Baukjen is a women’s fashion brand (founded in 2003 by Geoff van Sonsbeeck and Baukjen de Swaan Arons) that positions itself around lower-impact materials, European manufacturing, and a growing circular model (pre-loved and take-back).
1. Environmental
Sustainability
This rating evaluates the brand’s impact across key environmental risk categories, including raw materials and resource use, climate change, water use and pollution, chemicals and toxicity, land use, biodiversity, waste management, and circularity. Overview: Baukjen is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint through sustainable materials, waste reduction strategies, and emission reduction initiatives. The company employs circular design principles to extend the lifespan of garments and reduce overall resource consumption.
IMPACT AREA 01
Materials
& Sourcing
- Baukjen uses lower-impact materials, including organic and recycled cotton, man-made cellulosics (e.g., viscose/lyocell) sourced from Canopy “Green Shirt” suppliers, recycled wool, and other recycled inputs, aiming to reduce reliance on virgin feedstock and protect forests.
- They provide detailed fabric information for each product, for example, "50% pre-consumer recycled and 50% post-consumer recycled cashmere wool." They also provide fabric breakdowns, e.g., "70% Organic Cotton / 30% Recycled Polyester," enhancing consumer awareness of material choices.
- They list the exact fiber composition to ensure transparency, such as "Greencash: 70% recycled fibers and 30% TENCEL™." They also highlight their use of organic and recycled materials, for instance, "Newlife Recycled Polyester, made of 100% post-consumer plastics. 98.6% of the materials used for Baukjen clothing in this quarter were from responsible sources, meaning their origin is traced or they are produced with a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, 98.2% of the fibers used in this quarter (Q2, 2023) have a proven lower environmental impact.
- The brand incorporates regenerative wool and sustainable alternatives, using "Recycled Wool from the Italian district of Prato, where 22,000 metric tons are recycled annually.” Their wool strategy is to shift away from virgin wool where possible. 2022 wool was 51% recycled and 49% virgin; all virgin wool is mulesing-free, with further transparency work ongoing.
- The brand highlights its commitment to sustainable materials, for example, "Ecojilin Viscose, made from pre-consumer recycled cotton fibers, reducing waste and preserving tree cover."
- Plans to expand the use of certified fibers like GOTS and GRS, with a target of 100% low-impact materials by 2030. However, detailed progress details are currently limited.
- Baukjen uses FSC-certified packaging and is working toward eliminating all single-use plastics from its packaging. Also, the packaging is 100% recyclable and biodegradable as well.
- Baukjen aims to integrate regenerative sourcing practices and has begun exploring partnerships with farms implementing rotational grazing, but further details on scope and impact are needed.
IMPACT AREA 02
Climate
& Emissions
- Baukjen has set Science-Based Targets (SBTi) to reduce its carbon emissions and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
- The brand reports that its offices and warehouses are powered by 100% renewable electricity sourced from wind and solar power.
- Baukjen powers its offices and warehouses with 100% low-impact renewable energy and has committed to implementing 50% renewable energy across its Tier 1 and 2 suppliers by 2030 as part of the Fashion Pact.
- Baukjen offsets its remaining emissions through carbon reduction initiatives, including reforestation and renewable energy projects. The company has committed to international climate pledges such as the UN Fashion Charter Renewed Commitment, the Fashion Pact, the Amazon Climate Pledge, and the Terra Carta Sustainable Markets Initiative.
- Baukjen measures its carbon emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3, including the production of garments and trims from cradle to gate, to track and reduce its environmental impact.
- The brand actively reduces emissions by using renewable energy in operations and promoting low-impact production methods.
- Baukjen operates a take-back program, reclaiming and refurbishing used products. Through its "Pre-Loved" initiative, Baukjen refurbishes and resells pre-owned garments, contributing to circular fashion.
IMPACT AREA 03
Water
& Chemicals
- Baukjen uses water-efficient manufacturing techniques, such as the adoption of H2COLOR™ technology, which reduces water and energy consumption during the dyeing process.
- The brand adheres to the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) guidelines, to phase out hazardous chemicals in production.
- Some of its materials are OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances.
- The Baukjen uses eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices in its production processes.
- Baukjen uses Higg tools to estimate the carbon emissions of each garment throughout its supply chain journey. The "Low Carbon" credential is awarded to products with a carbon footprint lower than 15kg CO₂e.
IMPACT AREA 04
Circularity
& Waste
- Baukjen’s “Pre-Loved” program allows customers to return used garments for resale or recycling, extending the lifecycle of its products.
- The brand uses advanced pattern-cutting technology to minimize fabric waste during production.
- The brand is exploring fiber-to-fiber recycling technologies to create fully recyclable garments.
- Baukjen has reduced its packaging waste by 30% since 2019 and aims to achieve zero-waste packaging by 2025.
- The company invests in regenerative business models to create long-lasting, fully recyclable apparel.
- The company actively works to identify responsible end-of-life solutions for damaged inventory, including participation in fiber-to-fiber recycling initiatives. In 2023, it recycled 5,000 damaged units through this method.