Formesse wishes you a wonderful, but also sustainable Christmas

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Christmas is a time for reflection and charity, but also a time when we give each other gifts. There is no question that this consumption often comes at the expense of the environment. But does global warming mean we have to give up Christmas gifts? We say we need to rethink our approach.

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Gift question no. 1: JOY FACTOR & MEANING

Will this gift really be used?

Gift question no. 2: QUALITY & DURABILITY

Is the gift durable?

Gift question no. 3: SUSTAINABILITY

Was the gift produced in accordance with high environmental and social standards?

Gift question no. 4: SUSTAINABILITY

Can the gift be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way when it reaches the end of its life?

Gift question no. 5: SUSTAINABILITY

Can I perhaps even buy the gift second-hand?

Let's move away from the throwaway principle and fast fashion

Giving gifts brings joy. Not only to the recipient, but also to the giver. The custom of giving each other gifts at Christmas is therefore something we should hold on to. However, we should say goodbye to mindless consumption, which leads to presents ending up under the Christmas tree that are not needed or cannot be used for long because they are of poor quality.

When looking for a suitable gift that is not too expensive, it is easy to fall into the trap. Those who save money on purchases often end up with low-quality products manufactured in countries without high social and environmental standards. In most cases, these products only last a few years, sometimes even just a few months, before they fall apart or simply stop working. Disposing of such items then comes at the expense of the environment.

Less is more – quality has a future

More and more manufacturers are understanding the signs of the times and responding to buyers' needs for sustainability and durability. In recent years, demand for organic and regional products has multiplied. Very often, the focus is on production conditions: are fair wages paid and child labour avoided, are materials without harmful substances used? Was the processing even done regionally?

The crux of the matter: such quality features usually come at a price.

But it pays to invest in fewer, slightly more expensive, but also higher-quality gifts. The calculation is actually quite simple. Although you invest a little more money initially, the product will last for many years and will not need to be replaced after a short time. The recipient and the environment will thank you for it.

But how do you know if the price is worth the investment?

The rule here is: it's worth touching, looking at and reading the back of the packaging.

We are happy to share our expertise in knitted textiles with you here.

1. Touching must be allowed:

  • Does the fabric feel soft and not too thin?
  • Can you see through it when you pull the fabric apart slightly?
  • Are the stitches knitted evenly = do they look as uniform as possible?
  • Are there any small fabric knots or fibre ends visible?
  • Do the seams look neat and do they crack under light tension?
  • Are there any holes or thin spots in the fabric or seams?
  • Does the fabric have an unpleasant smell of chemicals or similar?

2. What does the packaging say:

  • Was long-fibre or medium-fibre cotton used?
  • Was twisted yarn or high-quality yarn, e.g. compact yarn, used?
  • Are quality features mentioned, such as no pilling, no fading (=colourfast), opaque?
  • Is the product certified with STANDARD100 by Ökotex or another certification?
  • Was the product produced in a climate-neutral way?
  • Was the product manufactured in Germany or Europe?

Sustainability – see label

Certain labels provide answers to these questions: When it comes to clothing, labels such as STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, GOTS or the Green Button promise that the fashion has been produced in an environmentally friendly and/or socially responsible manner. Foods with the Bio-Siegel-Deutschland, Demeter or Fairtrade seals can be purchased and enjoyed with a clear conscience. And the Blue Angel is one of the best-known labels for electrical appliances, household accessories and office supplies.

At Formesse, we have been operating sustainably and with a long-term focus since our company was founded. In the beginning, this was certainly due more to the vision and values of a family business and our connection to the Black Forest region. Since 1947, a large part of the production process has been based in the Black Forest and neighbouring regions, which has earned us the ‘Made in Germany’ label for most of our products. For years now, however, we have also been implementing various measures beyond our love for the Black Forest to preserve our natural environment and improve environmental protection in our textile chain.

Good things don't have to be expensive – how to find affordable and sustainable gifts

What can you do if you don't want to break the bank but still want to give durable, sustainable gifts?

In addition to choosing high-quality products, such as our Formesse items, which offer good value for money, another option is to look for quality second-hand products. Various online marketplaces offer flea markets or exchange deals. For example, online auctions are a great place to find well-preserved second-hand clothing, toys for children or household appliances that may even still be in their original packaging.

The idea of passing on cherished items that you no longer need to others who can make good use of them is a lovely, not to say Christmassy, thought.

When it comes to gift-giving, the most valuable things are rarely the most expensive

After all, it's always the thought that counts. And we can also express how much someone means to us when giving gifts, for example by giving something we have made ourselves or simply giving the gift of time: a joint activity, a meal or a games evening.

Perhaps even a voucher for breakfast in bed. And a matching sheet in a festive shade of red to go with it? We have something beautiful, meaningful and sustainable for you...

With this in mind:

Formesse wishes you and your loved ones a sustainable and wonderful holiday season!

Have a healthy New Year!

This text was translated with deepl.com

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