Behind the scenes: Our ethical production process at LUDE

In today’s fashion world, consumers are increasingly aware of how their clothes are made and the impact the production process has on the environment and society. At LUDE, our commitment to ethical production is at the core of our operations. We believe that fashion should not only look good but also be produced in a way that upholds the highest standards of sustainability and fair labor practices. To achieve this, we partner with factories in Spain and Latvia that share our values of environmental responsibility and ethical working conditions.

 

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the behind-the-scenes processes at these partner factories. From energy-efficient manufacturing to fair wages, we are proud to be part of a movement that places people and the planet first.

 

The importance of ethical production in fashion

Before diving into our specific processes, it’s essential to understand why ethical production is crucial in today’s fashion industry. The fashion sector has long been criticized for its contribution to environmental degradation, as well as poor working conditions in sweatshops around the world. Fast fashion brands are notorious for prioritizing cheap labor and mass production at the expense of both the workers and the environment.

In contrast, LUDE is committed to changing this narrative. We partner with factories that prioritize fair labor practices, sustainable production methods, and reduced environmental impact. By producing our apparel in ethical factories located in Europe, we ensure that each item of clothing is made responsibly from start to finish.

 

Partnering with ethical factories in Spain and Latvia

LUDEprint’s decision to work with factories in Spain and Latvia is not by chance. Both countries have strict labor regulations and environmental policies that ensure higher production standards compared to many other garment-producing regions. These factories are equipped with energy-efficient technology and are committed to sustainable manufacturing, reducing their carbon footprint through resource-efficient processes.

Our partner factories uphold ethical working conditions, including fair wages, regulated working hours, and safe environments for all employees. Workers are treated with respect and dignity, and strict labor laws in Spain and Latvia ensure compliance with local and international labor standards.

 

Energy-efficient production processes

The fashion industry is one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world, but at LUDEprint, we take steps to mitigate this impact. Our partner factories use energy-efficient machinery to reduce the amount of electricity and resources required to produce each garment. For instance, Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing technology, which we use for many of our custom designs, is known for its energy-saving properties compared to traditional screen printing.

In DTG printing, designs are directly printed onto the fabric using water-based inks, eliminating the need for screens and reducing waste. Moreover, this process minimizes water consumption, as no extensive cleaning processes are required after printing. Not only does this reduce energy and water use, but it also results in less chemical discharge, which is critical for protecting local ecosystems.

The factories also focus on minimizing carbon emissions through local sourcing of materials and optimized logistics. By operating production facilities in Europe, LUDEprint can reduce the emissions associated with long-distance transportation, as most orders are shipped within the region, ensuring a more localized, eco-friendly supply chain.

 

Sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at LUDEprint. Our partner factories are committed to using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester. Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making it better for the environment and for the farmers who cultivate it. Meanwhile, recycled polyester helps reduce plastic waste by repurposing materials like plastic bottles, preventing them from ending up in landfills or oceans.

Additionally, the factories employ water-saving techniques to minimize the amount of water used during production. Traditional textile manufacturing processes often require massive amounts of water, particularly for dyeing fabrics. By contrast, our production partners in Spain and Latvia use water-based, non-toxic inks that not only reduce water consumption but also limit the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.

Fair wages and ethical labor practices

At LUDEprint, we believe that the people who make our clothes are just as important as the clothes themselves. That’s why we are committed to partnering with factories that prioritize fair wages and ethical labor practices. All workers in our partner factories are compensated fairly, in accordance with local wage laws, and are provided with safe, clean working environments.

Spain and Latvia are both part of the European Union, meaning that labor laws in these countries are subject to strict regulations designed to protect workers’ rights. These regulations cover everything from working hours to health and safety standards. Additionally, our partner factories undergo regular audits to ensure compliance with both local and international labor laws, giving our customers peace of mind knowing that the products they buy are produced ethically.

 

Reducing waste with print-on-demand production

One of the biggest challenges in the fashion industry is overproduction, which leads to excess inventory and waste. At LUDEprint, we tackle this issue head-on through our print-on-demand model. This means that no product is made until a customer places an order, eliminating the need for excess stock and reducing waste.

By only producing what is needed, we minimize fabric waste and avoid the common industry practice of discarding unsold items. This not only reduces the environmental impact of fashion production but also allows us to offer unlimited customization for our customers without the risk of overproduction.

 

Quality control and packaging

At LUDEprint, we prioritize quality control to ensure that every item we produce meets the highest standards. Each garment undergoes a thorough inspection before being shipped to our customers, ensuring that the quality of the product matches the care taken in its production.

Our packaging also reflects our commitment to sustainability. Whenever possible, we use eco-friendly packaging materials that are either recyclable or made from post-consumer waste. This approach reduces the environmental impact of packaging and ensures that our products arrive in a way that aligns with our ethical values.

 

Conclusion: Ethical fashion for a better future

At LUDE, ethical production is more than just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to making fashion better for the planet and the people involved in its creation. By partnering with factories in Spain and Latvia, we ensure that every step of our production process, from the materials we use to the working conditions of our employees, upholds the highest standards of sustainability and ethics.

Our mission is to create clothing that not only looks good but also does good. Whether it’s through energy-efficient production, fair labor practices, or the use of eco-friendly materials, we are proud to be part of a movement that’s redefining fashion for the better.