Product
A Commitment to Product
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA understand that the sustainability impact of fashion largely stems from the raw materials stage. We prioritise sourcing fibres carefully, considering their impact on garment care and potential for recycling. Additionally, we minimise waste by using responsible packaging materials that are reusable, recyclable, or compostable.
Sourcing Products and Packaging in a Responsible and Sustainable Manner
Target 1: Aje 20% / A.A 70% Preferred Fibres
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA acknowledge that no fibre is perfect and that each and every fibre has an impact on both humanity and the planet, but there are fibres that are better for the environment and these are what Aje and AJE ATHLETICA refer to as ‘preferred’.
As such, Aje and AJE ATHLETICA have developed a Preferred Fibre List which can be viewed here.
In order to meet Aje and AJE ATHLETICA standards, the preferred fibre must account for >50% of the total main composition.
Target 2: Develop Packaging and Procurement Guidelines Working Towards 100% Packaging Aligned with the APCO 2025 Targets
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA have aligned their targets with APCO aiming to achieve the following 2025 targets:
- - 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.
- - 70% of plastic packaging is recycled or composted.
- - 50% of average recycled content is included in packaging (revised from 30% in 2020).
- - The phase out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging.
FAQs
Does Aje or AJE ATHLETICA source angora rabbit?
As part of our broader commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing, we are committed to promoting animal welfare in the supply chain.
All suppliers we work with are required to uphold our Animal Welfare Principles outlined in our Supplier Code of Conduct.
In response to the animal welfare concerns highlighted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Aje and AJE ATHLETICA ceased ordering product containing angora rabbit. We will maintain this position until it is completely satisfied that ethical standards of fibre procurement are being followed by the angora industry.
Does Aje or AJE ATHLETICA source cashmere?
Yes, Aje and AJE ATHLETICA do source a small amount of cashmere, always opting for cashmere that has been certified by Good Cashmere Standard (GCS).
Does AJE restrict where their cotton is sourced from?
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA recognise the principles of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and do not permit the sourcing of raw materials or labour from the Xinjiang province throughout its supply chain.
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA have also signed the Turkman Cotton Pledge, banning the use of cotton from Turkmenistan.
Further to this, we do not source cotton from Syria, Tajikistan or Uzbekistan.
How sustainable is your denim?
The Aje denim range is manufactured at a location with a water waste recycling plant, ensuring the water system is cleaned and recycled, to drastically reduce toxic dyes being released into the local environment.
Does Aje or AJE ATHLETICA source exotic skins?
No, Aje and AJE ATHLETICA do not source exotic skins.
Does Aje or AJE ATHLETICA source fur?
No, Aje and AJE ATHLETICA do not source fur.
Does Aje or AJE ATHLETICA source leather?
Yes, we use a small amount of leather.
In response to the number of environmental and animal welfare challenges that leather poses, Aje and AJE ATHLETICA is committed to partnering with suppliers to improve traceability and promote sustainability within the leather supply chain. As a first step, we request that our suppliers source leather from tanneries accredited against the Leather Working Group (LWG) standard — an environmental standard that promotes sustainable business practices within the leather industry.
Does Aje or AJE ATHLETICA source mohair?
Yes, Aje and AJE ATHLETICA do source a small amount of mohair, opting for mohair that has been certified by Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) where possible.
Does Aje or AJE ATHLETICA source synthetic fibres?
AJE does currently source synthetic fibres, but we are trying to reduce this where possible, opting for recycled when available.
What does Aje and AJE ATHLETICA have a ban on?
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA have banned the use of fur, exotic skins, angora rabbit and mulesed wool.
What's your policy on the treatment of animals in your supply chains?
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA recognises the importance of protecting the welfare of animals during the production of goods.
As outlined in Aje and AJE ATHLETICA Supplier Code of Conduct, the welfare of animals within our supply chain should meet the Five Freedoms: Freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behaviour, and freedom from fear and distress.
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA have banned the use of rabbit angora, exotic skins and fur.
Furthermore, feathers, when used, must be collected without causing harm.
Does AJE source wool?
Yes Aje and AJE ATHLETICA do source a small amount of wool, but we prohibit mulesed wool as stated in our Supplier Code of Conduct and opt for wool that is certified by one of the following standards:
- Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified
- Merino Fibre (ZQ) certified grower (farm)
- Certificate of Origin (international wool where mulesing is not an issue)
- AWEX National Wool Declaration (Australian wool)
- New Merino (Australian wool)
- Australian Wool Testing Authorities AWTA certificate (Australian wool)
How sustainable is your packaging?
Aje and AJE ATHLETICA have aligned their targets with APCO aiming to achieve the following 2025 targets:
-
- 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging.
- 70% of plastic packaging being recycled or composted.
- 50% of average recycled content included in packaging (revised from 30% in 2020).
- The phase-out of problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging. -
We will keep you updated here as to how our packaging progresses.
