Quality materials, long-lasting experiences

Cotton, our most popular material

Cotton is used to make things like printed fabric, which is Marimekko’s heart and soul. It is something of particular importance to us.

Pluses and minuses:
+ feels comfortable against the skin
+ a renewable natural fibre
+ breaks down at the end of its life cycle faster than synthetic fibres

- cultivation requires a lot of water and often also pesticides
- tracing origin is difficult because raw cotton fibres collected in different countries is blended by wholesalers before it is spun into yarn

In addition to the quality of our products, the environmental impacts of their raw materials and manufacturing are important to us. The base fabrics used by our textile printing factory come mainly from Germany, Peru, Turkey and the Baltic countries. Both certified (organic cotton, GOTS ) and ordinary cotton are used in our products. We also use other natural fibres like linen, wool and various kinds of recycled materials. There is no simple answer for what is the most ecologically acceptable fibre. We research different alternatives in partnership with educational institutions in the field and we have also experimented with different kinds of fibre, including bamboo and soya. In the future, the proportion of products made from ecologically sustainable materials will be increased in our collections more systematically.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure

We love our beautiful fabrics and we think it would be a pity to waste them. This is why we cut fabrics precisely and do our best to minimise waste pieces. Still, cutting inevitably results in some off-cuts, which we use to make things like purses.

Our fabrics go through detailed screening before they go on to the shops. You can’t do things perfectly every time. We use second-grade fabrics to make Silver Medal tote bags  and rag rugs.

If we still have off-cuts, they find uses, for example, for handicrafts by children in nearby daycare centres.

Making products ecological together

Our products have been designed to stand up to use and to stay beautiful. Properly treated, they will give enjoyment for a long time. Ideally, they can last from generation to generation.

In order for you to enjoy your product for the longest time possible, it’s important to take care of it correctly. This is also important for the environment, because as much as two thirds of the emissions and energy consumption during a textile product’s life cycle comes from washing and maintenance after the actual manufacturing. Together we can make your Marimekko product an even more ecologically sustainable choice.

Getting the washing temperature right is all-important. Fewer laundry cycles at the recommended temperature setting will be more ecologically sustainable than more at a lower temperature. Fibers will clean and the product lasts longer without being spoiled if you wash it in compliance with the care instructions. You can find care instructions with every product. You can find general instructions here.

Product safety and ecological sustainability

Our products have been granted a variety of certifications and labels guaranteeing their safety and ecological sustainability.

The Öko-Tex Standard 100 certificate guarantees that the product has been tested and contains no substances harmful to people or the environment.This certification covers all of Marimekko’s bedclothesand terry products, almost all of the products of our textile printing factory, and most of our clothing fabrics and knitwear.

GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard) guarantees the ecological sustainability of manufacturing in all stages of the production chain, from the field to the shop.The social aspects of the ground rules of the International Labour Organisation ILO have also been figured in. Some of our children’s clothing has GOTS certification.

Our range includes organic cotton children’s clothing, terry products and bedclothes. Organic cotton farming uses no environmentally polluting fertilisers or pesticides. The production process has been certified and the cotton’s origin can be traced. We are trying to expand the proportion of organic cotton in our collections.

The product safety label CE mark guarantees that the product has been checked for compliance with basic safety requirements. Reflectors and toys have to bear the CE mark.

Our tin cans are food safe. Legislationon this subject protects human health from substances which could be transferred to food from a material or consumable.