Materials and Sustainability

Sustainability at Ortensia

At Ortensia, we believe that true creativity should never come at the cost of the planet. Our Earth is not only our home, but also our daily source of inspiration. That’s why we feel deeply responsible for protecting it—for future generations and for every living being that shares it with us.

Sustainability isn’t just a trend to us; it’s a commitment embedded in every step of our process. From conscious resource use in our studio—minimising water and electricity consumption—to working with a small, carefully chosen network of suppliers to reduce transport emissions and waste, we strive to keep our environmental impact as low as possible.

Since March 2021, we have sourced most of our raw materials from De Bondt BV, a respected Dutch wholesaler known for offering top-tier supplies for the crafting community. Notably, De Bondt BV owns Scheepjes, a historic Dutch yarn brand established in 1799. We choose to work with Scheepjes not only for their exceptional quality but also for their thoughtful approach to eco-conscious production.


Materials That Matter

Each Ortensia piece is crafted with care using natural fibres such as cotton and wool—often upcycled or made through environmentally friendly processes. We value materials that are not only beautiful and durable, but also kind to the Earth.

  • Cotton Yarns
    • Scheepjes Cahlista: 100% unmercerised cotton, double-gassed for a soft, smooth texture and minimal fibre shedding.
    • Scheepjes Catona: 100% mercerised cotton for increased breathability, comfort, and reduced water retention.
  • Wool Yarns
    • Icelandic Merino Wool: Ethically sourced from free-range sheep in Iceland, this wool is known for its softness, elasticity, and volume. It’s also superwash treated, making it machine washable and perfect for everyday wear.
  • Linings
    • Les Tissus de Marie: Premium linings sourced from France, made of 100% cotton for bags, and a breathable cotton-polyester blend for swimwear.
  • Accessories & Labels
    • All additional materials such as labels and accessories are also sourced from De Bondt BV, ensuring consistency and traceability.

 

Packaging with Purpose

We believe that thoughtful packaging is part of a responsible business. While time constraints no longer allow us to handmake cotton bags, we remain committed to keeping our packaging as sustainable as possible.

Each order is carefully packed using recyclable cardboard boxes and includes a simple paper tag. For smaller items, we use clear protective bags—this is currently the only plastic component in our packaging, chosen to ensure your items arrive safely and in perfect condition.

We’re continuously looking for ways to improve, and we strive to balance practicality with care for the environment. Our mission remains the same: to deliver timeless, handmade creations with as little environmental impact as possible—one conscious choice at a time.

Note: All brand names mentioned are property of their respective owners. Information about Scheepjes sourced from www.scheepjes.com.