that can be easily recycled or composted after use. During the manufacture of the product, care is already taken to ensure that the raw materials or materials used for it can be reused in subsequent product cycles.

Upcycling, on the other hand, describes products that have been created from "rubbish" and are thus upgraded and made usable. So to speak, to create artistic or practical objects from the waste that becomes a recyclable material. Upcycling finds its place especially in art, when creative pieces are created from recycled materials, thus protecting our resources.

Only handmade products fall under this category. Traditional handwork is the focus, all products are unique in their appearance and tell a story. The handmade products are made of different materials, such as sustainable wood, glass or stone. Each piece is unique.

When products are handmade, they always differ a little from each other, often it's just nuances of colour, small joints or a different wood grain. The high quality and attention to detail speak for themselves. The Handmade criterion supports traditional arts and crafts and is therefore very close to our hearts.