Gachot was founded with a deep love for bold beauty, handcraft and all that the earth provides. There are people behind the clothes you wear, the products you use. There is cultivated land, a union of human labour and earthly forces. Creating 'sustainable' products means making something that is good for the environment, good for society and makes some good money for all parties involved. This philosophy is at the core of our supply chain.

Production

Textiles & Sourcing

Sustainability is not a given: every raw material has its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken into consideration for the production process. We are exploring and pushing our boundaries for the best sustainable resources.

At the start of every product creation we try to source as sustainable as possible. Organic fabrics and raw materials that require no or less chemical processes have our preference. We try to use recycled materials whenever that is the best suitable option, but we try to stay away from recycled polyester to minimize micro-plastics when pieces require regular machine-washing. Furthermore, we love to give a second life to vintage fabrics that might otherwise end up on landfills.

Dyeing

As you know, we love, love, love colourful designs. Unfortunately, the dyeing stage in textile manufacturing introduces a lot of chemicals found in inks and pigments. We are testing out various ways to bring bright designs to you that allow for the use of less water, energy and chemicals, and more recycling, re-using and other advanced technologies. Keeping the future of our planet as bright as our products!

CRAFTSMANSHIP

We love the beauty of all things handmade, and support artisan work in all of our designs. By choosing artisanal, handcrafted practices, we are also investing in employment beyond the mainstream industry, keeping age-old crafts and traditions alive.

SUPPLY CHAIN

For every product, we carefully consider the best manufacturing methods. Where do the raw materials come from and which techniques are needed? This way we keep control over working conditions and ensure all-round quality.
Currently we work with studios in both the Netherlands and India. Regular visits, daily Whatsapp contact ;) and taking the time to connect ensure that social and environmental standards are taken seriously.

MAKERS

By staying in close contact with our producers, visiting all sites regularly, we know who made each product. We give the makers ownership over the items they create. By putting their creative insights and skills into the designs, we ensure beautifully manufactured pieces. By keeping track of every item each maker personally makes, they know what they are paid for. Based on the amount of work and skills needed for a piece, we pay them well for their hard work.

SMALL BATCHES

To prevent deadstock, boring and repetitive work for our makers and overall mass-produced items that everybody is wearing, we manufacture all of our items in small batches. Furthermore, a lot of our items are unique, because we work with vintage materials that are impossible to copy or reproduce.

DURABLE

We also consider durability in every choice we make, making sure our sustainably made pieces actually withstand time and wear.
For some of our collections we work with upcycled fabrics made from vintage saris. By upcycling we are extending the lifespan of a cloth. However, it does take a bit of extra care from your side after purchasing. Read more on our tips for taking care of your vintage fabrics here.

Retail

SHOP

We love to tell you about our production process and materials. That's why we currently only sell in our online shop and at pop-up locations. 
On appointment, you are always welcome to visit our studio in the centre of Amsterdam, to see what’s in stock and try it on. Don’t feel obliged to buy anything when dropping by - we just love to see your happy face!

FAIR PRICING

We calculate every aspect of pricing as fairly as possible, and pay our textile workers a good price for their work. We aim for a 60% margin, to cover for our operational costs, research and other expenses. Our costs, margins and final retail prices are based on a one-woman business to be able to sell to a lot of other women! That means all marketing, sales, photo shoots and other pre- and after-production activities are done by me, with the help of my sweet friends. 
In the future, when all operational costs become more clear, I wish to break down the exact pricing and add it to every product page for more transparency. Not only keeping you informed about materials, processes and people, but on this little business as a whole. 

Shipment

PACKAGING

We are working towards a zero-waste and plastic-free supply chain. Therefore you’ll receive your items packed in bags that were made from our own fabric scraps. These bags don't just protect the garments, they were made for you to use as toiletry bags, to storage precious belongings or for any occasion on the go.
For the shipment packaging of our webshop orders, we make use of recycled and recyclable materials. To minimise waste, we ask customers to re-use the packaging to send the order back to us in case of returns. When throwing the packaging material away, please dispose of it as advised by your local authorities. We encourage separating your waste, to ensure an easy recycling process.

DOMESTIC DELIVERY | The Netherlands

For shipments within the Netherlands we collaborate with Cycloon and Fietskoerier. Inspiring parties that are committed to a sustainable and social impact in the field of logistics. 
They aim to deliver directly to the customer by bicycle courier as much as possible. Outside of the city, delivery takes place by cars that run on green gas, hydrogen or electricity. Operational activities in the distribution centres are carried out by employees with a distance to the labour market.

DELIVERY | International

We are still testing the best, fastest, most reliable and sustainable partner for international shipping. At this point we drop off orders at our local post office, where PostNL makes sure your package is transferred to your local post carrier. Therefore processing of shipments varies per country and continent. Read more for international shipping times and rates.
As long as we haven’t found the holy grail for sustainable shipping, compensating our emissions is one of the best ways to be sustainable. We offset the carbon footprint for all international shipments through sustainable investment, ensuring that your mail is delivered in a strictly climate neutral way.

 

If you have any questions after reading this page, please contact us.