Sustainability

Sustainability & Responsibility

We believe sustainability should be specific, verifiable, and transparent.

Rather than broad claims, we focus on responsible sourcing, supplier accountability, and materials that balance performance with reduced impact. As a growing brand, our approach is to build this foundation properly and improve it over time as our business scales.

Responsible Manufacturing

ENGINE works with a small group of manufacturing partners in China, selected for their technical expertise, product quality, and alignment with recognised social and environmental standards. We are also actively exploring additional manufacturing options in Europe as the brand grows.

All partners are assessed against our internal requirements for ethical labour practices, workplace safety, and environmental responsibility.

Independent Social Compliance

Our manufacturing partners participate in independent third-party social compliance audits, including internationally recognised programmes such as amfori BSCI and equivalent frameworks.

These assessments cover areas including:

  • Working conditions and hours

  • Worker health and safety

  • Freedom of association

  • Prohibition of child and forced labour

While ENGINE does not yet hold brand-level certifications, we work exclusively with partners that undergo external monitoring and demonstrate ongoing compliance.

We have personally visited every manufacturing partner we work with, including time spent on the factory floor. This allows us to assess conditions directly, ask informed questions, and make decisions based on first-hand understanding, not assumptions.

Materials & Fabric Standards

All fabrics used across our launch collection meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 requirements, confirming they are tested and free from harmful substances.

Where applicable, fabrics are sourced from mills that hold additional recognised certifications, including:

  • Global Recycled Standard (GRS) for recycled fibre content

  • OEKO-TEX® for chemical safety

  • Performance testing standards for durability, moisture management, and UV protection

Certification scope varies by fabric and applies at the material or mill level, not as a blanket brand claim. Product-specific material information is always disclosed on the individual product page.

Introducing TENCEL™

We are introducing TENCEL™ lyocell in an upcoming product ranges. 

TENCEL™ fibres are derived from responsibly sourced wood pulp and manufactured using a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents, resulting in significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional cotton.

This fabric was selected for:

  • Breathability and softness

  • Strength and durability

  • Reduced water and chemical use during production

Material composition and sourcing details will be clearly stated on the relevant product page.

Packaging

We currently ship orders using recyclable or biodegradable packaging where available. For example, our outer mailing bags are made in the EU from a compostable material. You can put it in your food waste bin!

Packaging remains an active area of improvement as we scale, with a focus on reducing unnecessary materials while maintaining product protection and transit reliability.

Durability Over Disposability

At present, garments containing elastane are not recyclable through standard systems.

For that reason, our approach prioritises:

  • Durable construction

  • Evergreen styles and colours that don’t change seasonally or follow fad trends. 

  • Clear care guidance to extend product lifespan

Extending the usable life of a garment remains one of the most effective ways to reduce overall environmental impact.

Looking Forward

ENGINE is built for long-term performance, both in product and in responsibility.

As production volumes grow, we are actively working toward:

  • Increased use of certified recycled and lower-impact materials

  • Greater transparency and documentation across our supply chain

  • Diversifying manufacturing partners, including options in Europe

  • Evaluating additional certifications where they add genuine accountability

We will continue to update this page as our materials, processes, and verification evolve.

Sustainability is not a static claim.
It’s an ongoing set of decisions, and we’re committed to making them openly.

Sustainability FAQ 

Q1: What certifications do ENGINE products have?

Answer:

Certification varies by material and supplier. Fabrics used in our launch collection meet OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 requirements, and some materials are sourced from mills holding additional recognised certifications such as GRS.

Certifications apply at the material or manufacturing level, not as a blanket brand claim.

Q2: Are ENGINE products made sustainably?

Answer:

We focus on responsible sourcing, verified material standards, and ethical manufacturing practices rather than broad sustainability claims.

As a growing brand, our priority is building this correctly and transparently, improving with each production cycle.

Q3: Why don’t you claim to be a “sustainable brand”?

Answer:

Sustainability is not a single achievement — it’s an ongoing process.

Rather than making absolute claims, we choose to share what we do today and be clear about where we’re still improving.

Q4: Are ENGINE products recyclable?

Answer:

Most high-performance fabrics require elastane, which currently limits recyclability through standard systems.

For this reason, we prioritise durability, stable design, and clear care guidance to maximise product lifespan.

Q5: How will this change over time?

Answer:

As production volumes grow, we aim to expand our use of lower-impact materials, increase supply-chain transparency, and evaluate additional certifications where they add meaningful accountability.

This page will be updated as those changes happen.