Recycled Materials

Turning trash into treasure

Our primary recycling partner in Taiwan is a global leader in eco-friendly, high-quality textiles. When we visited the facility, we were blown away.
 
It’s not only trusted by the Taiwanese government but also certified by them, too. This certification is more than a stamp of approval - it ensures strict accountability for every step, from intake to output.
 
Once upon a time, the small island nation of Taiwan was overwhelmed by its waste. But it managed to turn things around and now recycles 55% of its waste (compared to 35% in the U.S.) thanks to government initiatives and a strong sense of community.
 
Believe it or not, recycling isn't just another chore in Taiwan - it's a community affair. Each night, neighbors gather to sort waste, turning something your parents would nag you to do into a social experience.
 
We also spent time with the Tzu Chi Foundation, a volunteer group that brings recycling to rural areas across Taipei. Led by retirees, their micro-recycling centers provide access, education, and a shared commitment to protecting the planet.

Cut & Sew

Stitched sustainably, made responsibly

We work with two core sewing partners in Vietnam. Both are SA8000 certified to guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers.
 
Our primary factory is in Thygesen, in northern Vietnam’s Hung Yen Province, and produces around 80% of our garments. It’s part of Thygesen Textile Group, founded in Denmark in 1931, which has nearly a century of sewing expertise.
 
Our secondary factory is in Tuntex, in southern Vietnam’s Soc Trang Province, handling around 10% of production. It has roots in a dyeing and finishing facility established in Tainan City, Taiwan, in 1954.

Since our production fluctuates, where we produce the remaining 10% of our production is dependent on how many things like socks, bags, and underwear we order. As you know, we hate waste, so we try to avoid unnecessary overproduction where possible.

DYE HOUSE

Adding color, not compromise

Dyeing is often an environmentally harmful process. Many facilities dump chemical dyes into nearby rivers, turning the water bright blue or red - the same water local communities rely on. This harms people, crops, and biodiversity. Unsurprisingly, this didn't fly with us.
 
Since day one, we’ve partnered with the same dye house, where we use OEKO-TEX-certified safe dyes. Every drop of wastewater is sent to our treatment plant just 100 feet away. There, eco-friendly dyes and stray fibers are filtered out, and the water is tested for safety. Only after the Taiwanese EPA's approval is the water released back into healthy streams.
 
And what about leftover dye mud? Instead of dumping it in landfills, we donate it to a local facility where it’s transformed into paving stones. Something to think about when you stroll down the sidewalk.

CERTIFICATIONS

Going above and beyond

Being SA8000-certified is key to our commitment to ethical manufacturing. This certification sets global standards for workers’ rights, ensuring safe conditions, fair wages, and the right to unionize. While similar to Fair Trade, SA8000 focuses specifically on factory environments rather than farming.

For us, it’s just the starting point. Everyone deserves work perks. We offer free lunch (and dinner for night shift workers) and guided exercise breaks because no one likes to be a desk gremlin (us included). We also provide free health checkups every six months and health insurance, something many employers deduct from wages. We believe in going the extra mile because we believe in treating our workers with the respect they deserve.

We want you to feel confident in where your Girlfriend Collective pieces come from, which is why we’ve included every bylaw SA8000 puts forth for their certification. Every factory we work with is regularly audited to ensure compliance, so you can trust the process and the people behind it.