In our opinion, the makers of the products are also responsible for the products. In this case that means us.
To us at Wølmark it is important to build a supply chain that doesn't harm the surroundings in any way, socially or ecologically.
We think that it is really fun and meaningful to be entrepreneurs when we can create value to different parts of our supply chain.
In this page we tell you how we carry our responsibility and how the value we've created shows in our actions. If you want to hear more of some specific part feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to answer all of your questions.
DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
Our products are designed in Finland. We take the responsibility to design the products ourselves with professional designers. Our first line of sweaters was designed by Elsa Hietanen. Also some of our logos have been designed with Elsa and her graphic designer husband Ismo.
We are manufacturing our products in Finland and Lithuania. In Tampere, Finland there is a family business called Nevil Oy. Nevil Oy manufactures smaller products like Skutsi for us. In Lithuania, Garlita knitting makes our sweaters. Sweaters are knit with Stol knitting machines which enable knitting in shape. So that there is no wool loss in manufacturing.
MATERIAL
In our products we use 100% alpaca wool which inspired us to start the company in the first place. Alpaca wool originating from Peru keeps you warm and dry on cold nights as well as warmer days. Sweaters, ponchos and other products made of alpaca wool are more breathable and moisture repellent than products made of any other wool.
Research tells us that alpaca wool is a more efficient insulation material than merino wool and because of its fiber structure it is very soft on skin. The material is naturally lanolin free (lanolin causes wool allergy) and that is why the yarn manufacturing process doesn't harm the environment so much. Shearing alpaca wool doesn't include any cruelty (unlike with merino and cashmere wool) and most of the alpacas live half wild in the Andes which are a natural part of the ecosystem.
The yarn used in our products is made in Peru. The material and manufacturing processes fulfill Fair Trade, GOTS and OEKO-Tex 100 certificates. These certificates support our operations, the quality of our products and responsibility.
PACKAGING AND LABELING
Packaging waste is one internationally growing environmental problem. We do not want to be part of this problem and that is why we have different packaging choices for you to choose from. We use recycled, ecological and nature preserving materials in our packaging. One of the methods we use is Re-Pack.
Read more about Re-Pack here
The care instructions and other information is labeled in the products with nylon or polyester labels that keep products stylish. We use these materials because they last for a long time like our products. Our brand labels are made of leather or polyester. We use domestic partners like Pinpops Oy to manufacture these labels.
NATURAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation protects Finnish nature. The foundation works to preserve endangered natural forests. The foundation acquires nature areas and guarantees funding in line with Nature conservation law.
We want to make our products to be enjoyed in the forest. That is why we want to make sure there are forests left to enjoy. We donate 5 € of every sold sweater to preserve Finnish natural forests. With one sweater you can protect 10 m2 of forest.
Read more about the Foundation.
