Message from Danielle
As the Founder & CEO of ATHLETESIA, I not only acknowledge my responsibility to our Planet, Product, and People (PPP), but I also hold myself fully accountable for our impact across all three.
Sustainability is hugely important to me not just at a business level, but personally too. Every decision is intentional, but that doesn’t mean I’m always going to get it right.
I’m not here to claim perfection, because that would assume there is nothing further to do. What I can assure you of, is that I am 100% committed to doing better as the brand evolves and grows.
Top three strategic properties:
- OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification.
- Continuing to explore and introduce natural fibres.
- Maintaining end-to-end supply chain transparency and compliance.
WHAT PLANET, PRODUCT, AND PEOPLE IN ACTION LOOKS LIKE FOR US
Planet
Building A Strong Foundation: Prior to launching ATHLETESIA, I worked with a sustainability consultant to ensure we align with responsible practices and through the support of the UKFT Sustainability team, this is something I am continuously reviewing and looking at.
Our Approach To Freight: How samples and bulk orders are a key contributor to our environmental footprint. Unless it’s an emergency (which is rare) the economy option is always selected which means selecting the by sea and road option.
Thoughtful Packaging: Our hangtags are printed on FSC-certified recycled card using water-based inks. To eliminate single-use plastic polybags, products are protected using Vela glassine paper bags. Manufactured from 99% glassine paper, with the remaining components consisting of water-based adhesives and water-based inks. Based on their material composition, the glassine bags are recyclable within standard paper recycling streams.
Our paper and card packaging uses FSC-certified materials, supporting responsible forest management and helping to protect biodiversity, forests and the communities that depend on them. Learn more about FSC here. Packaging choices reflect a conscious decision to do our best to avoid the use of conventional LDPE and plastic polybags. However, to ensure products are protected during adverse weather conditions, 100% recycled bags may need to be used. For further transparency, all orders to the EU are shipped in standard DHL bags for now.
Product
Our Material Sourcing Framework
To guide our design decisions and maintain total clarity, we categorise all raw fibers into three clear sourcing tiers:
Preferred: Certified organic cotton, recycled polyamide, and natural plant-based fibers. This applies to our oversize tees, joggers and 2027 sports bra and leggings collection.
Use with Conditions: High-performance elastane/spandex and virgin polyamide selected strictly where technical stretch, recovery, and longevity are required, provided they hold OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 safety certifications. This applies to our adjustable tank, shorts and sports bras. Our 2027 sports bra and leggings collection will include high-performance elastane.
Avoid: Conventional virgin polyester, non-certified synthetics, and hazardous chemical treatments. None of our apparel is made from polyester. Polyester has its place and benefits, but at this stage it’s not a fabric I plan on including in future collections.
Built on quality: I am completely and utterly obsessed with the quality of every single item that is produced. I’m not a fan of ‘wear and throw away’ clothing and always have longevity in mind. If something isn’t fit for purpose, it doesn’t make the cut. Wash testing, colourfastness, abrasion/pilling, seam strength, dimensional stability, wear trials, and product-specific performance testing are essential.
People
Manufacturing: I have a factory onboarding and due diligence process in place for our manufacturing partners. This includes completion of our Compliance Matrix, through which we collect and review information covering:
- Material Certifications
- Fibre Origin
- Fabric & Finishing Processes
- Environmental & Social Responsibility
- Responsible Sourcing
Our primary apparel manufacturing partners undergo independent social audits, including SMETA and amfori BSCI assessments. Where audit reports are available to us, these are reviewed as part of our supplier due diligence process, including any findings and corrective actions.