Sustainability & Ethics

Ethical Fibre Sourcing

Our Chyangra Pashmina fibre is hand-combed — not shorn — from the Himalayan mountain goats that roam the high plateaus of Nepal above 4,000m. The combing process is painless and occurs naturally during moulting season. No goat is harmed. We pay a fair price to herder cooperatives, ensuring the ancient pastoral way of life remains economically viable.

Artisan-First Supply Chain

We work directly with small artisan cooperatives in the Kathmandu Valley — primarily women weavers who have inherited centuries-old hand-looming techniques. By cutting out middlemen, we ensure artisans earn 3–5× more than the exploitative industry standard. Every purchase directly funds fair wages, safe working environments, and skills preservation.

Azo-Free, Natural Dyes

All our dyes are certified Azo-free — completely free of harmful aromatic amines. We prioritise low-impact dyes and, wherever possible, natural plant-based dyes using indigo, madder, and pomegranate. Our dyeing workshops use closed-loop water systems that minimise water waste and prevent chemical runoff into local waterways.

Minimal, Recyclable Packaging

Every order is wrapped in acid-free tissue paper inside a reusable cotton muslin pouch — no plastic, no excess. Our outer mailer boxes are made from 80% post-consumer recycled cardboard. We've eliminated single-use plastic from our entire packaging line. The cotton pouch doubles as the ideal long-term storage bag for your cashmere.

Carbon-Neutral Shipping

We offset 100% of the carbon emissions generated by shipping through verified reforestation projects in Nepal — directly contributing to the restoration of the Himalayan ecosystems our fibre comes from. We partner with Pachama to purchase verifiable, additive carbon credits. Our goal is net-zero operations by 2027.

Fair Trade Principles

We operate on Fair Trade principles: transparent pricing, timely payments, no exploitative credit arrangements, and reinvestment in artisan communities. A portion of every sale contributes to the HCW Artisan Education Fund — providing scholarships for weavers' children and vocational training for young women in partner communities.

Chyangra Pashmina

Pashmina Industry Development Committee of Nepal (PIDC) — the gold standard of cashmere authenticity.

Azo-Free Certified

Third-party lab certified free of harmful aromatic amines. Safe for all skin types including sensitive skin.

OEKO-TEX® Standard

Tested for harmful substances. Every thread in our products is safe for humans and the environment.

GoodWeave®

Certification against child labour throughout our artisan supply chain. Supporting child-safe workplaces since 2009.