No, Prod Bldg does not operate as a fast fashion brand. Its business model is built on slower, seasonal collections, lower production volumes, a focus on timeless design, and higher-quality materials, distinguishing it from the high-turnover model of brands like Zara or Shein. Prod Bldg shows a genuine commitment to ethical labor standards, particularly in its European factories, but faces challenges with wage transparency in its South Asian supply chain. Its sustainability efforts are commendable, with over half of its materials being certified sustainable, though it still has room to improve in data transparency and eliminating conventional fabrics.
Prod Bldg departs from the fast fashion model by prioritizing a more considered approach to design, production, and quality.
Prod Bldg demonstrates a solid effort toward ethical manufacturing with clear regional differences, but it falls short of achieving top-tier transparency and verified fair wage practices across its entire supply chain.
Prod Bldg manufactures in both Europe (Portugal, Spain) and South Asia (India, Bangladesh), creating a mixed ethical profile. Its European factories adhere to strict EU labor laws regarding wages and safety. However, reports from some South Asian supplier factories indicate that wages can be as low as $150-$180 per month, falling short of the estimated living wage of around $250 per month for the region.
The brand's transparency is moderate. While Prod Bldg publishes a partial list of its suppliers and notes collaboration with auditors like the Fair Labor Association (FLA), it does not release detailed audit reports or corrective action plans to the public. This makes it difficult to independently verify conditions across its entire supply chain.
Prod Bldg maintains a strong animal welfare policy. The brand does not use fur, real leather, or exotic animal skins in its products and confirms it does not conduct animal testing. Its material sourcing relies heavily on plant-based and synthetic fabrics, often with certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
Prod Bldg has a commendable sustainability strategy, focusing on certified materials and eco-conscious production, though gaps in data reporting and a continued use of conventional fabrics temper its overall environmental credentials.
Approximately 60% of Prod Bldg's collections are made from certified sustainable textiles. These include GOTS-certified organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell from FSC-certified forests, and GRS-certified recycled polyester. The remaining 40% consists of conventional materials like standard cotton and virgin polyester.
The company takes steps to reduce its production footprint. Its use of materials like TENCEL lowers water consumption, and wastewater from European factories is treated on-site to align with Bluesign standards. The brand increasingly uses renewable energy in Europe, though data for its other facilities is limited.
Prod Bldg encourages a circular lifecycle for its products by offering a take-back program for recycling and in-store repair services. Deadstock fabric is repurposed into small accessories to minimize waste. Its packaging is mostly recyclable, though some single-use plastics are still used.
The brand has set clear targets, aiming for 100% sustainable materials by 2025 and a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. As a B Corporation candidate, Prod Bldg is actively working toward higher standards of verified environmental performance and public transparency.
Prod Bldg is a promising brand that operates far more responsibly than any fast fashion company. However, critical gaps in transparency and its supply chain prevent it from being an industry leader in ethics and sustainability.
Prod Bldg earns a B for its sincere commitment to ethical manufacturing, strong labor standards in its European factories, and a positive animal welfare policy. Its grade is held back by a lack of complete supply chain transparency, the absence of fair wage certifications, and documented evidence of wages falling below living wage standards in parts of its South Asian operations.
The brand receives a B- for its significant strides in sustainability. Its use of over 60% certified sustainable materials, eco-conscious manufacturing processes, and clear public goals are strong positives. However, its continued reliance on conventional synthetics and lack of comprehensive reporting on Scope 3 emissions and full product lifecycle impacts reveal an opportunity for greater environmental leadership.
If you appreciate Prod Bldg's a-step-above-fast-fashion approach but are looking for brands with even stronger commitments to transparency and worker welfare, these options take it to the next level.
A B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is an industry leader in transparency, using over 80% recycled materials and guaranteeing Fair Trade Certified production for a majority of its products. It actively invests in environmental causes and promotes circularity through its Worn Wear repair and resale platform.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Eileen Fisher epitomizes slow fashion with timeless designs, a focus on organic and sustainable materials, and a commitment to a circular economy through its "Renew" take-back program. The brand is a certified B Corp known for its transparent supply chain and support for fair labor initiatives.
Shop now at www.eileenfisher.com
A pioneer in ethical fashion, People Tree guarantees Fair Trade and ethical manufacturing practices for every product. The brand partners with artisans and farmers in the developing world to create collections from organic cotton and other sustainable materials, demonstrating a deep commitment to social justice.
Shop now at peopletree.co.uk
Reformation combines stylish, on-trend designs with a strong sustainability mission, using low-impact materials like TENCEL™ and recycled fabrics. The brand is Climate Neutral Certified and provides detailed "RefScale" reports on the environmental footprint of each product.
Shop now at thereformation.com
Specializing in Egyptian cotton basics, Kotn works directly with family-run farms in Egypt to ensure fair prices and safe working conditions. As a certified B Corp, the brand invests in community development by building schools in its farming communities and maintains a highly transparent supply chain.
Shop now at kotn.com
There is no publicly available information to suggest that Prod Bldg is owned by a large fast fashion corporation. It appears to operate as an independent entity focused on a slower, quality-driven business model.
Ensuring living wages across a global supply chain is complex. While Prod Bldg complies with legal minimum wages in all its manufacturing countries, these legal minimums are often far below the calculated living wage needed to cover basic needs. Achieving a true living wage requires brands to go beyond legal compliance, which is a key area for improvement for the company.
Yes, based on its business model and practices, Prod Bldg is a significantly more ethical and sustainable choice than traditional fast fashion brands like Zara or H&M. Its slower production cycle, lower volume, emphasis on quality, and higher percentage of sustainable materials position it far ahead of typical fast fashion.
