How Kastlfel's Responsible Manufacturing Speaks to Customers
f your clients are looking to print their artwork and brand name on high quality apparel that has its roots in sustainable manufacturing, the Kastlfel line is one they need to check out. Founded in 2015, Kastlfel (pronounced Castle-fell) is an apparel brand that was started with the goal of building a supply chain from the ground up, which would help ensure their entire manufacturing process was ethical and responsible, with minimal impact on the environment.
“Everything we do is aimed at producing the best possible fabrics and garments with the least possible waste and environmental harm. While this ‘slow fashion movement’ takes time, we’re doing it as fast as we can."
While it’s not popular, because it’s slower to build and maintain this type of transparent supply chain, it’s the right thing to do with apparel. We’re an all-in sustainable brand,”
- Tyler Swan, Chief Revenue Officer at Kastlfel
And when they say they’re all-in, they really mean it. Kastlfel only partners with industry-certified facilities that comply with environmental and social compliance on things like wages, alternative energy, recycling water, and waste disposal.
Here’s a closer and quick look at why Kastlfel should be considered for all of your corporate and environmentally conscious clients.
Eliminating Waste is a Top Priority
One of the benefits of Kastlfel building their manufacturing and supply chain from the ground up is that they’re able to track their impact and have greater control over energy and waste reduction.
“Kastlfel estimates that one of their t-shirts keeps around 6 1/2 ( 16.9 oz ) plastic bottles out of landfills, saves an estimated 18 quarts of water and also enough energy to power a 42“ TV and Xbox for approximately 4 hrs.”
They’ve also estimated that, for every 3,500 garments Kastlfel produces, the company:
- Saves 6,704 gallons of water
- Eliminates 20,150 - 16.9oz plastic bottles from landfills.
- Conserves 12.4 million BTUs of energy – enough to power the average home for six months
Why this matters to customers:
According to an article featured in Elle Magazine, the thrifting market is estimated to double in size by 2027 and grow three times faster than traditional apparel markets. Millennials and Gen-Z consumers are a huge portion of this market, and part of the movement in thrifting is fueled by the effort to curb the amount of waste that comes from the fashion industry. Martina Igini, managing editor at Earth.org, revealed a startling statistic in her article on their website.
"Of the 100 billion garments produced each year, 92 million tonnes end up in landfills. To put things in perspective, this means that the equivalent of a rubbish truck full of clothes ends up on landfill sites every second.”
- Martina Igini, managing editor of Earth.org
Stats like this are exactly why corporate companies around the globe are becoming more strategic with their purchases, as they’re developing their ESG programs. It's also why Gen-Z is becoming more frugal with fashion. It’s also exactly why Kastlfel would heavily appeal to both audiences. Their products have both a premium feel and a mission behind them that aligns well with those ESG initiatives and values.
Kastlfel's Transitional Cotton Project™ Helps Expand Organic Farming
Much of the cotton Kastlfel uses is in their products is what they call “transitional cotton.” If you haven’t heard this term before, it comes from the company’s efforts to help more farmers switch their cotton crops over to organic pesticide-free processes. During the transition, these farmers need support, which is where Kastlfel comes in.
“The goal is for a farm to achieve organic certification over a three-year period. The transitional cotton is sold at conventional plus prices, which helps farmers until the farm is certified. Support by brands is essential to these farms and to promote the growth of organic agriculture and healthy practices.
Less than 2% of global cotton is organic, so we’re supporting growth by bridging the gap, as these farmers transition their land over the three years.”
- Jerry Wheeler, founder and CEO of Kastlfel
Since Kastlfel uses cotton from these farms to help support the transition process, they call it “transitional cotton”, because it’s not fully organic yet.
Why this matters to customers:
Some clients and end-users really want to know that what they’re purchasing isn’t going to harm the environment, but some also want these brands to be actively helping to make a difference in the world.
Kastlfel’s story and mission has that ability to speak to Gen-Z in a meaningful way, because they are very proactive in both trying to impact the growth of organic farming, and being mindful of the environment during their manufacturing processes. It’s those kinds of measures that they’re looking for from the brands they do business with today.
RecycledSoft™ Fabric Gives You Premium Fabric with a Mission
One of the biggest end results from all of Kastlfel’s work is the creation of their RecycledSoft™ fabric. They developed this with the goal of finding a way to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, landfill waste and dependence on petroleum, while supporting the growth of organic agriculture.
This super-soft, lightweight and quick-drying fabric combines transitional cotton and 40% GRS certified recycled polyester together. The result is a sustainably made garment with a premium feel, that is gaining traction on the retail front for its messaging and quality.
“On a larger scale, we sell shirts to national parks, zoos, museums and aquariums. The quality of the apparel and the ease with how it prints translates to the end-user enjoying the fit, hand and longevity of the garment.
- Tyler Swan, Chief Revenue Officer at Kastlfel
Why this matters to customers:
Both corporate and retail clients alike aren’t just looking for sustainability, but also quality. Kastlfel has done a great job at combining both and also adding in affordability to the mix as well. Their products are priced pretty competitively for a sustainably made premium tee.
Top Off Your Client’s Looks with Kastlfel Sustainable Headwear
Kastlfel is also giving headwear a makeover by bringing together both 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Twills and 100% GRS Certified recycled polyester mesh/visor boards. The result is one of the most sustainably made hats your clients will ever buy.
Why this matters to customers:
Whether you’re a distributor, decorator or lifestyle brand, headwear is a huge part of increasing the total order size of your sales. When working with clients, who are looking for products from companies with a sustainable brand story, having the ability to top off their orders with sustainably made headwear is a huge plus. They’ll also be pleasantly surprised at finding out they have more options to shop for and start looking at you as a total solution for their future needs.
Kastlfel is Continuing to Work Towards More Innovation and Transparency
Because Kastlfel was built around the mission of redefining what responsible manufacturing can look like, they’ll always be working towards more innovations and improvements that will have a positive impact on both the planet and the product. A lot of companies are increasingly connecting with this brand, so keep Kastlfel on your radar the next time you or your clients are looking for responsible fashion.
