ETHICALLY MADE

ETHICALLY MADE

Chunky Boy produces both "Handmade in Melbourne" and "Ethically made in China" knitwear. But what does 'Ethically Made' mean?

Ethically made means a product's production process adheres to moral and social standards. Ensuring fair labour practices, environmental responsibility and avoiding harm to workers, animals and the planet.

HANDMADE IN MELBOURNE

One-off beauties and limited edition knitwear is made by Lillie (Owner of Chunky Boy) in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. Lovingly hand crafted with traditional knitting needles and/or a domestic bulky knit machine and seamed by hand. A bulky knit machine is a large hand operated tool (no power) that allows you to knit with more than two needles at a time. The benefits of using this are; I can pay myself a living wage without causing major injury and I can keep knit production times below 3 weeks.

Our handmade knitwear supports local communities and manufacturing processes by sourcing 100% Australian Merino Wool from Nundle Woollen Mills. Located in New South Wales, Australia.

ETHICALLY MADE IN CHINA

Manufacturing in China may seem like a fast fashion cop out but it really isn't when it comes to producing top tier knitwear. China has long standing expertise in the machine knitwear industry, excellent customer focus and low MOQ (mass production is not our jam). The knitwear we produce together is far from fast fashion. Orders are small batch with a focus on quality craftsmanship and ensuring everyone along the supply chain is treated and paid fairly. Dongguan Huihua Garments Co., Ltd (DHG) is located in Dongguan City, China. It employs 20 staff who work Monday - Friday, no more than 10 hours per day. DHG aligned with Chunky Boys core values and ethics of integrity, care and sustainability. They are BSCI compliant, GOTS certified and RWS certified. But what does this mean?

BSCI stands for Business Social Compliance Initiative. It's a code of conduct and management system that scores companies social compliance. Its main objective is to protect workers' rights, ensure ethical business practices and promote environmental responsibility. DHG score the highest for NO forced labour, child labour, human trafficking, violence, discrimination or harassment towards their employees. They also score the highest for OHS, Ethical business behaviour and environmental protection.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a leading certification for organic textiles. It ensures that textiles are made from organic materials, using environmentally and socially responsible processes. It also includes fair labor practices and the assurance of no known toxic substances in the manufacturing process.

RWS stands for Responsible Wool Standards. This is a certification program for wool farmers and sellers that ensures animal welfare and land management practices. Chunky Boy is proud to only use 100% RWS Merino Wool.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Every Chunky Boy Garment is made from 100% RWS Merino Wool. A naturally occurring and renewable material that is environmentally friendly and degradable. Wool is naturally resistant to stains and odour. All garment labels/tags are made with 100% Cotton labels and printed using eco-inks. Leaving no trace behind! Wrapping your body in nature not plastics!

All items are shipped in 100% Recycled Packaging (recycled & reuse-able mailers, cardboard boxes, compostable mailers). The shipping labels are compostable too! And to top it all off, your order is sent via Sendle. Australia's first 100% carbon neutral delivery service.