Untouched World

It is estimated that the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles’ worth of microplastics enter wastewater every year from washing synthetic garments. There’s no single solution to tackling fashion’s impact on the planet but we do know that wool fabrics - even those treated with Hercosett resin to be machine washable - are biodegradable in marine environments. This means that 100% wool fabrics do not contribute to microplastic pollution. Learn more about the biodegradability of wool here: https://lnkd.in/geQq3mdv   Sources: CIRFS, The Woolmark Company, ICAC, Fibre Organon (2022). Ellen MacArthur Foundation: A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future (2017). Marine Biodegradation Behavior of Wool and Other Textile Fibers (2024).

Untouched World wear sustainability on their sleeve 🌱   Our crew recently popped in to see the POS signage in the newly opened Untouched World Newmarket store. What makes this signage different? It's printed on recycled Untouched World textiles 👗   Sustainability comes first for Untouched World- in the design, production and end of life for their garments. So naturally, they are proud to embrace their production offcuts in signage throughout their stores nationwide, avoiding the use of virgin, non-recyclable materials.    Head into any Untouched World to see textiles transformed into their new life in Retex and Alpine, and support this Kiwi designer leading the charge in circular design!   Keen to discover how your organisation can reduce carbon emissions and waste to landfill? Get in touch: https://lnkd.in/ggGp662g #sustainablesignage #sustainablemerchandising

The theme for our Auckland Store opening event - 'Timeless is more' accompanied a dress code of 'Something you've had in your wardrobe for over ten years'. Our Founder Peri wore an Untouched World skirt from 18 years ago! A fantastic embodiment of our philosophy.⁠ ⁠ Peri's words on the night were: “In fashion, less has always been more. But when the items we choose are truly timeless we get even more. When the production methodology is sustainable, the style is everlasting, and the quality is exceptional - that is more."

This week our Founder Peri received a commendation in the Transformational Leadership Award category, at the Sustainable Business Network awards. It's fantastic to see her recognised for nearly 30 years of work, building a fashion company that challenges the status quo. From our launch in 1995, to being the first fashion company in the world to be recognised by the UN for sustainability, we're proud to be trailblazers. Sustainable Business Network

People often ask me about our retail strategy as a business, my answer is simple. The spaces we create for our customers are intrinsic to our success because they are an immersive experience of our brand. That experience is enriching and deeply connecting for our customers and our team. Our beautiful new retail store in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a wonderful example of how our brand comes to life in the retail environment and how that space honors the land and its history. Natural elements are woven into the clothing displays; cabbage trees, swamp kauri, wool yarn, beaten metal, and hand-forged nails. Every single touchpoint is considered and connects back to what came before – from the lone cabbage tree that once stood in Newmarket to the historic metal workers building that is our new home. This so much more than a place to house and sell our garments, it’s a place full of connecting, enriching stories.

We’re pleased to share that we have joined the Australian clothing stewardship scheme Seamless. It’s a fantastic concept, planning to transform how clothing is made, used, reused, and recycled. The scheme isn’t yet compulsory, but the alignment with our circularity goals made it an easy decision. Sustainability Manager Fiona shared her views: “We currently divert 99% of our waste from landfill, helped by Circular Initiatives like our Rubbish Socks, so to join Seamless was a great opportunity to lead by example and broaden our impact in the industry.” Read more about the scheme here https://bit.ly/48UgRfT

We're excited to partner with James Cropper to introduce garment tags made from recycled denim and coffee cups. These tags will feature on our new recycled denim tote bags, which are made with offcut fabric from previous collections. This collaboration is a meaningful step towards our goal of ensuring all packaging materials are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable.

After an amazing year with us, we’re bidding farewell to Charlotte instone. Since joining the Untouched World team last September, Charlotte has brought her passion for sustainability and a wealth of marketing know-how, making a real impact along the way! Thank you, Charlotte. Wishing you all the best on your next adventure!

We’re excited to announce our Founder, Peri has made the Next 95 – an annual list of innovators and entrepreneurs progressing sustainable business in New Zealand, announced today by the Sustainable Business Network. Selected from the 2024 Sustainable Business Awards entries, we can’t wait to see what’s next. Wish us luck for the big night on 27 November! Check out the whole list: https://lnkd.in/gbhcvQrn

First look! Welcome to the new Untouched World store in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. We’re thrilled to take you on a tour of our space. This is a reflection of our brand’s ethos of sustainability, timelessness, and connection to the land. From the natural tones to the carefully selected materials, every corner of this store has been designed to make you feel at home. Step inside, virtually or in person, and be part of something timeless. #UntouchedWorld #SustainableDesign #AucklandStore #NewmarketNZ