Have you ever wondered who made your clothes? The annual Fashion Revolution campaign wants to shed light on the makers behind garments and promote a more sustainable fashion industry.
On 24 April 2013, the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed. 1,138 people died and another 2,500 were injured, making it the fourth largest industrial disaster in history. The annual Fashion Revolution day that promotes a more sustainable fashion industry will take place on Tuesday 24 April 2018. Fashion Revolution is a not-for-profit campaign that strives to bring forth the makers of products and improve working conditions of the garment industry. The Fashion Revolution Campaign believes that the change for the better starts with a simple question: who made your clothes?
The sustainability of operations throughout our supply chain is very important to Marimekko and we want to do our part in promoting responsibility and transparency in the garment industry. About 70 % of Marimekko products are manufactured in Europe and the rest mainly in Asia. We want to pay special attention to the working conditions in our operations regardless of the manufacturing site or country.
We are proud of our skilled supplier network and all the employees that have their own stories to tell. In the spirit of Fashion Revolution we want to share some of them.
TMG Group, Portugal
TMG Group is a textile-focused family business based in Portugal and founded by Manuel Goncalves in 1937. The company’s textile production ranges from conventional, quilted and knitted fabrics for garments to textiles manufactured for the automotive industry. Co-operation between TMG Group and Marimekko started already in the 1960’s. Over the years, the co-operation has grown into a strong partnership that focuses on the growth, success and shared values and knowledge between the two companies.
TMG’s textile division employs approximately 500 people. 166 people work with knitwear and clothing manufacturing, 71% of whom are women. In this ethical, value-driven family business the average career lasts for 20 years. We got to know one of TMG’s employees, Fátima Gomes, a seamstress who has worked for TMG for four years. “I love my job. Work is part of my life and my colleagues are my second family. I love my work at TMG because it provides me with a fantastic working environment and community. If one needs help, there are colleagues and managers who are always there to help. This has helped me grow professionally as well.”
Like Marimekko, also TMG believes in the importance of quality and functionality when it comes to materials and end product. In addition, the key factor in TMG’s product manufacturing is the use of advanced technology in garment sewing and cutting. “I hope to develop myself further and further every day to help our company achieve our common goals. I would like to learn about new technologies and the use of equipment to increase my knowledge and thereby the quality of our garments.”, Fatima says.
