OUR SUPPLY CHAIN VS. THE COMPETITION'S
Transparency and honesty have always been paramount components of Duckworth's business ethos. With this trend sweeping the industry, some might call us "early adopters" of the practice - but, for Duckworth, this isn't a marketing trick. It's a way of life that has been imbued into the brand since day one.
Most of our competitors feature a "Our Supply Chain Process" page on their websites, using eye-catching graphics and quality photography to obscure the troubling realities of their environmental impacts. You may even come to believe a garment made in China or Vietnam, using wool from dozens of producers around the world, isn't all that big a deal. But it is, even if cleverly designed "greenwashing" mechanisms tell you otherwise
Most Merino Wool apparel companies tap dozens of other countries, many with practically nonexistent workplace and environmental regulations, to complete their supply chain. Typically, our competitors source their wool in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Uruguay, and Argentina. Then they process and spin their wool into yarn in China, Italy, Bulgaria, Argentina, Uruguay, and Romania. Fabric is made in China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Turkey, and Australia, before it is cut into garments in China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Italy, and Turkey. Finally, they distribute out of Germany, the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand.
By contrast, here is Duckworth's supply chain story:
1. Wool Fiber Source (OUR RANCH in Montana)
2. Top Processing (USA)
3. Yarn Spinning (USA)
4. Fabric Mills (USA)
5. Garment Suppliers (USA)
6. Distribution Centers (USA)
7. Our Customers (USA)