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Why We Choose to Use Organic Cotton Fabric
These days, finding quality organic products is a mission that requires conscious shoppers to dig for information. There are many different ratings, certifications, and “levels” of organic products that can make it tricky to know what you’re really buying. To make matters worse, the practice of “greenwashing” runs rampant in almost all industries, in which companies make false claims about the true origins or quality of their products.
Bears for Humanity is doing things differently. We are committed to being 100% transparent about our entire supply chain, and invite you to discover step by step how and where our bears are created. Our special plushies are created using 100% organic cotton fabric, which means zero shortcuts at any stage of their production.
We are also very proud of our certifications, as they are some of the most difficult to achieve in the world of textiles. Below you’ll find explanations and examples of each, so you can confidently choose the best for your children.
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From Cotton Seed to Teddy Bear
Growing the cotton
Our bears are made with Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton which is one of the most rigorous organic standards to achieve. We work with small-scale Co-ops that facilitate and fund the farmers’ ability to grow organic cotton using natural fertilizers.
Harvesting the Cotton
Farmers of the co-ops work 1-10 acre farms growing organic cotton for six months. They then switch to growing fruits or vegetables the other six months of the year. This crop rotation is important for soil regeneration and ensures that the nutrients stay balanced within the land.
Processing the Cotton
The raw, organic cotton goes through a series of steps; including combing, carding, knitting, and dying, all of which are done by hand. Our Sherpa organic cotton fabric goes through a special combing process that ensures an especially soft, “curled” texture.
We were actually the first company to ever create a sherpa texture from organic cotton!
Eco-Soluble & Herbal Dyes
Once it has been processed, the resulting fabric is dyed using organic, plant-based herbal dyes with anti-microbial elements. These dyes are created from completely natural elements including herbs, vegetables, fruits, and seeds.
Stuffing and Sewing
Our bears’ organic cotton fabric is hand-cut to avoid burn marks. It is then hand-sewn into the cuddly animals you know and love. Our plush animals are stuffed using organic, non-GMO PLA fibers that come from corn. This makes for a completely biodegradable bear!
Individual Quality Inspection for Each Bear
After passing through production, each bear is inspected by hand to maintain the high standard of quality we are proud of. Since each stuffed animal is put together by hand, using natural cotton that stretches, (unlike synthetic polyester,) it takes time, patience, and attention to detail to ensure product consistency.
Safety Testing
Our plush animals must pass Textile Chemical Composition Tests that show no carcinogens or heavy metals are present in the final product. For this, each level of our supply chain must have been meticulous in keeping toxins away from the process. Additional Toy Safety Tests ensure that Bears for Humanity products are safe for children ages 0 and up.
Biodegradable Packing
Finally, our bears are packaged in biodegradable bags and shipped to their forever homes to be loved on by children of all ages. As a part of our Buy One Give One model, we also donate thousands of bears a year to children in need.
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