SustaiNOBLE's Responsibility Framework


At SustaiNOBLE, we are dedicated to collaborating with socially and environmentally responsible partners. Our commitment is outlined in our Responsibility Framework below, which mandates that all artisans adhere to our Restricted Materials and Substances lists.

The act of making must be safe and healthy, protecting participants, their families, communities and their environment. 

Restricted Materials Guidelines: Animals

Animal Fur

  • Real fur is prohibited.

Angora

  • Angora wool is banned due to unethical live plucking and lack of regulatory standards.

Endangered Species, Horn, Bone, Exotic Skins

  • No materials from endangered species allowed. Horn and bone must be by-products of the meat industry.
  • Compliance with the CITES and IUCN standards is mandatory.

Leather

  • Leather goods are restricted.

Animal Fibers

  • Animal fibers are restricted, but for products with trace amounts compliance with established animal welfare and environmental standards is required. Standards include:
    • The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
    • The Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS)
    • The Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS)
    • The Good Cashmere Standard (GCS)

Feathers and Down

  • Feather and Down is restricted, but for products with trace amounts they should comply with The Responsible Down Standard (RDS).

Restricted Materials Guidelines: All Materials

Wood and Fibers

  • Timber products must comply with FSC standards and avoid endangered flora. Sustainable sourcing and transparency in the supply chain are essential to minimize environmental impact.

Textile Fibers

  • The sourcing of textile fibers and fabrics must comply with established environmental standards:
    • Cotton:
      • Compliance with The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) is required.
      • Use organic cotton wherever possible, adhering to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), as it is proven to cause less environmental damage compared to conventional cotton. Cotton sourced from the Xinjiang region of China is prohibited.
    • Man-Made Cellulosic Fibers:
      • Lyocell and Modal fibers should be prioritized for their sustainable production processes. FSC-certified viscose is recommended.
      • Cellulosic fibers must not be sourced from endangered species, ancient forests, or protected areas. Alternatives to viscose, which can have negative environmental impacts, are encouraged.
    • Tencel Fibers:
      • Promote the use of Tencel fibers, sourced from sustainable wood pulp, as they are produced in an environmentally friendly manner.

Plastics and Resins

  • The use of upcycled or recycled plastics is strongly encouraged over virgin plastic to reduce waste and environmental impact.
  • Prohibited Materials:
    • PVC, including as a raw material ingredient in polymer clays, is not allowed.
    • Melamine and microbeads are also forbidden.
    • Polyester resins should be avoided; instead, makers are encouraged to use silicone resins, which are less toxic alternatives.
    • Oil-based synthetics such as polyesters and polyamides should be minimized or eliminated in the product composition.

Metals

  • Products must not contain metals on the restricted substances list, such as nickel, lead, or cadmium.

Gemstones

  • Ensure responsible mining standards and avoid materials sourced from conflict regions. Transparency in disclosures regarding social and environmental impacts is essential.

Apothecary

  • Products must not contain banned ingredients, including:
    • Benzalkonium Chloride
    • Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
    • Coal tar
    • Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
    • Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA)
    • Formaldehyde
    • Hydroquinone
    • Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone
    • Oxybenzone
    • Parabens (methyl-, isobutyl-, propyl- and others)
    • Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP, and others)
    • Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds)
    • Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)
    • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES)
    • Undisclosed synthetic flavor or fragrance
    • Toluene
    • Triclosan and Triclocarban
  • Products must not contain plastic microbeads or nanomaterials.
  • All apothecary products must be cruelty-free, ensuring no animal testing is involved.
  • Palm oil sourcing should adhere to ESG responsible farming practices, focusing on land rights, forest management, soil health, waste management, and pesticide use.


By following these guidelines, we aim to foster a sustainable and ethical production environment that respects both people and the planet. Compliance with these standards ensures that our makers contribute positively to their communities and the environment while upholding the principles of social and environmental responsibility.