Organic Tee Star was recently named one of the “Greenest Companies in Bulgaria” for the second year in a row by b2b Media. The company was founded in the country, thus, to receive this amount of recognition means a lot to us.
We are the first in the nation to obtain the coveted Global Organic Textile Standard certification for its commitment to sustainable fashion, ethical clothing, and fair production.
The recognition and certification position Organic Tee Star as a trusted partner for businesses across Europe and North America that are committed to sustainability and fair trade. We specialize in offering a wide range of 100 percent organic garments for promotions and branding.
Deyan Angeloev, owner of Organic Tee Star, explains why the company is so committed to sustainability.
How is the promotional products industry responding to climate change?
Every responsible business should strive to minimize its carbon footprint and negative impact on the environment. However, in the pursuit of lower printing costs, some in the promotional products industry still use harmful chemical dyes.
We take a different approach at Organic Tee Star. The paints we use are environmentally friendly and our inks are all water-based. This approach does not compromise the quality of our products but rather enhances them because we can produce durable, top-quality products without wasting resources and using hazardous chemicals.
How can branded clothing be a key element of a company’s image?
Branded products are one important way that companies and organizations use to build visibility and public trust. By expanding your brand’s image to include a commitment to sustainability, you’re sending a message that you are an organization that takes care of its employees, and that it will take care of the customers too!
As more organizations realize the benefits of branded clothing for employees, customers, and the public, the types of products that we’re seeing are more and more diverse. It used to be that a boxy, ugly t-shirt would suffice, but now there are much higher expectations for quality, style, comfort, and sustainability.
If an organization wants to show its commitment to the environment and sustainable business practices – whether that is to enhance its reputation, attract talent and customers, or live its values – one great way to do that is to commit to branded clothing that is organic and recycled.
What types of branded clothing are companies looking for and for what uses?
Typically, companies use branded clothing for their employees. It is a way to show them you care, and it helps build more cohesive teams and an organization’s identity.
Branded clothing is also incredibly effective for use at public events such as exhibitions, fairs, team building workshops, seminars, and the like. T-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts with or without a zipper are the most popular. Tote bags and backpacks make it to the list, too. And when an event includes families, clothing for babies and children have also been selling well.
What is different about organic clothing?
The difference begins to really show during production. A lower quality T-shirt changes shape after the first wash. We all have a few of those in a closet somewhere. That is because, with garments made from standard cotton, the process is automated and there is no emphasis on quality and durability, except in the higher price ranges.
When you produce organic clothes, each stage of the process determines the stability of the garment. For example, organic fabric requires higher quality weaving, which allows it to better withstand repeated wearing and washing and makes it more responsive to temperature – cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Also, organic material is hypoallergenic.
How are customers assured the products they are buying are organic?
There are several certifications but the most recognized is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). Organic Tee Star got to the end of the long process of receiving the certification. We follow and apply the full range of strict technology and quality requirements to maintain this certification.
GOTS certification builds upon four distinctive and unique features:
https://global-standard.org/the-standard/gots-key-features
What is biodegradable cotton?
Biodegradable cotton does not leave harmful chemical residues when decomposed, which means it can be recycled. In this destructive era of fast fashion, organic clothing is even more valuable because when it doesn’t sell, it can be recycled and made into new products rather than just thrown away.
Organic Tee Star has partnered with the Belgian organic textile manufacturer, Stanley / Stella, and is the company’s representative for the United States, Canada, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Israel, and Greece. What trends are you seeing in terms of the popularity in organic promotional products?
We have been working with Stanley/Stella for many years because we share their commitment to sustainability. In the past year and a half there has been growing interest in eco-friendly products and organic cotton. I’m not exactly sure why, perhaps during the pandemic we’ve all had more time to think about what we value most in life. I’d like to think so, anyway. But whatever it is, more companies are looking for eco-friendly products that demonstrate their commitment to being more socially and environmentally conscious. And we’re here to work with them to achieve those worthy goals.