Sustainability is obviously very important for ifluo. That's why I chose to work with sustainable fabrics and do the production in Belgium. Even though this costs me a lot more than having everything made in Asia with cheaper fabrics and production costs.
90% of the fabrics used for the ifluo backpacks come from Spain. My supplier specialises in making fabrics with recycled materials. The raw materials they use are PET bottles or clothing scraps. These are ground and treated into yarn so that new fabrics can be woven from them.
Production is done at the tailoring company De Zonnehoeve in Nazareth, 8 km from where I live. They offer paid work in an adapted, protected working environment for people distanced from the regular labour market. Several deaf ladies and gentlemen work in the sewing workshop, cutting and stitching materials with the utmost care. And this within cycling distance! I am so happy with this collaboration.
The buckles, zips and reflective materials do come from Asia. For these, I am still looking for European suppliers who offer somewhat affordable. Please let me know if you know or are a supplier.