ZERRIN’s Better Brand framework is an in-house system we have developed to help us vet brands we work with on our platform for their sustainability and social impact claims. This means we’re able to ensure that all of our brands—whether on our store or directory—adhere to high standards of environmentally responsible practices, with authentic transparency and traceability interwoven into their supply chains.
All brands on ZERRIN have to be creating cutting-edge, unique and quality products. After this, we look at brand’s approach to sustainability and social impact through the lens of our 5 P’s – People, Product, Packaging, Principles & Planet. Each of these pertains to a key area of the supply chain, thereby encouraging transparent and all-round good industry practices.
We ask brands about the people working behind the scenes. The garment factory workers, fabric suppliers, dyers, seamstresses, and everyone else involved. We learn about their relationships with their supply chain workers and ask the necessary questions around wage, working conditions and worker security.
Under this category, brands are free to share with us not only the materials they use, but why, and how they are acquired. The materials are often decided after brands do their research, sourcing and sampling – and learning about any certifications along the way. In the end, the brand’s products are designed to be well-considered, meaningful and practical.
You can tell a brand’s values by how conscious they are of their packaging. As we see how single-use packaging has affected our oceans and landfills, brands have to be aware and make deliberate decisions on how their packaging impacts the environment. This also applies to how much consideration the brand puts into the whole lifecycle of their products.
To hold our brands accountable, we ask how their businesses affect the Earth. From how their fabrics are made, production and their energy and water consumption, brands can share how they track their carbon footprint. Additionally, we acknowledge when brands participate in any animal welfare programmes or donate to preserve biodiversity.
For any sustainably conscious brand, they build their business based on certain values they hold near and dear. From personal beliefs rooted within culture, to raising awareness on the climate crisis – we look into the story that drives their businesses forward.
The Better Brand Framework serves a dual purpose – to hold brands accountable and be a symbol of trust and transparency for our community.
We want to highlight the brands who put in the hard work and show deep consideration for sustainability by running a conscious business. By creating this achievable milestone, the brand mark aims to encourage more brands to explore sustainability through diverse lenses. This brand mark also hopes to build a community of like-minded brands and entrepreneurs, who constantly engage in driving ethical and responsible practices within the industry.
At ZERRIN, we believe transparency is a given to doing business. When brands lay their facts on the table, they show the world they are not hiding any skeletons in their closets. This builds trust among consumers and raises awareness about the roles we all play to stand for a better, more inclusive industry.
In the heart of it, we’re saving you hours and hours of searching on Google for sustainable brands! We do the research and collate all the details of these brands in one place so you’ll get to enjoy a seamless experience, without the fuss.
