FOR THE EARTH
The global apparel system puts the pursuit of profit before human health, environmental respect and safety. We are showing consumers a better way, a connected way: products that empower their makers and connect us to the people that make our things. Marlin Ray is deeply committed to sustainable production and transparency. See the impact tracking of the poncho here.
NATURAL AND ORGANIC FIBERS
Marlin Ray's surf ponchos are made with lightweight 100% cotton fabric designed and woven in a factory located in Kerugoya, Kenya. For the cool weather version, we have lined the poncho using 100% organic cotton French terry from India.
GOOD FOR THE EARTH & PEOPLE
Our fabric is cut and sewn into ponchos by Wildlife Works, the world's only carbon neutral, fair trade factory that protects wildlife in the savannah of rural Southeast Kenya.
Your Marlin Ray purchase goes directly to protecting wildlife and forests by creating sustainable jobs that replace harmful livelihoods such as wildlife poaching and clear cutting.
PLASTIC FREE SUPPLY CHAIN
We use 100% recycled paper hang tags that are attached with cotton string and stainless steel safety pins. Care and content info screen printed directly onto canvas labels. The poncho seams are reinforced for strength with 100% woven strips instead of the conventional polyester fusing.
Our products are shipped from the factory in durable brown paper bags with multiple items per bag. Conventional shipping requires each product to be individually poly-bagged. The shipping box is lined with plastic repurposed from the shipping of fabric bolts. Customer shipping materials are made of paper and recycled paper, even the tape sealing the package -- thus all is compostable or recyclable.
The little plastic we are using include
- polyester thread but are doing research to find 100% cotton thread that is strong enough
- the back of the Avery Sticker labels are made of coated plastic
- the adhesive backing on the USPS box flap is made of coated plastic
- plastic used by our textile and raw materials vendors
FAIR TRADE PRODUCTION
Fair trade factories are established with guidelines to protect the well being of its workers by providing them with fair wages, safe working environments, legal work hours, health and other social benefits. Fair trade factories are also committed to various environmental standards to protect our planet and its people.
Wildlife Works is Fair Trade USA certified and provides sustainable, local, and full time jobs with fair wages, free childcare, and full health benefits for all of its workers. Profits also go towards education, health and social programs in the local community.
CARBON NEUTRAL
MEET THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR SURF PONCHOS
The 70+ workers at Wildlife Works factory are hired locally and live near the factory. Their daily commute to work is a beautiful walk along the edge of the Kenyan savannah. Learn about how they make our ponchos here.
