“Since day one, back in 1986, as the head designer, founder and CEO of Andiata, I took the decision to do things well and strive for the right choices. To take focus on quality and craftsmanship in order to create designs that will last for years to come. Designing products that have a timeless appeal, and which will last beautifully over the years – both in terms of style and quality.

Finnish nature has always been a significant source of inspiration for me. Its fresh air, wilderness and changing seasons. It has to be protected for our children, so that they too will be able to see the beauty of it. Sustainability is a continuous journey, a step by step process. We are not and we will never be perfect at it. Nevertheless me, my daughter and the whole Andiata team are committed together to become better at it, year after year.

It is our responsibility together to support a better future, and do our part in securing the tomorrow of our planet.”

Tarja Rantanen, Head designer and CEO

Manufacturing

Today, two-thirds of our designs are produced in Europe. Furthermore, to minimize our carbon footprint, most of our production is based only two hours away from our manufacturing headquarters in Estonia. For the rest of our items we work with carefully chosen manufacturers, depending on the supplier expertise, the supply of materials, and in general when the option is appropriate for our designs and standards.

Design process

Our design ideology is to produce clothes, that one can wear from year to year, and pass on from mother to daughter. To create this highest quality craftsmanship, our design team works closely together with our own pattern makers and seamstresses at our design studio in Helsinki. We have also made the decision to release only two seasonal collections each year. In this way we can decrease our logistic needs and carbon footprint.

Materials

The soul of Andiata is high-quality fabrics. 70% of the materials used in our collections are of natural origin, and only 30% are synthetic. Each material has their pros and cons, but we aim to choose the ones that have the lowest impact on the environment, without compromising the beautiful, refined touch and look our designs are known for.

Recycling

Each year we aim to reduce the amount of packaging and plastic we consume. From the year 2020 onwards, all of our hangers are produced with recycled plastic, and our packaging bags are partly recycled plastic.

Repair service

We want to ensure, that each of our designs will have the longest possible lifetime. Therefore we offer to repair our customers’ old, used Andiata garments, free of charge.

Our sustainable materials

This is where we are now – our aim is to increase the amount of sustainable eco-fabrics within our collections each season. The usage of these materials vary depending on the time of the year.

Recycled polyamide

Polyamide is a light and durable synthetic material, that does not wrinkle easily. In the upcoming Andiata Spring/Summer 2021 collection we use recycled polyamide in shirts, reducing our consumption from production operations. We continually strive to develop our material selections for the better and increase the share of recycled materials in our collections, to create increasingly sustainable fashion.

RDS-certified down

Andiata only uses RDS-certified (Responsible Down Standard) down. The RDS-standard guarantees the fair treatment of animals, banning the gathering of down and feathers from live birds, and the force feeding of birds. An independent and certified auditor reviews each supply chain player individually, so the RDS-standard also guarantees the traceability and the origin of the down. Only products containing 100% of certified down are applicable to use the RDS-logo.

Organic cotton & organic blends

Organic cotton is a more environmentally friendly alternative to regular cotton, as it requires less water and does not use genetically modified seeds or harmful chemicals and pesticides in its production. Therefore, it is safer for the soil and the ecosystem. Andiata uses GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic cotton that has the smallest environmental impact. Our collections have products from 100% organic cotton as well as from organic cotton blends.

Lyocell

Tencel, lyocell and other man-made cellulose fibers are manufactured from renewable, fast growing trees. These certified, bio-based fibers manufacturing process is ecofriendly, and they are 100% compostable and biodegradable.

Triacetate

Our triacetate fabrics come from our trusted Japanese supplier. Triacetate is created by combining acetate with cellulose, resulting in a strong and durable fabric with a smooth finish. Triacetate does not wrinkle or pill easily, so it is easy to take care of and can be made into clothing that last for decades to come.

Mulesing-free merino wool

Renewable and biodegradable merino is one the world´s finest wool qualities, as its fibers are softer than those of regular wool. Therefore, merino wool products are suited also for people with sensitive skin. The merino wool used by Andiata is mulesing-free, meaning that the lambs are not harmed with the painful mulesing process. Ethically raised, the first-class merino wool coming from a South-African farm is soft, beautiful, and fine.

Responsible wool

Our responsible wool fibers come from Tasmania, Australia from the Beaufront farm. The farmers, Von Bibra family, are fourth generation lamb farmers, taking especially good care of their animals and the land. Our responsible wool fabric is manufactured by a reputable Italian wool factory near the Italian Alps. The factory is a pioneer in sustainable production, meeting their energy needs with solar- and hydropower.

Linen

The flax plant offers one of the most remarkable eco-friendly and biodegradable materials: linen. The tough flax plant can survive in poor soil and requires 60% less water than cotton. Farming flax does not require artificial irrigation, fertilizers, or pesticides, and therefore does not contribute to the pollution
of water bodies or groundwater. Additionally, different parts of the flax plant can be utilized, ensuring not a single part of the plant is wasted. High-quality linen clothing last for decades when cared for properly.

Eco-friendly cashmere

Originating from Asia, cashmere is a durable natural wool that is light and warm. The high-quality Andiata cashmere comes from Inner-Mongolia, where the world´s finest cashmere is produced. Our cashmere is dyed with environmentally friendly dyes and has a soft and silky feel. To increase the transparency of our supply chain, starting from the Autumn/Winter 2020 collection, each Andiata cashmere products origin can be traced through a QR-code attached to the product hang tag.