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Our Materials

Our Approach

We are committed to using better and preferred materials. Our product teams and suppliers consistently look for materials or finishing processes that have lower environmental impact, are more durable and contain more natural materials, while also trying to deliver the prices, colours and finishes our customers love.

Since mapping out our journey, we’ve made significant progress, but we still have lots we want to improve. To ensure we keep progressing, we’ve set ourselves ambitious targets, and we are mindful of taking our supply chains and customers on that journey with us, at a manageable pace. With a wide range of fashion, jewellery, accessories, homeware and gifting products in our portfolio, the teams have a lot to work through.

We continue to offer the distinctive design-led details we’ve come to be known for; the playful prints and decorative embellishments, as well as the practical features our customers appreciate, such as dresses with pockets, machine-washable clothing and dishwasher-friendly homeware. We’ve worked with long-term suppliers for many years to offer the high attention to detail that adds value and impact, making our products stand out from mass-produced styles. Designed and developed in our in-house creative studio in Surrey, UK, our collections are produced at much smaller quantities than larger high-street brands.

Our Certification Journey

We are proud to be certified to multiple Textile Exchange standards, demonstrating our commitment to sourcing more preferred materials, improving supply chain traceability, reducing our carbon footprint, and promoting biodiversity.

The certification means we can now share clear and verifiable product claims with our customers. These will start appearing online and in-store in 2027.

Who is Textile Exchange?

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit organisation that drives sustainability in the fashion and textile industry, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from raw material production by 45% by 2030.

They are guiding a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production from the very start of the supply chain. Their widely recognised standards verify, track, and improve responsible fibre sourcing, biodiversity, and soil health.

Textile Exchange Standards

Oliver Bonas is GRS, RCS, OCS and RAF (RWS, RMS, RAS) certified, Control Union CB-CUC-1414357.Only the products which carry the GRS, RCS, OCS and RAF (RWS, RMS, RAS) label and claim are certified.
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Textiles

We are part of the UK Textiles Pact (formerly Textiles 2030), run by The Waste and Resources Action Plan (WRAP) - the leading voluntary agreement for the UK’s fashion and textiles sector. They support companies to reduce their climate impact by adopting more sustainable and circular practices to achieve science-based targets.

Together, the UK Textiles Pact aims to achieve the following by 2030:

• 50% reduction in the overall carbon footprint of new textile products placed on the market.
• 30% reduction in the overall water footprint of new textile products placed on the market.
• Industry collaboration to achieve the Circularity Roadmap ambitions.
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Cotton

Cotton is one of our most used textiles, found in a wide range of our clothing, accessories and homeware due to its softness, breathability and natural feel. We are making progress in ensuring the cotton we use is from more responsible sources.

Organic cotton production uses around 80% less water than traditional cotton farming methods by making the most of natural cycles. As a result of toxic pesticides and artificial fertilisers not being used, biodiversity is boosted, and natural pest control is used instead.

We work with the Organic Content Standard (OCS) to ensure traceability of our organic cotton. Products certified to the OCS contain organically grown material that has been independently verified at each stage of the supply chain, from source to final product. It’s also produced and certified to organic agricultural standards, which require practices to sustain ecosystems.

We are members of the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), a non-profit organisation that supports licensed cotton farmers globally by training them on water efficiency, soil and habitat health, reducing chemical use and fair working conditions. BCI cotton is sourced via a chain of custody model called mass balance. This means that it can be mixed with other types of cotton on its journey to a final product and is not physically traceable. However, by becoming members of this organisation and sourcing from BCI cotton-licensed farmers, we are increasing demand for better cotton, which in turn increases the demand for more sustainable practices in the cotton sector.
In 2025, 46% of our cotton was BCI Cotton.

The denim industry has long been associated with high water consumption and pollution. Traditional methods can use up to 10,000 litres of water to produce a single pair of jeans, alongside harmful chemicals that contribute to environmental degradation. To lower the impact of our denim, we’ve partnered with Jeanologia, who specialise in developing innovative technologies that enhance the efficiency of denim manufacturing while minimizing its environmental impact.

Our core denim range are made using Jeanologia washing technology and achieve a low-impact score using Jeanologia’s EIM Environmental Impact Measurement software. This means less water, chemicals and electricity were used in the washing and finishing processes compared with our styles that do not use this technology. Our denim styles are marked as ‘LOW-IMPACT DENIM’

Polyester

Polyester is one of the world’s most popular textiles due to its strength, resistance to wrinkles, quick drying time, and ability to retain shape and colour. When blended with cotton, polyester improves the fabric’s shrinkage and durability. It does come with environmental drawbacks - it is not biodegradable and can shed microplastics, so ensuring products are made to last and are washed responsibly is key.

We’re working on reducing our use of virgin polyester and shifting towards recycled polyester, which is made from existing materials that could otherwise go to waste. These recycled materials come from both pre-consumer and post-consumer sources and are verified through the following trusted certification schemes.

Products certified to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) contain recycled material that has been independently verified at each stage of the supply chain, from the source to the final product. In addition, facilities from the recycler to final supplier have met social, environmental, and chemical requirements.

Products certified to the Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) contain recycled material that has been independently verified at each stage of the supply chain, from the recycler to the final product.

GRS and RCS can apply to any material, not just textiles. We're also exploring recycled options across other materials we use, including resin, cotton, wool, glass, brass, and silver.

Viscose and other man-made cellulosic fibres

Man-made cellulosic fibres (MMCFs) are semi-synthetic fabrics, such as viscose and lyocell, made from regenerated cellulose typically derived from wood pulp. They offer a soft, silky feel, good drape and breathability, making them a popular choice for clothing.

Naturally lightweight, LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres give woven and knitted fabrics a tactile softness and flowing drape. The production of LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres uses at least 50% less water and emits at least 50% less CO2 compared to generic viscose fibres, according to Higg MSI*, thereby saving precious resources for future generations. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibres are made from wood, a natural and renewable raw material carefully sourced from controlled or certified origins meeting FSC® or PEFC standards**. The wood taken from nature is purposefully balanced with forest growth rates, to ensure the continued availability of this valuable resource.

*Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and available via Higg MSI (Version 3.7).
**FSC® (FSC-C041246) or PEFC (PEFC/06-33-92) certification.

TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibres give fabrics a natural softness that feels pleasant against the skin. The responsible production of TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibres uses at least 50% less water and emits at least 50% less greenhouse gas (GHG) compared to generic lyocell and modal fibres, according to Higg MSI*. TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibres are made from wood, a natural and renewable raw material carefully sourced from certified (FSC® or PEFC certification**) or controlled wood sources. The wood taken from nature is purposefully balanced with forest growth rates, to ensure the continued availability of this valuable resource.

*Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) and available via Higg MSI (Version 3.7)
**FSC® (FSC-C041246) or PEFC (PEFC/06-33-92) certification.

Other Textiles

Other textiles we used last year included: acrylic, elastane, polyamide, linen, metallised fibres, jute, PU and leather. With the exception of PU and leather, these other fibres are usually blended with other materials to achieve desired performance, cost or aesthetic characteristics such as stretch, strength or softness.
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Leather
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Wool
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Mohair & Alpaca
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Bone

Animal-Derived Materials

We are working with our suppliers to ensure that, where leather is the main component of the product, it's sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG). LWG works with over 1,600 businesses in more than 55 countries to drive transformational change in the leather industry. They offer four different auditing standards to assess the performance of a facility in terms of its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) stewardship. Leather, bone inlay and sheepskin must be a by-product of the meat industry, come from farms with good animal husbandry, and be sourced in line with our animal welfare policy.

Wool is an animal-based natural fibre which comes primarily from sheep, with different grades of fibre coming from different breeds. It is a renewable, biodegradable and recyclable fibre with a soft handle and good thermal insulation properties. It also ages beautifully and is resistant to stains, making it perfect for products being used and loved for years. Wool and animal fibres are sourced with animal welfare, land management and social welfare in mind, and we are working with our suppliers to source wool with a responsible wool certificate wherever possible.

Mohair is a highly sought-after fibre that comes from the coat of angora goats. It is soft and silky in texture and, like any animal derived fibre, must be sourced in an ethical and sustainable way. We only use mohair that is certified to the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS).

Alpaca is a warm, luxurious and lightweight fibre that comes from alpaca. It is spun into a highly durable yarn and is naturally hypoallergenic and super soft. Like wool and mohair, alpaca is moisture-wicking and keeps the wearer dry by transporting moisture away from the skin, ensuring comfort in both cold and warm conditions.

The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS) and Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) describe and independently certify animal welfare and land management practices in wool, mohair and alpaca fibre production. These certification schemes track the certified material from farm to final product.

The bone used in our products is handcrafted by highly skilled craftspeople in India using traditional techniques. We use buffalo bone that is sourced as a by-product, helping to ensure that no part of the animal is wasted. Responsible practices are followed when gathering remains of animals that have died naturally or were slaughtered for meat. No animals are killed for this process, and locally it is considered as a sustainable form of recycling, reducing agricultural waste.

The unique art of bone inlay comes exclusively from the Indian state of Rajasthan. Due to its workable nature and natural colour variations, bone allows for intricate, visual furniture and homeware designs with a unique, natural aesthetic. The process is extremely skilful and involves carefully carving and fitting pieces of bone into wood.

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Wood
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Mango wood
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Rattan
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Seagrass
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Bamboo
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Water Hyacinth

Forest-Derived Materials

Wood is renewable, durable and long-lasting, so it’s perfect for making items that will be used and enjoyed over time. It can be easily shaped, stained, and painted, making it a key component in conscious homeware and furniture design.

Responsibly managed forests can help to mitigate climate change and minimise negative impact on biodiversity. We work closely with our supplier partners to map where the wood in our products comes from and increase transparency. We also encourage suppliers to source wood from responsibly managed forests that are certified and traceable by local or international forestry standards.

Mango wood is a hardwood timber with a coarse texture used across our homeware and furniture designs. Its colour varies from light to dark brown and natural variation can occur, adding individuality to each product. Mango wood is sourced as a by-product of the fruit industry and usually harvested when the trees no longer produce enough fruit.

Rattan is a strong, flexible material made from the stems of a tropical climbing palm. It has been used for centuries in furniture and homeware production because it is natural, hardwearing and looks beautiful when woven.

Seagrass comes from a fast-growing plant that grows along shores and riverbanks in shallow waters. Once harvested, the seagrass is sun-dried and becomes a strong and flexible material that can be beautifully braided - a traditional process that has been followed since ancient times to create beautiful home accessories.

Bamboo is a fast, naturally re-growing grass that rarely needs to be replanted once cut down. Despite being lightweight, it’s exceptionally strong, can withstand heavy use and is easily stained or painted, making it perfect for furniture and accessory products.

Water hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant that grows wildly in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers in tropical regions around the world. A bit like seagrass, the plants are harvested and sun-dried to make a strong and durable material that can be woven into home accessories. Using water hyacinth in design, instead of allowing it to spread in waterways, helps protect native habitats and promote biodiversity.

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Ceramics
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Glass
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Soda-Lime Glass
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Borosilicate Glass
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Metal in Homeware
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Metal in Jewellery

Ceramics, Glass and Metals

Ceramic objects are made by combining a mixture of materials such as clay, silica, minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and frits. The mixture is shaped into forms using hand building, wheel-throwing, or mould casting techniques. Once shaped, objects are fired in a kiln at a high temperature to make them hardened and heat resistant.

Stoneware is one of our favoured ceramic types. It is fired at a higher temperature to achieve a denser body and increased durability. It can support a wide variety of glazes and finishes, making it perfect for a range of products from trinket dishes to tableware and ovenware.

Other ceramic types used in our products include earthenware, terracotta and dolomite. The type of ceramic is selected based on its functionality and design and decoration will vary depending on design and ceramic type. Both earthenware and terracotta are perfect for outdoor plant pots due to their porosity.

Glass is made from natural and abundant raw materials (usually sand, soda ash and limestone) that are melted at a high temperature then formed into a variety of shapes for our glassware and home accessories.

Soda-Lime Glass
This is the most common type of glass you will find in the household due to its versatility, and it’s a great glass for our designs. When in its molten state, the glass is extremely malleable and can be made into any shape. It can be used in a machine, but in most of our designs we prefer the mouth blown technique to give each piece individuality. Soda-lime glass is available in a huge variety of shades, with colour being added by powder, colour chips or spraying.

Borosilicate Glass
The composition of borosilicate glass includes added ingredients that give it excellent thermal properties for use with hot drinks, as well as being more durable and flexible than regular glass. Its composition makes it feel more lightweight than other glass types, and it can be made into more complex shapes. Each product is individually hand crafted, with pieces starting off in a tube-like form that is blown into shape and size before being carefully constructed into the final design.

Metal’s unique properties combine elements of flexibility, strength and durability to make homeware and furniture that will stand the test of time. Many items are made using traditional techniques that have barely changed for centuries. Skilled artisans heat and shape the metals, whether it be iron, stainless steel, aluminium or brass and craft components with great care and attention to detail.

We use a range of materials in our jewellery and accessory collections. Selecting the right material, and the right supplier partner, is key to getting these products right. Find out more on our Jewellery materials page

Over to you...

How you care for your products has an environmental impact. Washing less at a lower temperature and air drying wherever possible helps to reduce the impact of your clothing. Caring for things well, keeping them in use for longer and passing on things you no longer love are all great ways at extending product life. Our care & repair guides are full of tips on how to keep things in great condition for longer, or you can return unwanted Oliver Bonas products to keep them in circulation using our takeback and charity donation schemes.

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