Our Responsibility Approach
At Maiami we are aware that how we operate has an impact and we know that we are responsible for optimizing it. We have identified four key responsibilities that are close to our hearts:
Empowerment | Environment | Resources | Longevity
In this report we want to show you how we work, what has been achieved and what our next steps are.
EMPOWERMENT
‘Our craft depends on the people who make it. We are dedicated to their empowerment at every step of the production chain and beyond’
Our products are brought to life by the craftspeople who make them. The Maiami family is a tight knit of personal relationships between a broad variety of characters. Each handmade piece is manufactured by one person, from the first loop to the finished product – the opposite of mass production. We take a collaborative approach and operate on even ground with everybody we work with.
With our business, we help invigorate and strengthen mostly rural communities around Europe and Peru. This could be women who want to be a productive part of a community beyond retirement or a young mother who wants to earn an additional income from their traditional craft, while being able to watch her children.
We know all of our suppliers personally and we work together with people who provide fair working conditions and share our ethical and social values.
Our conversation about female empowerment has been an ongoing one as it is inherent to our work. We have committed ourselves to become further engaged in, and aware of, opportunities to encourage female empowerment.
On this note, please read about our supplier in Peru (where we source our alpaca) that fights gender-specific violence and gives underprivileged girls and women the chance to earn a fair income.
Read also about our supplier in Bosnia and Herzegovina who are giving their knitters the chance to gain an income as a starting point for liberty and independence in a society that is dominated by men.
As for the team in Berlin: Since 2004, Maiami has developed from a one woman show into a company with several employees that not only identify with the brand but who take a proactive and self-motivated approach to developing our brand.
ENVIRONMENT
‘The very core of our business model is the traditional craft of hand knitting, arguably the most sustainable production method possible. Nevertheless, we are committed to further reduce our impact on the environment’
Our products are handmade. We do not need machines and energy for their production which means no CO2 emissions.
Most of our production is done in manufactures around Europe, except for our alpaca, which comes from Peru (see above). Each sweater is knitted in one piece, by one person, in one place. Every step of the production process is completed on site, meaning no unnecessary shipping. As soon as the sweaters are finished, they are gathered and shipped to Berlin. This minimizes CO2 emissions for transport.
Over the years we have established personal relationships with all of our suppliers. We travel to see our European colleagues whenever we can. We believe that these relationships result in a personable product that customers will love to wear for a long time.
RESOURCES
‘Maiami stands for finest quality and long lasting materials. We are committed to using resources responsibly and avoid wasting them wherever possible’
Renewable and natural fibers make for the biggest share in the materials we use. They come from renowned European suppliers who have demonstrably committed to the welfare of animals.
For our packaging, we are using FSC certified paper for boxing and use hangers made of pressed grass for our agents to display the Maiami collection. We are currently sourcing more sustainable alternatives to our tags and bags as well. Our office is powered by 100% green energy.
Good to know: Wool is easy to take care of and has self-cleaning properties. A substantial part of the harm to the environment is done after clothes are bought, mostly through washing and dry cleaning. Our sweaters must not be washed, dry cleaning can be avoided almost completely. In short: airing is best.
LONGEVITY
‘Our goal is to maximize the lifecycles of our products, as long-term use is the ultimate form of responsible consumption’
We believe that our approach infuses the product with a sense of energy and the touch of the maker. We also believe that this establishes an emotional connection between the garment and its wearer and encourages to wear our products for as long as possible.
Although modern and contemporary, our collections are designed to last much longer than one season. We do not follow short-lived trends and take a clear stand against fast fashion. Through the use of high quality materials our products can be worn for a long time.
Should – for whatever reason – you decide you don’t want the product anymore, we encourage you to pass it on to a friend or re-sell it. You can also return it to us, we are currently working on solutions of how to re-use them.
