Impact

Manufacturing

At Coco Clem, we believe that how we make things, and who we partner with, is just as important as what we make.

All of our manufacturing partners are based in Guangdong, China. Our commitment outlines the basic requirements that all factories we choose to work with must meet in order to do business with us, in accordance with internationally accepted standards.

We look for vendors who are committed to transparency, traceability, and steady progress. Our guidelines are non-negotiable, but we recognize that meaningful change takes time and ongoing effort. We're always open to evolving our approach if it leads to more thoughtful, responsible outcomes.

Our Commitment

Legal and Ethical Standards

We only partner with manufacturers who operate in full legal compliance, including business licensing, adherence to national and local labor laws, and transparent, documented employment practices. All workers must be employed voluntarily, retain control of their personal documents, and receive clear terms of employment through legal hiring processes. Traceable operations are required at every facility we work with.

Wages, Benefits, Working Hours & Recordkeeping

All suppliers must comply with all laws regulating local wages, overtime compensation and legally mandated benefits. We require accurate time and payroll record keeping, and all wages are paid through traceable, documented systems. Employees receive legally required social insurance coverage, including pension, medical, and unemployment benefits, depending on regional mandates. All facilities observe China’s national holidays, including Chinese New Year, Labor Day, National Day, and other legally recognized festivals, and have the option of at least one day off in seven.

Health and Safety

All suppliers must ensure that employees are provided with a safe and healthy work environment and are not exposed to unsanitary or hazardous conditions. Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws in the countries where they operate, including those related to workplace safety, sanitation, and emergency preparedness. Workers are provided with appropriate protective equipment, and all facilities maintain clear fire exits, sanitation systems, and emergency signage. None of our current manufacturing partners provide dormitories or on-site housing.

Environment

We prioritize third-party-certified materials, including GOTS-certified organic cotton, GRS-certified recycled fibers, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 textiles, FSC-certified paper packaging, and TÜV Austria–certified compostable bio-based materials. Our suppliers must comply with all applicable environmental regulations, including those related to chemical use, labeling, and secure storage. Facilities are required to have documented systems in place for waste management and pollution prevention, and must ensure that no restricted or hazardous substances are used. This includes proper containment, safe disposal practices, and full adherence to national environmental laws. We expect our partners to operate with care for environmental impact and encourage ongoing improvement wherever possible.

Child Labor

Our suppliers must not employ anyone under the age of 15, or the minimum legal age for employment in the country, whichever is higher. Young workers under the age of 18 must not be exposed to hazardous, unsafe, or unhealthy working conditions or materials. Adequate protections must be in place for any young workers employed. All of our manufacturing partners have confirmed that their employees are above the legal minimum working age with verified documentation. The youngest worker currently employed across our factories is 20.

Forced or Bonded Labor

Our suppliers must not use involuntary or forced labor, whether indentured, bonded, prison labor, or labor obtained through slavery or human trafficking. Suppliers are required to monitor any third party involved in recruitment or hiring to ensure no individual is compelled to work through force, deception, intimidation, coercion, or as punishment for personally held views. Workers must not be required to lodge deposits or surrender identification documents when beginning employment.

Freedom of Association & Collective Bargaining

Our suppliers have the right to organize, join groups of their choosing, and advocate for better conditions without fear of retaliation. Elected worker representatives may be chosen freely and without management interference. We support every worker’s right to participate in collective dialogue and decision-making.

No Discrimination

Our suppliers may not discriminate against employees at any stage of employment, including hiring, wages, promotion, or termination. Discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political opinion, or other protected characteristics is not permitted.

No Harassment or Violence

Our suppliers must ensure that all workers are treated with dignity and respect. Physical, verbal, sexual, and psychological harassment or abuse is strictly prohibited. No fines, coercive discipline, or retaliatory practices are allowed under any circumstances.

Subcontracting

All production must take place at disclosed and approved facilities. Subcontracting is not permitted without prior written approval, and any subcontractors must meet the same social and environmental standards outlined in these guidelines. We require full transparency about where and how our products are made, and do not allow unauthorized outsourcing at any stage of production.

Traceability and Material Sourcing

We only work with approved suppliers who can provide documentation for the materials they use. All raw materials must be traceable to verified sources, and no substitution or unauthorized sourcing is allowed. We prioritize certified inputs such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, GRS-certified recycled fibers, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 textiles, FSC-certified acetate and paper, and TÜV Austria–certified compostable and bio-based materials.

Packaging

We choose our packaging with circularity in mind. Our goal is to keep materials in use, out of landfills, and out of ecosystems. That means using components that can be composted, recycled, or reused, and and being clear about the benefits and limitations of each.

How to Dispose

Apparel Packaging

Both the mailer and garment bag are made from a compostable PLA + PBAT blend, certified OK compost HOME and INDUSTRIAL by TÜV Austria. If you compost at home, you can place the packaging in your compost bin, where it will break down into non-toxic organic matter. If you don’t have a compost bin at home, you can bring the packaging to an industrial compost facility in your area. These bags are not recyclable and won’t break down properly in landfill. Landfills are sealed, low-oxygen environments designed to store waste long-term, not to break it down; even compostable materials can remain intact for years without the right conditions.

We chose this material because it offers a plastic-free alternative that returns to the earth cleanly, breaking down into CO₂, water, and biomass that contributes to soil health when discarded the right way, rather than simply disappearing.

Don't have a compost at home? Find an industrial compost facility near you.

Jewelry Packaging

Our 100% Recycled Honeycomb Paper Mailers are a protective, plastic-free alternative to traditional bubble mailers. Made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified recycled kraft paper, they feature a built-in honeycomb layer that cushions your jewelry in transit without foam or plastic.

When you're done, recycle it curbside with your other paper products, or place it in your home compost bin where it will break down naturally with no microplastics left behind. Avoid tossing this in the trash since it will likely end up in a landfill where it can’t break down properly and may release methane into the environment.

Don't have a compost at home? Find an industrial compost facility near you.