What “Ethically Sourced” Actually Means — And How to Tell If It’s Real
"Ethically sourced" has become one of those marketing terms that’s been used so much it’s lost its meaning. You’ll see it everywhere—from brands that genuinely care about their supply chains to brands that just added the phrase to their website last week. Without specifics, it’s background noise.
We use the phrase at Berkam, so we should define it.
The Supply Chain, Honestly
Our main ribbon suppliers are in France and Portugal. We work with established mills that can show how they treat their workers. In the EU, that means following labor laws that are stricter than in many low-cost manufacturing regions. It’s not a perfect system—no small brand has total visibility into every step of the process—but it’s a real, meaningful starting point.
The practical result? We pay more for our ribbon than we would if we went with the cheapest option. That cost difference is real, and it affects our final prices.
For our brass hardware, we work with a supplier that incorporates recycled brass into their production. Recycled brass uses far less energy than new brass, and it performs just as well.
What "Ethically Sourced" Doesn’t Mean
It doesn’t mean zero impact. Creating anything uses resources. We minimize waste where we can, but we’re not net-zero, and we won’t pretend to be.
It doesn’t mean we’ve visited every farm and factory. We have documentation from our direct suppliers, but we haven’t sent auditors to the farms that grew the silk. That’s beyond our scope, and it’s dishonest to claim otherwise.
It doesn’t mean cheap. Careful sourcing costs more. Period.
How to Evaluate These Claims from Any Brand
Ask where, specifically. “Ethically sourced” is vague. “Our ribbon comes from mills in Lyon, France, operating under EU labor law” is not. The more specific a brand is about geography and suppliers, the more likely they’ve actually done the work.
Look for what they don’t claim. Brands that acknowledge complexity—like the difficulty of tracking every material back to its origin—are usually more credible than those that claim everything is perfect. Supply chains are messy. Honest brands admit that.
Consider the business model. It’s nearly impossible to produce large volumes at very low prices while sourcing ethically. The math usually doesn’t add up.
Why This Matters for Hair Accessories
Hair accessories often fly under the radar when it comes to ethical sourcing. But ribbon is still a textile, and textile production has real labor and environmental impacts—whether the final product is a dress or a small bow. The size of the accessory doesn’t change the story behind how it was made.
[Read more about our materials and making process →]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ethically sourced mean for hair accessories?
For hair accessories, it usually comes down to where the ribbon and hardware come from. Look for specifics: which countries, what kind of labor laws apply, whether materials are recycled. Vague claims are easy; details show a brand has actually thought about it.
Why does ribbon sourcing matter for hair accessories?
Ribbon is a textile, and how textiles are made matters—regardless of whether they end up as a bow or a blouse. Brands that know their supply chain can tell you where their materials come from and under what conditions. Brands that don’t, can’t.
Is Berkam a sustainable brand?
We source ribbon from mills in France and Portugal, where EU labor laws provide a solid baseline. Some of our brass hardware uses recycled materials. We produce in small batches to avoid overstock. We’re not zero-impact, but we make deliberate choices we can explain and stand by.
How can you tell if a brand’s ethical sourcing claims are genuine?
Ask for specifics: Which countries? Which suppliers? What certifications? Real claims name names. Also, watch for brands that acknowledge trade-offs—perfection is rare, and honesty about limitations often signals deeper engagement.
What is slow fashion in hair accessories?
It means buying fewer, better-made pieces from brands that prioritize craftsmanship. It’s about treating hair accessories as lasting items rather than disposable trends—the same mindset as the slow food movement, just applied to what you wear in your hair.
