No, Canton Collective is not a fast fashion brand. It is a contemporary label operating on a slow fashion model, prioritizing timeless designs, quality craftsmanship, and responsible production over rapid, trend-driven manufacturing cycles.
While the brand demonstrates a strong ethical framework with transparent European manufacturing and a serious commitment to sustainable materials, it is still a newer company building its practices. Here's a detailed look at Canton Collective's practices.
Canton Collective’s business model is fundamentally different from a fast fashion company, focusing on quality and longevity instead of high volume and speed.
Canton Collective maintains a commendable ethical framework, centered on transparency and fair labor in its European supply chain, though it has room to grow in formal third-party verification.
Canton Collective partners with small, family-run factories in Portugal and Italy and states that it conducts regular third-party audits via organizations like SA8000 and BSCI. Workers reportedly earn wages between €1,200-€1,400 per month, which is above the estimated living wage for the region, and work regulated 40-hour weeks.
The brand is open about its manufacturing partners, publicly identifying the factories it works with in Europe. This level of transparency is a positive indicator and allows for greater accountability compared to brands that obscure their supply chains.
Canton Collective has a strong animal welfare policy. It uses recycled wool from suppliers certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and explicitly avoids fur, exotic skins, and down, aligning with cruelty-free standards.
The brand shows a strong and genuine commitment to sustainability through its material choices and production processes, but some of its ambitious goals are still in progress.
Approximately 70% of Canton Collective's collection is made from eco-friendly and certified materials. This includes GOTS-certified organic cotton, Tencel Lyocell, recycled wool, and deadstock fabrics, with certifications like OEKO-TEX confirming no harmful substances are used.
Manufacturing in Europe significantly reduces the brand's transportation emissions. The brand also reports that its partner factories use water recycling systems and renewable energy like solar and wind power, and it has a public goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Canton Collective designs its items for durability to promote a long lifespan. They use minimal, plastic-free packaging made from recycled and biodegradable materials, repurpose deadstock fabric for accessories, and offer a limited repair service to customers.
The company has set clear public goals, including achieving B Corporation certification by 2025 and using 100% sustainable materials by 2027. This public accountability is a positive sign of its commitment to continuous improvement.
Canton Collective operates with strong ethical intentions and a solid sustainable foundation, placing it well above average. However, its reliance on self-reporting and lack of major third-party certifications show there is room for improvement to become an industry leader.
Canton Collective earns a B for its transparent European supply chain, fair wage policies, and clear commitment to animal welfare. Its factories are audited, and it is open about its partners. The grade is held back by the lack of formal, high-bar certifications like Fair Trade, which would provide greater external validation to its ethical claims.
The brand earns a B for its significant use of sustainable materials (70%), its eco-conscious manufacturing practices, and its clear, ambitious goals for the future. Its focus on product longevity and minimal waste is excellent. To reach an A grade, it needs to achieve 100% sustainable material usage and secure key certifications like B Corp to verify its impact claims.
While Canton Collective is a good choice, if you're looking for brands that have already achieved top-tier certifications and set the highest industry standards, consider these excellent alternatives.
Known for its radical transparency, Everlane is a B Corp that provides detailed reports on each of its factories and commits to living wages. Over 80% of its minimalist essentials are made from sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
Shop now at everlane.com
A true pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree is Fair Trade certified and focuses on creating community impact through its supply chain. They use almost exclusively organic and natural materials to create timeless, handcrafted garments.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
A leader in corporate responsibility, Patagonia is a B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand that uses primarily recycled materials. It is famous for its "Worn Wear" take-back and repair program, actively fighting overconsumption.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Veja is a footwear brand with deep commitments to transparency and social responsibility. It uses innovative, ecological materials like fairly traded wild rubber from the Amazon and organic cotton, all manufactured in Brazilian factories with high labor standards.
Shop now at veja-store.com
If you like a stylish, modern aesthetic, Reformation is a great option that is Climate Neutral Certified and uses eco-friendly materials like Tencel. They publish detailed quarterly sustainability reports tracking their water and carbon footprints.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Yes, its premium pricing reflects the true cost of using high-quality, sustainable materials and paying fair living wages to skilled artisans in European factories. The price supports a business model built on longevity and ethical production, not cheap, disposable clothing.
Canton Collective transparently manufactures its clothing in small, family-run factories located in Portugal and Italy. These regions are known for their high-quality textile craftsmanship and strong labor regulations.
Canton Collective is more transparent than most brands today by readily sharing information about its European factory partners. However, to be considered fully transparent, it would need to publish detailed audit results and obtain third-party certifications to independently verify all its social and environmental claims.
