Sustainability

Responsible for a Green Future

In 2002, Spreadshirt entered the e-commerce business with big dreams. Since then, we've been helping people spread their unique message to the world – on products that are printed just for them, on demand, and thus resource-efficient. What began as a start-up is now part of the Spread Group, a globally operating corporate group with more than 1,000 employees.

As a fast-growing company with its own production facilities, we are aware of our increasing responsibility for the planet and people. We want to sustainably change and positively influence our business with higher standards. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report details how we live sustainability.

 

We are responsible for tomorrow today.

Responsibility is a measurable value. It encompasses respect for our planet as well as for people and is based on sustainable business relationships. Part of our responsibility is also questioning our own actions. We aim to find a balance between the growth of our online business and the impact it has on the environment.

 

No Overproduction Thanks to Print-on-Demand

Our business model is “Print-on-Demand.” Unlike traditional manufacturers, we only print what customers have chosen or designed themselves – and only when they order it. We also produce only the desired quantity – from single pieces to large orders. Since the founding of Spreadshirt over 20 years ago, sustainable production and business practices have been part of our company DNA. This is good not only for us and our planet but also for our customers, who return less than two percent of our products. We are industry leaders in this area. Even returns are given a second life through donations and recycling.

 

Investments in Sustainable & Ecological Production

We regularly invest in modern, more environmentally friendly technologies and products. Most recently, we upgraded to modern Kornit Atlas printers with an investment of 10 million euros. In our standard direct-to-garment printing, we use sustainable inks, vegan pigments, and a printing process that saves water and energy. Since 2019, we have completely eliminated paper in our order processing in our productions – saving the equivalent of 767 trees per year.

 

Our Own Green Product Line

Whether T-shirt or hoodie – we love sustainable products. That’s why we are gradually expanding our range with many products made from ecological materials. The products in our own, certified premium collection are made from organic and environmentally friendly fabrics, and other organic brands are already part of our range. By the end of 2022, we aim to at least double the number of our green products. In this way, we will offer our customers a sustainable alternative in almost every product category. We are also working to make the origin, materials, and certifications of our items more transparent.

 

Durable Products & Prints

Products made from high-quality fabrics and materials last longer – and are therefore more sustainable. Each product undergoes thorough testing before we add it to our range. We test the durability of fabrics and prints in a series of test prints and multiple washes. After printing, we check for any chemical residues, color brilliance of the print, and precise workmanship. Even with products that have been in our range for a while, we regularly review customer feedback to ensure consistent product quality.

 

Renewable Energy

The transition to renewable energy is a simple but important step in the right direction. Since 2020, we have been covering the electricity needs of our servers in the EU and our Leipzig headquarters entirely with green electricity. We plan to do the same for our locations in the USA.

 

Certificates and Seals

Stanley & Stella

The trendy label Stanley & Stella is more than just a maker of good eco-friendly clothing. Stanley & Stella combines absolute wearability with a touch of rock’n’roll and a deep green conscience. From organic cotton farmers to clothing manufacturers, the label only selects partners who it has personally verified for their sustainable and environmentally conscious actions, as well as their respectful treatment of employees.

Certificates and Seals: Öko-Tex® Standard 100, FWF
Memberships: FWF
www.stanleystella.com

More information on sustainability at the Spread Group can be found here: Sustainability at Spreadgroup