Transparency & Sustainability
Reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainability in the fashion industry is a top priority for RAQ.
The Textile and Apparel industry is responsible for over 10% of global carbon emissions, and has a lasting impact on the environment and the people involved in the supply chain.
Since our launch, we have put in place several initiatives to enhance our sustainability and transparency, with additional measures currently being developed.
Overview of our process
Our products are designed and developed by a small team of busty people in Melbourne, Australia.
To bring our creations to life, we collaborate closely with one key supplier based in Guangdong, China. Together we develop patterns and create numerous samples for each new style and size.
We heavily rely on their vast experience and access to advanced technology to produce high quality swimwear that fits and supports a fuller bust.
Despite our desire to produce locally, it is currently challenging to achieve this goal due to the small quantities we produce, large number of size variations, and the need for underwire.
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact
High quality sustainable fabrics
Since October 2022, the main fabric used for all our swimwear is made of recycled polyamide. All fabrics and components used are Certified OEKO-TEX ® meaning they are free of harmful chemicals.
These fabrics are more expensive than conventional fabrics but we believe that this is a necessary step towards reducing our impact on the environment and promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
Compostable packaging
Our garment bags and mailer bags are home compostable and are made from renewable bioplastic film. This process helps to minimise ocean plastics, reduce fossil fuel emissions and reduce our carbon footprint. These bags are printed with non-toxic inks and break down into healthy compost, leaving no microplastics behind. To reduce waste, we carefully consider what we put in your packaged orders, with minimal inserts and marketing materials.
Minimising waste through recycling
We put a lot of love and resources into making each of our garments, so we hate to think of any of them going into landfill. We produce in small quantities and carefully consider our production to meet demand and avoid excess inventory. Despite our efforts, sometimes we end up with faulty goods and dead stock. To minimize waste and landfill, we've partnered with UPPAREL to recycle and repurpose our unused garments into new products such as cushions, socks, and construction materials like insulation.
We are committed to greater transparency across our supply chain
Why transperency is important
Workers have a powerful tool to assert their rights and hold brands accountable.
Brand & Retailers can better identify and address labor rights risks and abuses in their supply chains.
Consumers have meaningful information about where their clothes were made.
Status of our supply chain disclosure
We are in the final stages of completing the requirements for the Apparel and Footwear Supply Chain Transparency Pledge, an elective minimum standard for supply chain disclosure in the apparel and footwear industry.
We have gathered information across our supply chain including tier 1 (full production of swimwear), tier 2 (dyeing, knitting, printing, trims suppliers) and tier 3 (yarn suppliers).
We look forward to sharing this information soon.