(English) Best Practices

GAU is a Polish clothing brand that produces in the spirit of ethical values. Fascinated by minimalism and simplicity of form, it follows the principle 'less is more' as a fashion brand. The company is not only about clothes, excellent quality and minimalist style, it is also about caring for the people around it as well as the world. GAU is very keen to ensure that everything related to production respects the rights of workers, and with complete control over every stage of production, you can be sure that GAU is friendly and ethical in every respect.

GAU is one of the first Polish ethical clothing brands, founded in 2013 and sewing only with certified organic materials from the beginning. Minimised production without large inventories, organic certified materials, conscious choices and care for workers' rights are the main tenets of running GAU, which has become a role model for a growing number of Polish and global fashion brands.

Working to protect the environment, the GAU brand sews clothes only from certified eco-cotton (GOTS and Oeko-Text Standard 100) without pesticides or toxic substances. Also every day, GAU strives to reduce waste production as much as possible.

The company's ethical standard is achieved by sewing its garments in its own tailor's workshop, using only cotton knitted in a Polish knitting mill. With influence and control over all stages of production, GAU can be sure that the clothes that reach the customer have not caused anyone suffering. In addition, the brand is characterised by transparency and operates according to the principles of slow fashion.

At GAU, surplus garments produced are avoided. However, having run the brand since 2013, the company realises that "there is always something left over" - it could be stitches that don't quite make it or minor blemishes on a garment that it never throws away. Over these few years, GAU has supported many Polish foundations for the disabled or single mothers' homes by donating these particular garments free of charge. By using only knitwear produced in a Polish knitting mill, the company has reduced emissions by opting out of international deliveries. It has also contributed to reducing the use of plastic and other synthetic materials by packing purchases in parchment and cardboard boxes, and using a paper label sticker to address them.

The company has succeeded above all by popularising the slow fashion trend and the idea of zero waste. Over the years, it has contributed to caring for the environment through its in-house practices. It has built credibility and social respect by supporting institutions such as foundations and single mother's homes. Thanks to its ethical approach to production and the treatment of its employees, the company has a good reputation in the industry. It is gaining more and more dedicated customers thanks to the values embedded in the company's strategy: sustainable production, an ethical approach and helping others.

The practices undertaken at GAU can only be implemented by thinking sensibly and responsibly. Listening to the needs of customers is key, as this allows us to maximise product sales and thus avoid overproduction. GAU believes that it is a brand where, above all, people create something for other people. In order to actually contribute to the concept of zero waste, purchases should be packaged responsibly.

The solution adopted by the GAU brand is that it does not chase trends that change every season. From the beginning, it sews one coherent visual capsule collection that allows it to be enjoyed for years to come. This solution helps the brand to create products according to sustainability principles.

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G•A•U. (n.d.). Nasze Wartości. Retrieved from: https://gaubrand.pl/nasze-wartosci/

G•A•U. (n.d.). O nas. Retrieved from: https://gaubrand.pl/about-us/