MELA is Hindi and stands for „acting together“.
Fair and ecological
For us, sustainable production begins with the careful selection of raw materials. That is why we at MELAWEAR only use ecologically grown organic cotton. We have consciously chosen a renewable natural product and decided against petroleum-based synthetic fibers such as polyester. Cotton is traditionally the most widespread natural fiber in the textile industry. Natural seeds are used for the cultivation of our organic cotton. The use of genetically modified seeds is strictly prohibited for organically grown organic cotton and toxic pesticides are also not used. For us the following is valid: No use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The production of organic cotton requires less water than conventional cotton. Only natural fertilizers are used, so that the natural soil richness fertility is maintained. The valuable humus content of the soil increases and erosion is reduced. In addition, our Indian organic cotton is harvested gently by hand. We only use Fairtrade certified organic cotton in the manufacturing of our products. Independent certification bodies check on site at least once a year that the standard is being met.
What is matter of course for the production of our textiles also applies to the materials of our shoes: We rely on renewable resources and natural products. That is why we use natural rubber for the soles of our MELA sneakers. The same applies to the foam and padding, which are also certified according to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). The organic rubber comes from Sri Lanka, the only country in the world that grows GOLS-certified natural rubber. We are also working there on a social-ecological project to further promote the organic cultivation of rubber. Since no petroleum-based raw material is used in our shoes, abrasion of the soles leaves no toxic micro-plastics behind. We believe in a holistic approach to environmental and health protection, all the way from production to use by end consumers.
With the Fairtrade and GOTS certifications and being inspired by Cradle to Cradle, we at MELAWEAR take responsibility for a sustainable textile production. The Cradle to Cradle approach describes a completely new way of thinking about and handling resources: It stands for continuous material cycles and a world without waste through the use of materials that serve as nutrients after the disposal. Inspired by Cradle to Cradle, we always design and optimize our products with the aim of using them for as long as possible and then bringing them into closed - biological or technical - cycles. That is why we refrain from using synthetic and mixed fibers. Our products should not be part of a problem, but quite the opposite: they should literally leave a positive footprint.
We take responsibility
We produce under fair conditions.
We use renewable raw materials.
We are in close contact with our producers.
Our cotton comes from ecological cultivation.
We maintain a personal and friendly relationship with our producers in India and Sri Lanka. For us at MELAWEAR this is also part of a sustainable production. Only together with our local partners, who share our values and visions for a sustainable textile industry, can we achieve a holistic change. For example, our textile producer Purecotz Ecolifestyles is the first garment factory worldwide to be certified according to the new Fairtrade textile standard. We are in close contact with all our producers, including regular visits to their production facilities. We have chosen to leave maximum added value in the country of origin of the raw materials. From the cultivation of organic cotton to the finished textile, all production steps take place in India or Sri Lanka. This allows us to create particularly short transport routes and to produce under the best ecological and social conditions.
- Has partnered with the GIZ to support the development of the organic rubber sector in Sri Lanka via the develoPPP program (on behalf of the BMZ). The objectives of the project are: To support plantations to become organic certified, to enable the rubber tappers to build up their own organic vegetable gardens and to ensure the further processing of the rubber complies with high social and ecological standards. As a result, the soles of our sneakers will be the first in the world to be produced according to the Global Organic Latex Standard.
- Is pilot member and license partner of the Green Button. We have supported the development of the German government’s textile seal with our expertise and are involved in its ongoing improvement.
- Is trade partner and supplier to the Weltladen-Dachverband (the association of Fair Trade shops). The Weltladen shops have been important players and guarantors of fair trade for decades. We have found reliable partners in the Weltladen shops since MELAWEAR was founded.
Why we need your help
We produce sustainable fashion without compromises: 100% fairtrade and organic certified. However, we don’t stop here. As a sustainable fashion brand we have the responsibility to make decisions every day about how we can make our fashion even better beyond existing certifications. In this process we almost always choose people and the environment. And these decisions almost always result in additional costs: costs that have risen steadily since we were founded in 2014 and have recently jumped up significantly. The price increases for cotton alone were more than 50 percent last year.
It goes against our principles to raise prices across the board, because we want everyone to be able to afford sustainable fashion. That's why we let you decide for yourself whether you can and want to pay more for our MELA+ sustainability commitment
Support our sustainability-
commitment in India and Sri Lanka