INTERVIEW #24 GLOBE HOPE
Based in: Nummela, Finland
Founded in: 2003
Founded by: Seija Lukkala
Stores: We have our own webshop and Brand Store in Nummela, Finland. The other retailers are listed here: https://globehope.com/pages/jalleenmyyjat
Instagram: @globehope
Price range: 20-350€
Why we love them: Innovative, forward thinking, Globe Hope is here to stay! Their designs are fun, classy and SUSTAINABLE! What’s not to love about Globe Hope?
“We believe there is still hope for our globe. Everything we do, we do out of respect for our planet. This is why nature and the different details of the globe also work as an inspiration for us.”
What is Globe Hope and why did you start?
Globe Hope was launched in 2003 by Seija Lukkala, the pioneer of circular economy in Finland. She came up with an innovative idea to create design products from textile waste. Ever since, we have created every product out of existing raw materials. We are here to create a better option. An alternative that requires no new raw materials.
What is your sustainability profile?
Our core idea is based on our respect for the planet and its precious resources. We have a strong belief that it is for us to design a way out of the mess we have created.
How and where are the products being produced?
Our bags and accessories are made in Finland and Estonia. The production is small and manual work, as the recycled materials have limited sources and each material has to be quality-checked and cleaned.
A few years ago, we also started a clothing production in Bangladesh, where the production is on a larger scale. We chose this type of production to be able to offer 100% recycled and sustainable clothing for more people. The clothing collection is made from 100% recycled yarn, that is a combination of a textile industry cutting waste and used plastic bottles.
Which product is selling the most?
Our bestsellers are all the different seat belt bags. They are unique and stand out from the crowd!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
We believe there is still hope for our globe. Everything we do, we do out of respect for our planet. This is why nature and the different details of the globe also work as an inspiration for us.
“Our bags and accessories are made in Finland and Estonia. The production is small and manual work, as the recycled materials have limited sources and each material has to be quality-checked and cleaned.”
What have been/and are the major challenges?
Being a forerunner in circular fashion has not always been easy. We started at a time, when sustainability was only at the level of thought in Finland, especially in the textile industry. When our first recycled clothing collection was launched in 2003, it received a mixed reaction: sustainable consumers loved it, but at the same time the fashion industry was outraged.
From the start until today, we've had to fight our way forward. It's a challenge to stay uncompromisingly sustainable and keep up the hard work when you can see ignorance and careless attitude from consumers, companies, and decision-makers.
Also, it's sometimes a challenge to compete with other brands that create their products from virgin materials. Using only recycled materials is more challenging, as the materials are limited, varying, and sometimes need careful sorting and cleaning. This makes the process more time-consuming and we can't always produce enough items to meet demand.
What has been/is the largest gain (in any means, financial, spiritual)?
During these 18 years, we've gained a forerunner, transparent, and trustworthy reputation in Finland, which means a lot to us.
What do you think needs to change in the fashion industry to make it more sustainable?
Sustainability is not something that we should think of as a competition. Who are the most sustainable, and who gets to rule the market. The fashion industry should have a "stronger together" -mentality and support each other. And to get there, we first need the demand from consumers. Without conscious consumers, the fashion industry always prefers quick profits over responsible decisions.
“The fashion industry should have a “stronger together” -mentality and support each other. And to get there, we first need the demand from consumers. Without conscious consumers, the fashion industry always prefers quick profits over responsible decisions.”
