Resources

Materials database and action plan for suppliers

Xandres reduces its logistic footprint by deliberately sourcing from a limited number of countries – mainly Portugal, Italy and China, and, to a lesser extent, India – and a small number of suppliers, some of whom Xandres has been partnering with for more than twenty-five years. The company puts great stock in long-term, close collaborations and regularly has its sourcing team travel abroad to visit its partners.

To achieve its goal of completely responsible sourcing, Xandres is currently drawing up a questionnaire for its partners, to map the latter’s social and environmental risks and mitigate these through specific action plans. In the near future, Xandres wants to develop a materials database containing – among other things – fabrics and haberdasheries, each accompanied by the available certifications.

Design

Timeless design and plans for an objective quality framework

Xandres, Xandres Gold and Xandres Studio are synonymous with high-quality, timeless design. Moreover, Xandres reduces waste through optimal material use.

In addition, Xandres is setting up a quality framework consisting of a personal definition of quality as well as a consistent verification system. This will enable the company to objectively measure its performance in this regard. Finally, the fashion enterprise wants to focus more on its Essentials and Classics collections, which are always in stock and consist of items that are made as sustainably as possible.

Production

Auditing and raising awareness among partners

Using harmful chemicals during the production process is out of the question for Xandres. For instance, the company opposes the sandblasting of jeans and opts for natural dyes wherever possible.

Xandres has a team of seamstresses in its own atelier in Destelbergen, but it also keeps a close eye on its production partners abroad through regular factory visits. The company wants to move towards a more sustainable future together with these partners – auditing them, raising awareness and making improvements wherever possible. Xandres is currently drawing up a questionnaire as well as a Code of Conduct that every partner will be asked to sign.

Retail

System optimisation together with a trusted logistics partner

When refurbishing its stores, Xandres consistently invests in energy-efficient led lighting, and the bags it provides are made from recycled plastic. But Xandres realises there is still much room for improvement when it comes to packaging materials. That’s why the company is doing market research and consulting with its logistics partner to reduce their impact in this respect. Just like in the production phase, Xandres attaches a lot of importance to a close collaboration with a trusted company, nudging it towards a more sustainable way of working. In other words, Xandres prefers to take the green route together with its existing logistics partner rather than opting for another company that may have already progressed further.

Some of the specific goals are using less and 100% recyclable primary packaging materials and reusing both primary and secondary packaging materials (which involves setting up a take-back system as well). For instance, Xandres is looking into high-quality garment bags and boxes to reuse.

Consumption

Maintenance tips and ideas for a repair service

By focusing on, among other things, maintenance, Xandres wants to extend the lifespan of its clothes as much as possible. The company translates this resolution into three action points: first, exploring the option of maintenance tips that fit in perfectly with the quality framework that’s currently being developed; second, identifying marketing actions to encourage good use and keep items in top condition for years and years to come; and third, looking into the possibility of launching a repair programme. 

End of life

Plans for take-back programmes

In the further future, the company plans to collect half of the items it sells, and to make the most of the materials it takes back. It is currently looking for partners that can help close the loop.