Production with a conscience

Maybe you’ve heard about or seen the Danish documentary about Bestseller, greenwashing, and the tough working conditions in Bangladesh.

At DogCoach, we’re far from those practices - we don’t produce in Bangladesh, nor under circumstances that resemble what is shown in the documentary.

Still, as a consumer, the fashion industry as a whole may leave a bad taste in your mouth. 

We felt the same way. 

That’s why we want to be completely transparent about how we work with responsibility during the production of DogCoach products

- so you can feel confident knowing your DogCoach clothing is made under fair and decent conditions.

Our approach: Quality over fast fashion

We know that textile production always has an environmental impact. That’s why our goal is to do it as responsibly as possible - and to keep taking steps in the right direction.

• DogCoach is the opposite of fast fashion
  At DogCoach, we design clothes that last season after season.
• Long-lasting durability and high quality
  When clothes last longer, you buy less often and that’s one of the most sustainable choices you can make.

It costs us more to produce this way and as a consumer, you’ll often be able to find cheaper alternatives that are also less durable. 

But we believe it’s the most responsible way to produce and thus to take better care of our shared future.

How we ensure responsible production

1. No harmful chemicals

All our suppliers sign an agreement that DogCoach products comply with the EU’s REACH regulation.

This means:

• No banned chemicals such as phthalates, azo dyes, or PFAS.
• No SVHC substances (Substances of Very High Concern) above 0.1%.
• Only REACH-approved dyes and finishes.
• Documentation and testing are always available.

In short: DogCoach clothing is made according to EU standards - safe for both people and the planet.

2. Factory checks and audits

• We have a permanent representative in Asia, Andy, who regularly visits the factories.
• In addition, productions are inspected by V-Trust, Asia’s largest inspection company, which delivers official reports on quality, working conditions, and safety.

3. Social and ethical standards

All suppliers are required to follow either BSCI or SA8000 standards:

• BSCI: Prohibits child and forced labor, ensures fair wages, working hours, and safe conditions.
  
• SA8000: An internationally recognized certification with even stricter requirements for audits and documentation.
  
  

4. Recycled materials

• Our upcoming Parka Jacket 10.0 is the first DogCoach style made from 100% recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles.
  
• It is documented with official certificates, reviewed by sustainability consultants from Dansk Mode & Tekstil (Danish Fashion & Textile).

Recycled Materials

We’re working on using more recycled textiles, but we never compromise on quality - because durability is still the most sustainable solution.

Since deposit and recycling systems for bottles aren’t yet in place in Asia, we believe it’s better to use plastic waste from there rather than letting bottles end up as trash.

The Danish documentary tries to paint recycled polyester made from plastic bottles as entirely negative, but according to Plastic Change and the Danish Consumer Council TÆNK, the debate isn’t that black and white:

“It’s a relevant discussion, but it also has many nuances. The optimal solution would be fiber-to-fiber recycling of polyester, but large-scale solutions are still lacking. Recycled polyester from plastic bottles still has advantages, and therefore it’s a good step in the right direction,” says Marie Busck, Chief Sustainability Officer at DM&T.

She highlights that when it comes to recycled polyester, the plastic bottles in question don’t come from Denmark’s deposit system, but most often from countries without effective collection systems. And at the same time, she emphasizes that sustainability efforts can’t rely on materials alone:

“As a company, you need a broader focus than just materials. You need a wider perspective on circular transition and also work on waste prevention. But we can’t do without recycling - it’s part of the solution,” she says.

(Source: Dansk Mode & Tekstil)

In summary: Why you can choose DogCoach with confidence

When you choose DogCoach, you can be sure that your clothes are:

• Produced under strict EU chemical regulations.
• Inspected by both internal and external auditors.
• Manufactured in factories with fair working conditions.
• Designed with a focus on high quality and recycled materials.

Work in progress

At DogCoach, we’re always working on getting better.

We keep a close eye on the latest developments in textiles and challenge traditional production methods and materials.

For us, it’s important to make sure your clothes are high-quality and built to last. In the coming years, we’re also placing more focus on repair possibilities - like repair kits so zippers, buttons, and small tears can be fixed instead of replacing the whole item.

You, as a customer, play a big part too: choose quality, take good care of your clothes, and wash as little as possible - preferably without fabric softener and on low temperatures. That’s how it lasts the longest.

We believe you deserve to know how your gear is made. That’s why we’re transparent about the process - and we’re always happy to answer your questions.

👉 Got something on your mind?

Write us or give us a call - we’d love to chat.

Paw hugs from the whole DogCoach team 🐾