As a B Corp™-certified brand, we believe transparency goes beyond certificates and data. During our visit to Italy, we looked further into our supply chain — beyond our direct suppliers — meeting knitting mills, washing houses and small linking facilities. In other words, the partners behind our partners: the specialists responsible for fabrics, treatments and finishing.
Together with Tex.tracer — a digital traceability platform that maps and documents every step of our product journey — we gain insight into these deeper parts of our chain. Through the QR code on each item, this information becomes visible and accessible.
During these visits, we speak with suppliers about working conditions, regional risks, wages and health & safety practices. Using our supplier checklist, we discuss topics such as working hours, overtime and wage structures, while also touring the facilities to get a clear picture of the working environment. We pay close attention to important safety aspects like accessible emergency exits, fire safety measures and the safe use of machinery and chemicals.
At by-bar, we believe that everyone involved in creating our collections deserves a safe, fair, and respectful working environment. That is why 100% of our direct suppliers have signed our Code of Conduct. Currently, 80% of our partners meet leading international standards (such as BSCI and Fair Wear), and we are actively working with our remaining partners to further improve their practices. For us, sustainability is about growing together to create a lasting positive impact.
yarn supplier
knitting mills
linking partners
yarn supplier
knitting mills
linking partners
During our visit to the yarn supplier, we explored the possibilities of working with responsible alpaca yarn. Often sourced from small-scale farms, alpaca can support local farming families and carries a lower animal welfare risk compared to fibres such as wool or mohair.
At the same time, availability is still limited and production requires careful planning. These conversations help us better understand the realities behind more responsible material choices — and how we can continue improving our collections step by step.
We also visited three different knitting mills that help bring our designs to life. Each one had its own character — from a small family-run workshop to larger facilities with advanced knitting machines.
What they all shared was craftsmanship and a strong sense of responsibility. Some were small family businesses, others worked with teams from different cultural backgrounds, but everywhere we saw clean, organised production spaces and a clear focus on quality. In one mill, production is even powered by solar panels.
Another stop on our journey was a small linking and finishing facility that works closely with one of our knitting partners. Here, knitted pieces are carefully assembled and finished — an important step in turning separate parts into a complete garment.
The workshop is run by a small team with diverse backgrounds, bringing together craftsmanship and precision in every piece they handle. Their work may happen behind the scenes, but it plays a crucial role in the final quality of our knitwear.
washing facilities
ironing partners
next steps
washing facilities
ironing partners
next steps
Another important step in the journey of our knitwear takes place at specialised washing facilities. During our visit in Prato, we met two partners responsible for the washing and finishing of knitted garments. Both facilities are family-driven businesses where craftsmanship and experience play an important role. In clean and well-organised production spaces, garments are carefully washed and treated to achieve the final texture, softness and shape.
Several of these facilities also hold recognised certifications such as GOTS, RWS, GRS and RMS, reflecting their commitment to responsible materials and production standards.
The final step before our knitwear is ready to leave the production floor takes place at specialised ironing and finishing partners. Here, garments are carefully pressed and shaped to ensure the right fit and final appearance. During our visit, we met small facilities where experienced teams handle this precise work. Although these workshops are often modest in size, their role is essential in the final stage of production.
Visiting these partners helps us gain a better understanding of the last steps in our supply chain. It also allows us to continue monitoring working conditions and identify where additional transparency and improvements may be needed.
During our visits, we discussed future improvements and transparency with our partners. Some suppliers are exploring certifications such as RAF, OCS or RCS, while others require additional documentation and follow-up. These conversations help us continue improving step by step.
"Personal, long-term partnerships are the foundation of our success. We’re grateful for a dedicated network, all united by a shared goal." —Barbara Brenninkmeijer, founder by-bar
lasting relationships
At by-bar, we believe strong relationships are the foundation of responsible production. Many of our suppliers have been with us since day one, partners who feel more like family. Over the years, we’ve built bonds rooted in trust, shared values, and a love for craftsmanship. By building long-term collaborations, we create space for trust, open conversations and continuous improvement. These partnerships allow us to better understand each other’s challenges, grow together and keep working step by step towards a more transparent and conscious future.
