… The Last True Place on Earth
In our quest to show you Africa´s vibrant, positive influence on the rest of the world this month, we´d like to introduce you to a new made in Africa by Africans ethical and eco fashion label, Banqu.
“Making everything in Africa has been our vision, our mission and our journey“, say Banqu founders, Mauro Pavesi & Davide Grazioli. “Since 2006 we have been committed “to do everything in Africa” in hopes of making a small yet sensible contribution to the development of Africa through Banuq’s products and business practices.”
The Banuq team has experienced numerous challenges, disappointments and criticism; but also a lot of surprises, smiles and encouragement. “And doing all this we have met so many wonderful people.” Banuq is committed to conducting business responsibly, cost what may. Some call it fair trade, some call it ethical fashion… They don’t care much for definitions. “We just do our best, as you do, knowing that it will be difficult to be perfect. But at the same time we don’t want to be only good.” Banuq’s garments are contemporary fashion and take a step away from the traditional belief that “ethical” means also boring.
Banuq chooses to use a 100% African supply chain because they believe this is the best way to contribute to the development of our beautiful continent. Banuq does not believe in charity, but in the power of creation and ideas, which is plentiful in Africa. Africa, as its inhabitants know, is not limited to its traditional reputation of a war-torn, impoverished, and disease-infested continent. On the contrary, Africa is waiting to be re-discovered. Vibrant, colourful, joyful, a diverse and resilient world… to say it with one word… it is a true world, maybe one of the last true places on earth. Africa produces beautiful cotton in many countries; however the majority of the cotton is exported raw to other Western countries. Locals lose out on the benefits and economic potential of the cotton such as jobs, economic and social development. Banuq aspires and strives to keep that treasure where it grows and where it belongs – in Africa.
Banuq’s supply chain is short. The organic cotton textiles are from Egypt by an organisation that is certified both as organic and fair trade. From Egypt, fabrics are transported to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia where a few small factories produce the final garments. Banuq is aware of the environmental problems caused by pollution and over-consumption. Fashion contributes to this every day. Cotton requires a lot of water to grow, and almost 30% of all pesticides used in the world are used to grow this crop, even though this only represents 3% of the world crop production. The use of pesticides implies a lot of health problems for the people who work tirelessly in the fields, usually in less-developed countries. Banuq chooses to use organic cotton because it is grown without pesticides and chemical fertilisers. “By choosing organic cotton we help reducing the impact of fashion on the environment and improving the lives of many workers.“
“If by choosing to wear a piece of Banuq’s collection has inspired and empowered you to be more aware and sustainable with your fashion choices, we have managed to live out our vision, mission and journey with you. We can all contribute to making the world into a better place, even when we shop.”
The liveeco team
