At Atelier Noterman, we believe in a step-by-step approach. We want to carefully evaluate what is technically and economically feasible. That is why we set realistic goals. For us, honesty and transparency are at the heart of a sustainable future.
Transparency
Transparency is the basis for a more sustainable future, and we want to set an example in this. That is why we take it for granted to be open about our suppliers. We choose our partners with care, based on their quality, reliability and commitment to sustainability. Here is an overview of our suppliers and why we chose them:
Fabrics
Olimpias Group S.r.l., Italy
A renowned textile manufacturer with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Nuova Tessilbrenta, Italy
Although Nuova Tessilbrenta does not yet fully meet our sustainability expectations, we work together because of their wide and diverse range of fabrics. This collaboration allows us to continue to innovate and inspire our partners to take more sustainable steps.
Candiani Denim, Italy
Known as one of the most sustainable denim manufacturers in the world, thanks to their innovative and environmentally conscious production processes.
Cervetessile
We partner with Cervotessile because of their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Labels
Cadicagroup Spa, Italië
This company has a strong focus on using recycled materials.
Passamar, Portugal
We choose Passamar because of its short distance from the ready-to-wear atelier Green Dolphin, with which we are looking at a small footprint and supporting the local European economy.
Buttons
We still check the sustainability reports of our partners, such as Knopf & Knopf (Germany) and Louropel (Portugal), to keep improving our impact.
Knopf & Knopf, Germany
Louropel, Portugal
Laundries
IVN Laundry, Portugal
Innovative Eco Wash processes are used at IVN Laundry in Portugal, with a focus on water conservation and environmentally friendly techniques.
Pizarro S.A., Portugal
Known as one of the most sustainable denim manufacturers in the world, thanks to their innovative and environmentally conscious production processes.
Production
Packaging
Logistics
TN – Transportes Nogueira, Portugal
Portugal > Belgium
We choose TN - Transportes Nogueira in Portugal because of their reliability, efficient logistics solutions and focus on sustainability within transport.
Bleckmann
ATN customers/delivery retail
FedEx Express
ATN customers/delivery retail
Honesty
Honesty is a fundamental value at Atelier Noterman. We believe it is important to be open and clear about the way we work and the choices we make. By integrating honesty into every aspect of our work, we aim to build trust and make a positive impact on people and the environment. For us, honesty is not just a principle, but a daily practice.
Mensen
At Atelier Noterman, we believe that our people are the beating heart of our business. We treat our employees with respect because they are capital to our success.
Team Belgium
Portugal, Green Dolphin
Environment
Production process, raw denim*
Less water, less toxics, less energy
Indigo, the distinctive colour of denim, causes significant environmental impact through dyeing. This process uses polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a toxic chemical that can only be removed with intensive rinses, requiring up to 300 litres of clean water per kilo of fabric. Detox Denim offers a more sustainable alternative by replacing PVA with Chitosan, a 100% natural and biodegradable substance derived from crustaceans. This innovation not only lowers water consumption and pollution, but also reduces energy consumption during production.
In addition, alternative ecological processes have been developed to wash denim cleaner. Technologies such as ozone washing and laser processing make it possible to treat denim without using large amounts of water and chemicals. Atelier Noterman is one of the brands using such ecological alternatives, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly fashion industry.
Washing process after confection
Our Detox Denim is washed (almost) without chemicals and almost without water. We use the Ozone technique through our Pizarro laundry: this is the imitation of sunlight to give jeans their unique ‘washed’ look.
*Raw denim(also called dry denim) refers to denim that is unwashed after dyeing, not necessarily after weaving. The distinction lies in the fact that the fabric is dyed after the weaving process, often with indigo, but is not washed or treated to make it softer or less stiff. This leaves the fabric in its raw, pure state.
Sustainable profit
Atelier Noterman also takes responsibility in Portugal. Our partners ensure fair wages and contribute to good working conditions wherever we operate in the world.
Circular
At Atelier Noterman, we believe in a future where nothing goes to waste. Sustainability and circularity are therefore central to our way of working. From carefully selecting high-quality, sustainable materials to designing products that last longer and are easy to recycle at end-of-life, we are committed to a closed loop. Our ambition is to minimise waste and maximise reuse of products and materials. By opting for circular solutions, we contribute to a fashion industry that is both stylish and responsible. Together, we are building a world where sustainability and quality go hand in hand.
Design
At Atelier Noterman, everything starts with timeless design that radiates sustainability. All collections are designed in-house in Kluisbergen (BE), with the aim of creating no or as little waste as possible.
Production
Our production in Portugal combines craftsmanship with environmentally friendly processes, both in Belgium and Portugal.
Assembly
Our workshops in Portugal carefully assemble our products for long-lasting quality.
Distribution
Sustainable logistics plays a central role in our distribution. We cooperate with these logisiteke companies.
Point of Sale (POS)
We encourage our retailers to actively share our vision of quality and sustainability.
End Consumer
Atelier Noterman creates products that consumers wear with pride and for a long time.
Collector
With the Bring Back System, you may bring in your old Atelier Noterman trousers to any shop participating in this take back system during 2025.
Product Sorting
Sorted products get a second chance or new purpose with us. We personally sort the trousers brought in to Kluisbergen.
Disassembly
In the future, we design and produce our collections in such a way that easy disassembly and reuse are possible. We realise this through specific projects or pilots. Atelier Noterman signed preferred partner agreement with Resortecs.
Material Sorting
Atelier Noterman's ambition is to have materials distinguished and processed for optimal recycling and circularity.
Recycle Material
Atelier Noterman is entering into dialogue with recyclers to have the returned trousers from the Bring Back System processed in a sustainable way, creating value rather than waste.
As a first step in the circular economy, Atelier Noterman is launching the Birng Back System from January 2025. Atelier Noterman wants to learn how the market reacts and what motivates end consumers to participate in sustainability and circularity. Atelier Noterman is keen to learn from the state and number of returned trousers.
You are important to us! As this diagram shows, we can only move towards a circular economy if YOU participate too! Without you no returned trousers, without your cooperation our trousers remain waste. And we want to counteract that.
We have set up a pilot with the shops below. In other words, you can bring in your discarded Atelier Noterman trousers and in exchange you will receive a €10 voucher. You can use this voucher for your next purchase of Atelier Noterman trousers.
