Aster & Oak
Our Ethical Standards
Creating Naturally-Safe, Ethical Fashion for Tomorrow's Generation
When we asked parents why they love Aster & Oak, they said our designs are unique and our clothing is so soft and comfortable for playing and snuggling in – but did you know, we also have a deeper purpose? We want to make the world a better place by maintaining high ethical standards in all areas of our business. We personally hand illustrate, design and track every step of the manufacturing process of our products - from the soil the cotton is grown in, right up to your door. A lot goes into a tiny outfit for a baby, and we want to ensure every step in the supply chain supports the environment and human rights.
Social Responsibility
What exactly is social responsibility? It means that we, as a company have a duty to act in the best interests of our environment and society as a whole. Aster & Oak is an advocate for social responsibility. We want our products to have a meaningful and positive impact on everyone involved in their creation and the world we live in.
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This year marks the 8th anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse, which killed 1,138 people and injured many more in 2013. Despite cracks appearing in the building the day before, garment factory workers were told they must go to work. Fashion greatly impacts human lives around the world. We encourage you as the consumer, to ask brands #whomademyclothes?
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We only partner with organisations that provide fair and safe working conditions. These are some of our strict expectations, that are audited by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
The Importance Of GOTS Certification
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a globally recognized certification for organic textiles. While GOTS certification ensures the organic and sustainable aspects of textile production, it also incorporates social criteria to address fair labor practices. These social criteria cover aspects such as forced labor, child labor, and other forms of exploitation.
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GOTS requires companies to comply with the International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions, which prohibit any form of forced or bonded labor. The certification also includes criteria regarding working conditions, non-discrimination, and fair wages.
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By using GOTS certified organic cotton, Aster & Oak demonstrates their commitment to supporting fair and ethical supply chain practices, including the avoidance of any modern slavery or exploitative practices. The GOTS certification provides consumers with confidence that the products they choose are not only organic but also produced under fair and ethical conditions.
Naturally Made & Long Lasting
From soil to seams, each season’s collection is created with love and respect—for the earth, the hands that craft each piece, and the little ones who wear them. We use natural dyes and avoid harmful chemicals, making every garment as gentle as possible on your baby’s skin, on cotton farmers, and on future generations.
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While not all of our garments are currently GOTS-certified, we continue to work with GOTS-certified organic cotton wherever possible and remain deeply committed to upholding ethical, sustainable practices. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) sets strict guidelines for organic fibers, including environmental responsibility and fair working conditions—standards we continue to align with across all aspects of our business.
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We also manufacture in small batches to reduce overproduction and avoid contributing to the waste caused by fast fashion. Our garments are designed to last, to be loved, and to be passed on—whether to siblings, friends, or future little adventurers. Pieces with small imperfections are never discarded; instead, they’re donated or featured in our fun and affordable Mystery Bags!
Minimised Waste & Compostable Packaging
Through thoughtful design and production processes, we strive to reduce our environmental footprint. Our packaging is designed to be minimalistic and sustainable, using compostable materials whenever possible. Additionally, we prioritize the use of leftover fabric scraps to create smaller accessories or children's clothing, ensuring that no material goes to waste. By taking these measures, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.
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We are delighted to announce that 99% of our packaging is now either compostable or made from recycled plastics. This commitment to environmentally-friendly packaging reflects our dedication to reducing waste and minimizing our impact on the planet. By opting for compostable materials and recycled plastics, we strive to ensure that our packaging aligns with our overall goal of creating a more sustainable future.
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