PROTEGE® X SUSTAINABILITY


PROTEGE® collection is focused on sustainability in three main areas: material used, manufacturing processes and transparency of vendors. It features a range of functional essentials in low-impact performance fabrics.

Most of the raw materials used to make Protege® products come from nature, whether they are derived from animal, plant, or mineral sources. Since these raw materials are not all renewable, Protege® are committed to supply chains that have a regenerative impact on biodiversity. Protege® priorities are therefore to preserve resources and the climate, respect animal welfare, avoid deforestation, eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals, and reduce air and water pollution and water waste.

Protege® are constantly testing a variety of other low impact materials, including recycled and up-cycled fabrics and also using an increasing amount of organically grown cotton in the products made, that use non-toxic pesticides, improves soil quality and saves water.

  • Along with their suppliers, Protege® are constantly researching innovative tanning methods, the leathers used are dyed and finished in Italy, mostly treated with vegetable tanning products. Protege® promote metal or chrome free tanning as an alternative to traditional methods.

  • Protege® cashmere supplies are traced from the country of origin and come from supply chains with responsible practices. Protege® promote recycled cashmere yarns, produced by GRS certified suppliers.

  • As filler Protege® use recycled cashmere fill, produced by GRS certified supplier. It is an alternative to goose down and synthetic fillings characterized by an animal friendly approach and high performance. In addition to levels of breathability and optimal transport of steam, Cashball® keeps its insulation values even when wet due to its hygroscopic properties. Highly compressible also provides wind resistance and warmth without weight.

  • One of the main concern in research and innovation in the textile industry is making clothes that are more resistant to the weather, humidity and stains. For a long time, fabrics have been treated with various substances that have been found to have a negative impact on the environment. Protege® use plant based repellent treatment, environmentally friendly without using chemical compounds that are harmful to the environments.

  • Protege® use recycled polyester in all our labels. Recycled polyester gives a second life to materials that are not biodegradable and with a same quality as virgin polyester, but its production requires less energy than virgin one.

  • Cotton is an important raw material and Protege® focus to replace conventional cotton with recycled alternatives. Protege® are committed to continue increasing the quantity of recycled and organic fibers across their collections, ensuring to source from supply chains where environmentally and socially responsible criteria are adhered to every step along the way. Protege® cottons are promoting natural dyeing, completely manufactured and dyed with non toxic chemicals.

  • Protege® discover a sustainable leather alternative for trims that is using upcycling natural plant-based waste from the beverage industry. Skins made of renewable resources by the sustainable manufacturing process are an alternative to animal leathers and synthetic materials that cause significant environmental pollution.

  • Protege® work with likeminded suppliers who are environmentally and socially conscious, and who strive to limit their environmental impact. In practical terms, this means complying with the applicable legal and environmental regulations, from actively seeking to improve the performance of their products, to taking clear steps to reduce CO2 emissions in the manufacturing process.

PEOPLE + PLANET + PRODUCT+

PEOPLE + PLANET + PRODUCT+

SUPPLIER CHAIN


Protege® work with high quality, low impact materials that are sourced and produced with planet in mind. Factors such as traceability of origin, fair conditions for farmers, animal welfare and the protection of biodiversity closely inform the way Protege approach and procure raw materials.

Protege® relay on a selected network of suppliers with their production chain based in Italy that guarantee European rules on Social practices such as working conditions, living wages etc and directions about sustainability for the manufacturing process. Protege® source our leather from tanneries and manufacturers mostly certified by SA8000, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and LWG an international organization that evaluates the environmental compliance and performance of the leather industry. Also fabrics, yarns and raw materials are made following European laws about restricted substances list in other words in Europe you are not allowed to use hazardous chemicals following OEKO-TEX standards.