Nomen Nescio — Sustainability & Care

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The most important thing about sustainability in clothes is not to choose organic or recycled materials, it is to change the mindset and use of clothes. A garments should be consumed the same way as a sofa or a chair, not like fast changing trend piece, that is in use just couple of times. We should consider carefully what we really need, and love and take good care of the pieces we have. We really don´t need multiple winter coats, or new winter coat every winter, but we need to invest to a long lasting, timeless coat that can be the only coat you need in many winters. When you have only your favorite garments in your wardrobe instead of multiple pretty nice options, the wardrobe is much more functional, and omnipotent, and you can wear your most loved clothes everyday.

That is why we at Nomen Nescio have chosen permanent style, not fast-changing trends. We want to make clothes that will be in heavy use for many years to come, corner stones of the wardrobe; a t-shirt you choose every time you wear a t-shirt, wool pants you want to live in during all colder days. And we have come to the conclusion that the color black is the most usable and suitable for all occasions. That is why all Nomen Nescio pieces are always black.

On top of that, it is obvious that sustainability also means choosing the ecological fabrics and local responsible production.

SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Nomen Nescio is a Helsinki based design studio focused on minimalistic aesthetics and values. Our aim is to create timeless, thoughtful and long-lasting design. Nomen Nescio was founded in 2012 with core values of being kind, honest and respectful towards people, environment and the nature we live in. Once these moral decisions where made, the path of how we do business became clear. At Nomen Nescio we think sustainability is a commitment that we do to ourselves and to the society we live in.

Nomen Nescio collection is an evolving composition of minimalistic everyday clothing. Collection is season-less, based on permanent modern classics, accompanied with regularly released seasonal highlights. All the released collections are in seamless continuity and easily combined. With seasonal pieces we experiment new fabric and models, while classics are visualizing the ground of Nomen Nescio style.

Our design philosophy is to create based on need, to strive for thoughtful design by pruning unnecessary and highlighting the relevant. Some of our classic designs have been in the collection since the beginning, and we are constantly developing them in quality, form and function.

Nomen Nescio collections are gender neutral, designed for all humans, with respect towards different bodies and ideals. All the patterns and garments are carefully formed in our design studio followed by fitting with many different people. This way of working has created Nomen Nescio a certain own look. All our clothes comes in sizing from XXS to XXL. Pieces have no external, internal or applied elements to point out any specific sex, age or status. Equality and democracy are important values we believe in and which we implement in the garments. Kindness comes from acts.

All our collections and garments are black. Rich in different shades, structures and surfaces. Black for us is humble, confident and honest. Pieces are strong in character, easy to combine and long lasting. Black color allows the development of a compact minimalist wardrobe. Black garments do not need to be washed so often as brighter ones, that makes the garment last longer and minimizes the burden towards nature.

We encourage people to take care and respect these garments. We have made the maintenance and repair as part of our service. We offer one year warranty to all our clothes. We provide our own product specified garment maintenance guide with important information and handy tips. Our clients can bring their broken Nomen Nescio garment to us and we fix it with a decent compensation. This way we get a lot of hands on information and feedback on our design, details and materials which makes us improve the garments further.

We choose our materials carefully and consider functionality, quality, ecological and ethical as well as aesthetically viewpoints in sourcing. Important values are also materials good feeling on skin, easy care taking and that the material is meant to last for years in heavy use and age beautifully.

In sourcing, our principle is to look for suppliers and manufacturers from the neighbourhood first, then move further in the geographical map. Nomen Nescio garments are manufactured ethically in our neighbor country Estonia. Our shoes and accessories are made by trusted partners in Forssa Finland, Florence Italy and Porto Portugal. We have worked together with our manufacturing partners for many years and we visit the sites regularly.

We want to share the information and keep up an open conversation. You will find all the information we have on our supply chain and partners in our website. Our goal is to deepen the traceability of all materials used all to way from field to factory.

SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES

Sustainability is one of Nomen Nescio ́s core values. The company was founded to create timeless products by using long lasting quality materials and to work responsibly, both socially and ecologically. And we still live by this purpose.

Sustainability means actions. It’s not enough to just have great values that guide the work, but it requires being honest of the state things are today, and it means setting goals to do things better. Full sustainability report for year 2020 will be published 05/2021.

1. Minimalism as a value
2. Sustainable Materials
3. Transparent Supply Chain
4. Circular Economy
5. Responsible Shopping
 6. Lower Carbon Footprint

1. Minimalism as a value

Our aim is to create timeless, thoughtful and long-lasting design. Nomen Nescio collection is an evolving composition of minimalistic everyday clothing. Our design philosophy is to create based on need, to strive for thoughtful design by pruning unnecessary and highlighting the relevant. Some of our classic designs have been in the collection since the beginning, and we are constantly developing them in quality, form and function. For Nomen Nescio, minimalistic values are the key for sustainable consumption and lifestyle.

2. Sustainable Materials

Timeless and functional design combined with the longevity of the material, enables to keep products longer in use, thus reducing the environmental impact.

In Nomen Nescio collections we use premium quality natural/organic/recycled/innovative and/or certified materials, such as linen, tencel, hemp, mulesing free wool, recycled wool, recycled polyester, econyl, bamboo, recycled cotton or organic cotton. For shoes and other leather accessories we use vegetable tanned byproduct cow leather from Europe. All our material suppliers have committed to REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals in EU) regulation.

Material used in 2020:

- organic cotton = 29%
- recycled polyester/polyamide = 24%
- wool = 18%
- conventional cotton = 13%
- linen / organic linen =12%
- bamboo = 4%

Goals for 2021:

- replace all conventional cotton with recycled cotton, organic cotton and/or hemp
- increase of recycled materials up to 35%
- increase the use of tencel and hemp
- replace mixed material fabrics with mono-materials
- seek for sustainable extra materials like zippers and buttons
- establish the use of surplus fabric for accessories

3. Transparent Supply Chain

All Nomen Nescio garments have been ethically manufactured in Estonia, less than 100 km away from our design studio. For accessories we have found skilled and trusted partners in Forssa Finland, Florence Italy and Porto Portugal. We have worked together with most of our manufacturing partners for years and we visit the sites regularly. We value and aim for long-term relationships with all of our suppliers and collaborators.

See the supplier and manufacturer list below. The specific information of every piece is also marked on each products page on section "materials and production"

List of material suppliers 2020

- Inseta Srl, Prato, Italy (100% cotton), FSC® certification
- Bellandi S.p.A, Montemurlo, Italy (wool, wool-blends), oeko-tex standard 100, R-W-S responsible wool standard, Global recycled standard, more info here
- Orneule Oy, Orivesi, Finland (bamboo jersey, tencel jersey, organic cotton, merino wool), oeko-tex standard 100
- Coraltex import export srl, Prato, Italy (100% linen)
- Limonta S.p.A Italy (water-resistant linen)
- E. Miroglio, Thrace, Bulgaria (mulesing free merino wool)
- Frizza Group Tessuti, Brescia, Italy (100% recycled polyester, 100% tecnical polyester), asacert ISO 9001 sertification, Oeko-Tex standard 100
- Akin Tekstil, Istanbul, Turkey, ISO 9001:2008 & Oeko-Tex standard 100
- Kumash Tekstil, Istanbul, Turkey (100% tencel, linen/cotton-blend), oeko-tex standard 100
- Fábrica de tecidos de Vilarinho, LDA, Portugal (100% linen), Oeko-Tex standard 100
- LMA - Leandro Manuel Araújo, S.A, Rebordões, Portugal (cotton/modal)
- Carvico S.p.A, Carvico BG, Italy (recyced polyamide), Oeko-Tex standard 100
- Jessgrove, Czech Republic (100% viscose lining)
- Cobrax, Riri SA, Switzerland (press buttons)
- O.R.V manufacturing Spa, Italy (100% recycled polyester wadding), oeko-tex standard 100
- YKK fastening, Japan (zippers)
- NK-teollisuus Oy, Helsinki, Finland (buttons)

List of manufacturers 2020

Protex Balti AB, Tallinn, Estonia (coats, jackets, jersey, knitwear, trousers.. since 2013)
- address: Akadeemia tee 33, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
- sertificates: ISO 9001, ISO 14001
- workers 209, of which women 205 and men 4
- 83% of all produced items during 2020
- main production partner we have worker since 2013. We visit them regularly and their team visit us every now and then. Co-operation have been excellent and supportive. We keep in touch almost daily bases.
- products: 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 110, 111, 113, 114, 115, 117, 119, 120, 123, 124, 126, 128, 134, 136, 205, 206, 207, 209, 210, 212, 217, 218, 303, 304, 401, 407, 408, 411, 415, 416, 425, 432, 436, 437, 438, 502, 503, 512, 603, 612, 614, 701, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 710, 711, 712, 713, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 723

Maidiga Oü, Tallinn, Estonia (shirts, since 2014)
- address: Akadeemia tee 33, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia
- sertificates: ISO 9001, ISO 14001
- workers 209, of which women 205 and men 4
- 11% of all produced items during 2020
- products: 405, 406, 412, 419, 420, 421, 427, 440,

Marcon holding Oü, Tallinn, Estonia (fabric quilting, since 2018)
- products: quiltings for main fabrics and linings
- quilting used in products: 102, 113, 115D, 212, 437, 612, 708

Cintelli e Calluzzo Srl, Florence, Italy (woolen accessories, since 2018)
- products: 607, 609, 610, 613
- 2% of all produced items during 2020

Norrison Oü, Estonia (knitwear, since 2016)
- products: 504, 608
- 0,5% of all produced items during 2020

Rondonshoes Lda, Felgueiras, Portugal (leather shoes, since 2018)
- products: 600, 601, 620
- 2% of all produced items during 2020

Suomen käsityöteollisuuden Oy, Forssa, Finland (leather accessories, since 2019)
- products: 630, 631, 632
- 0,5% of all produced items during 2020

AS samelin (indoor footwear, since 2020)
- products: 611
- 1% of all produced items during 2020

Klasikinè tekstilè, (since 2020)
- Brastos g. 9, 47184 Kaunas, Lithuania
- sertificates: Oeko-Tex 100
- products: sample production for future collections

Nomen Nescio aims for 100% transparency in production chains. In our online store, on every products page you can see where the used fabrics, extra materials and production are coming from. Our goal during 2021 is to deepen the traceability of all fabrics used all to way from field to factory. Most of our partners have their internal Code of Conducts, but during year 2021 we are asking all our partners to commit to Nomen Nescio´s own Code of Conduct to secure safe working conditions for all involved in Nomen Nescio manufacturing processes.

Transparent pricing:

102 parka coat
price 650€ (100%)

MATERIALS TOTAL = 68,27€ = 10,5%
- main fabric: 53.49€ = 8,23%
- lining: 4.80€ = 0,75%
- wadding: 2.13€ = 0,33%
- lining for sleeves: 0.35€ = 0,05%
- zipper: 5€ = 0,77%
- pocket zipper: 0.5€ = 0,08%
- labeling (NN square label, price tag, care label): 2€ = 0,31%

PRODUCTION TOTAL = 39.41 = 6,06%
- quilting of the lining: 3.45€ = 0,53%
- sewing: 33.96€ = 5,22%
- delivery costs: 2€ = 0,31%

Company´s profit: 152,32€ = 23,43%
- design and product development cost, branding, marketing etc.

Retailer´s profit: 264,19€ = 40,64%
- (when sold from our own store covering: salaries, employer expenses, packaging and shipping costs, public relations and marketing costs, space rents, etc. company expenses)

- VAT: 125.81€ = 24%

4. Circular Economy

Design is the most powerful tool to create sustainability. Our goal is to create products that are corner stones in ones wardrobe, and will be used day after day, month after month; clothes that are meant to fit all kinds of occasions and also will look and feel accurate after a long time. We encourage people to take care and respect these garments. We have made the maintenance and repair as part of our service. We offer one year warranty to all our clothes. We provide our own product specified garment maintenance guide with important information and handy tips. Our clients can bring their broken Nomen Nescio garment to us and we fix it with a decent compensation. This way we get a lot of hands on information and feedback on our design, details and materials which makes us improve the garments further.

- Care & repair service

At Nomen Nescio store we offer repairing and caring services for all Nomen Nescio garments. We have all needed extra materials like buttons, elbow patches, zippers etc. available.

- Care instructions

on Nomen Nescio´s website, we give tips how you can maintain your clothes properly without over-washing. In Nomen Nescio -store we have a selection of sustainable care product available that are tested to work well with Nomen Nescio garments.

- Second cycle

Our goal for 2021 is to create a platform for recycling used Nomen Nescio pieces.

Once your Nomen Nescio garment is worn out, you can bring / post it to the Nomen Nescion store, we will re-use or fix it if possible, or recycle it for you.

If you have any questions about how to take care of your product, we are happy to help. Please contact: jaana@nomennescio.fi

5. Responsible Shopping

All store and online store packaging materials are made from renewable raw materials and can be recycled. For shipping we use DHL ”go green” carbon neutral transport. Nomen Nescio doesn’t have overstock that would be wasted; permanent collection and non-seasonal color choice keeps the garments relevant until sold out.

6. Lower Carbon Footprint

Nomen Nescio -store is located in Kämp Galleria shopping center in Helsinki, Finland. Kämp Galleria has applied for the LEED Operation & Maintenance: Existing Buildings certification, and was granted the LEED GOLD level standard in May 2020. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used environmental rating system for buildings in the world.

At Nomen Nescion -office in Helsinki, we use 100% renewable energy made from wind power and/or bio energy. We strictly recycle all paper, cardboard, plastic and bio waste according to Finnish waste recycling regulations.

Our goal for 2021 is to calculate the company’s all actions CO2 footprint and make 100% compensation plan.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

We seek for premium quality and environmental friendly fabrics. For us it is important that the material is long lasting, easy to take care of and will keep it´s color and shape. We choose natural, organic, recycled and innovative fabrics from reliable suppliers.

Washing your clothes consumes the garments the most. Washing damages the textile fibers and is also water and energy consuming. Clothes that are not washed that often will keep their color and shape much longer. That´s why we choose materials that don’t require so much washing.

Here are few tips how you can maintain your clothes properly without over-washing:

- airing out: loosely in hanger after use, outside if possible (not direct sunlight), or in your bathroom, when taking a shower

- steaming: steaming is a gentle way to take care of all kinds of fabrics it is also great way to freshen up your garments in between use. We recommend Steamery Stockholm. You can read more about steaming here: https://steamerystockholm.com/products/147/cirrus-no2-steamer

- brushing: more info how to brush your clothes from: www.arkiveatelier.com

- adding water repellency: use spray or wax to also longer the life of a coat/jacket/bag: we recommend Sandqvist Water Repellent Spray or Tangent Fabric. More info here: https://www.sandqvist.com/en/material-care

Find here more specific care instructions for all materials:

COTTON COATS

Because of the water repellent coating this coats does not get dirty easily and is easy to spot clean when and where needed. If your garment doesn’t have any stains or odours, it’s usually enough just to air it out, or refresh it with steamer. If washing is needed we recommend professional dry cleaning. You can add new layers of water repellent spray/ textile wax to strengthen the water repellent effect and make the fabric last longer.

WOOL-BLEND COATS

If your garment doesn’t have any stains or odours, it’s usually enough just to air it out, because wool naturally resists dirt and bacteria. Every now and then it´s also good to brush you wool product with garment brush; spray little water on your garment and brush first from bottom to top and then from top to bottom according to the direction of the hair. If washing is needed we recommend professional dry cleaning. We recommend storing woollens folded, and to put a piece of cedar wood in your wardrobe to keep wool-hungry insects and moths away.

LINEN - MIX

Because of the water repellency this coats does not get dirty easily and is very easy to spot clean with a damp cloth where needed. If your garment doesn’t have any stains or odours, it’s usually enough just to air it out. If washing is needed, we recommend professional dry cleaning.

COTTON JACKETS & SHIRTS

Don´t over wash your heavy cotton garments: it makes them last longer and helps the environment. If your garment doesn’t have any stains or odours, it’s usually enough just to air it out or quick fresh it with steamer. When washing is needed wash your garment inside out in 30 degrees. Choose liquid detergent for coloured clothes. Hang out to dry, as heat from a tumble dryer could cause shrinkage. Iron cotton clothes inside out at low heat if necessary.

FURRY WOOL

As a soft material, this wool has a tendency to pill, which means fuzzy balls may form on the surface. Pills can be carefully removed by hand, with a fabric comb, or soft garment brush. If your garment doesn’t have any stains or odours, it’s usually enough just to air it out. If washing is needed we recommend professional dry cleaning. We recommend storing woollens folded, and to put a piece of cedar wood in your wardrobe to keep wool-hungry insects and moths away.

LINEN / ORGANIC LINEN

Like many natural fabrics, linen clothes need washing less than you’d expect. Hang them up to ventilate, or steam them with steamery between wears. You can also hang it in the bathroom while taking a shower and use the steam to reduce creases. Linen is a strong natural fabric that gets softer with use and time. Wash linen in the machine on a gentle cycle at 30°C using a mild detergent without bleach. Take them out of the machine as soon as possible after the programme has ended to avoid creasing. Hang linen pieces to air dry. Tumble drying and heavy centrifuging will add to the wear of linen.

TECHNICAL FABRIC

If your garment doesn’t have any stains or odours, it’s usually enough just to air it out. These material is very easy to spot clean with a damp cloth when and where needed. When washing is needed wash your garment inside out in 30 degrees. Choose liquid detergent for coloured clothes. Hang to dry.

BAMBOO VISCOSE

Like many natural fabrics, also bamboo clothes need washing less than you’d expect. Hang them up to ventilate between wears. When washing is needed wash your garment inside out in 30 or 40 degrees. Choose liquid detergent for coloured clothes. Hang to dry, avoid dryers; they will break down the fibers of the fabric and cause the garment to shrink and age prematurely. Reshape to dry; lightly stretch the garment lenghtwise.

BOILED WOOL & MERINO WOOL

Knits made in natural yarns don’t need washing, as the wool is naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant. Hang garments to air between wears instead. It can also be spot cleaned where needed. If washing is needed you can wash knits by hand or in a machine with wool detergent and wool program without spinning. After washing gently wring out excess water and reshape while damp. Dry flat in a airy place, preferably on a towel to absorb any extra moisture. We recommend storing woollens folded, and to put a piece of cedar wood in your wardrobe to keep wool-hungry insects and moths away.

COTTON - MIX

Like many natural fabrics, also cotton and cotton-mix clothes need washing less than you’d expect. Hang them up to ventilate between wears. Cotton/cottonmix can be machine or handwashed. To prevent garments from shrinking and to keep them looking their best, wash at 30°. Hang to dry, as heat from tumble dryers can cause it to shrink, this also saves energy.

RECYCLED NYLON / POLYESTER

Wash your garment in 40 degrees. Choose liquid detergent. You can use white vinegar (väkiviinaetikka) as a rinse aid to remove odor, when needed. Hang to dry, avoid dryers; they will break down the fibers of the fabric and cause the garment to age prematurely.

LEATHER

Shoes are made of chromium-free vegetable tanned leather from Portugal. With proper care and maintenance leather will age gracefully, developing a beautiful patina over time and use. You can treat the leather with leather spray that protects your item from water and dirt. It’s also recommended regularly to use natural oil based treatments and care products to keep your leather item looking great. If your shoes get wet, let it air dry slowly in normal room temperature. If your shoes get dirty, wipe it carefully with a moist cloth or a brush. After cleaning, it is important to apply some leather cream, which nourishes and protects the leather and helps it retain moisture. In winter, salt stains can easily be removed with a rag and a mixture of two-thirds of water and one-third of vinegar. Please note that the natural rubber sole does not withstand gasoline, so be careful and watch your steps at gas stations!