We have come a long way since the small gift shop in North Hatley but one thing’s for certain, we continue to place a heavy premium on trust. We deeply value the connections and trusting relationships we have built over the years with our employees, our suppliers and our customers located all over the world. We work really hard to make sure every decision we make is the right one. It matters not just to us, but to our customers, to the communities we’re involved with and serve, as well as the environment.
Products - LBH
Products
Azo-Free Dyes
Azo dyes are the most widely used colourants in the apparel industry as they offer bright high-quality colours that last. Without getting into a full-blown chemistry lesson, in the simplest terms, Azo dyes (or Azo Colourants) contain compounds. These compounds are called amines. Under certain conditions, some of these amines become carcinogenic. Over 20 different cancer-causing amines are banned, but sadly, not everywhere.
These banned amines are not only used to dye fabrics and leather, they are used to colour beads, sequins, threads, yarns, buttons, zippers and various other finishes. And equally troubling, some of these Azo dyes are also used to colour food!
At Hatley, we took a stand a long time ago to never source anything that was coloured with Azo dyes. Other, safer and less dubious low impact colourants exist. If we wouldn’t let our own kids wear apparel that contained Azo dyes, why would we choose to make and sell garments that are, when you, our customers, share the same safety concerns as we do? Babies and young kids are especially vulnerable as they put everything in their mouths! We will never allow the use of something that is known to cause cancer into our products.
PVC-Free Rainwear
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride is the single most environmentally damaging type of plastic around, which is why you will never find it in anything we make. PVC plastic is the only plastic made with chlorine but the toxic footprint doesn't end there. In order for it to be made into a stable and usable consumer product, it also requires toxic additives, including heavy metals such as lead, phthalates, and flame retardants. These additives are released during the use and disposal of these PVC products, which spells disastrous for the environment, for humans and animals.