Sustainability

We take our environmental responsibility seriously here at Shadowshore. Every step we take is considered carefully, and we are continuously striving to steer toward greener options whenever possible. The goal is sustainability mixed with premium quality products you can enjoy on every adventure.

Production

Each item is specially made for you after you place your order, meaning we don't store an inventory of mass-produced apparel or accessories. This means we need 2-6 business days to print, sew and prep your items before they are sent out. However, it also eliminates overproduction and reduces the amount of textile waste filling our landfills, while allowing us to create high quality, one-of-a-kind pieces for you. A win-win for everyone involved, including Mother Nature.

Although several production techniques are used, many of our products are printed using the direct-to-garment (DTG) method. Our printers generate almost zero wastewater and use less energy than standard industry printers. Plus, our ink is OEKO-TEX certified, vegan, water-based and free of harmful chemicals.

Another method used to create your products is embroidery. We use OEKO-TEX certified threads, safe for both adults and children. Embroidery generally produces even less environmental waste than printing.

Recycling of Damaged Items

Damaged or returned products consisting of fabric waste are normally sent to be recycled, along with fabric scraps created during production. If possible, they may instead be donated to local charities.

Eco-Friendly Product Line

Currently, our products labeled "eco-friendly" consist of at least 70% organic or recycled materials, or a mix of these. This may include materials such as organic cotton, recycled cotton, recycled polyester, recycled nylon and any such blends of the aforementioned.

Delivery

Our entire catalog is proudly designed in Canada, while we're partnered with production facilities in the US, Canada and Europe. Your order will typically be made in the facility nearest your location, in order to reduce the need for long-distance delivery and to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum. If your order consists of multiple items, we will try to ship them together, to further reduce CO2 emissions during delivery.

Product Packaging

When it comes to product packaging, our goal is to reduce the environmental impact plastic has on our planet. This is why all mugs and larger orders are packaged in cardboard boxes.

As for the apparel items offered in our shop, we pack these in post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic mailers. This type of packaging will protect your products just as much as regular plastic, but greatly reduces the impact on our environment. It's made from everyday items such as plastic bags, bottles and wrapping films.

The amount of PCR in our packaging differs depending on the location from which your order ships. The outer mailers are generally made from over 50% PCR material. Orders shipped from Europe use eco-friendly packaging with 70-100% PCR plastic content in the interior bags. If your order ships from one of our US or Canadian locations, we've begun switching to interior packaging with 90-100% PCR plastic (from the previous 30%).

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As newer technologies are always being released, we will continue to look toward greener options that will benefit Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants.

If you have any questions regarding our sustainability practices, please reach out to us here.