Sustainability / Product & design
Timeless design brings joy for generations to come
With over 70 years of history, our goal is to craft timeless designs and future classics.
Marimekko's design philosophy revolves around crafting timeless, functional, and high-quality products that provide long-lasting joy to people. In the years ahead, we aspire to offer even more comprehensive services to extend our product lifetimes and contribute further to the circular economy.
We use rigorous quality management processes to ensure the quality of our materials and the durability of our products. Before we launch a new product, it undergoes thorough testing to meet our demanding quality standards. Our tests include fabric shrinkage, colorfastness, and abrasion resistance. We aim to keep the share of quality claims of sold products at or below 0.5% – that’s less than 1 in 200.
Share of sold products subject to claims
≤0.5%
0.4%
Materials we use
To live up to our standards of long-lasting, timeless products, we’re reducing our use of conventional materials and shifting to alternatives that are less-emission intensive and use less water, chemicals, and fossil resources while maintaining quality and longevity. This is why we pay special attention to the quality of our materials while transition to use more and more recycled, organic, certified and other traceable and innovative materials.
Since introducing our material strategy in 2021, we’ve continuously increased the use these preferred materials in our collections. Ultimately, we hope to have more circular materials that can be recycled several times without a decline in the quality or longevity of the fibers.
Preferred materials: Recycled, organic
Marimekko uses materials like recycled cotton and polyester in its products. The recycled materials we use are certified, and the organic materials are certified according to one of the organic standards. In 2023, recycled materials accounted for 21% (10), while organic materials accounted for 20% (6) of all sourced textiles.
Recycled cotton is made by collecting post-industrial and post-consumer cotton waste, such as scraps from textile factories, and processing them into new yarns and fabrics.
Recycled cotton can also be made through closed-loop production; a circular operating model where materials used in products circulate back into the production of new products. Marimekko and our partners have tested this by cutting waste and other leftover materials from the manufacturing of our jersey products as raw materials for new products.
Recycled wool is created by repurposing various sources of wool waste, such as excess yarn, fabric scraps, and old garments from pre- and post-consumer waste. These materials are collected, processed to extract fibers, and spun into fresh yarn.
Recycled polyester is made from pre‐ and post‐consumer waste. It can be recycled mechanically or chemically.
Recycled polyamide is made from pre‐ and post‐consumer waste. It can be recycled mechanically or chemically.
Recycled elastane is made from pre‐ and post‐consumer waste. It can be recycled mechanically or chemically.
ECONYL® yarn is a regenerated nylon fiber made from pre- and post-consumer waste, such as fishing nets and other nylon waste.
Marimekko accepts organic cotton from two certification schemes: GOTS and OCS.
Marimekko also uses in-conversion cotton, where cotton farmers are in the process of converting their production to organic. It takes, on average, three years for a farm to fully convert to organic cotton while following the principles of organic farming. The cotton from in-conversion farms is not yet regarded as organic.
Accepted materials: Conventional enhanced / Traceable, certified, bio-based
We aim for full product transparency, which is why we use certified or more traceable textile materials. In 2023, conventional enhanced materials made up 43% (66) of all sourced textiles.
The Better Cotton Initiative is a program that promotes better farming practices and improves the livelihoods of cotton farmers. Marimekko is committed to improving cotton farming practices globally as a member of the Better Cotton Initiative. Better Cotton is sourced through a system of origin called mass balance. Better Cotton farmers benefit from the demand for Better Cotton in proportion to our procurement volumes. The Better Cotton mass balance system does not allow physical tracing back to the final products.
Marimekko uses wool with the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which describes and certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool production and tracks the certified material from farm to final product. Marimekko only accepts merino wool from suppliers that do not use mulesing as part of their animal husbandry techniques.
Marimekko uses mohair with the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS), which describes and certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool production and tracks the certified material from farm to final product.
Marimekko uses alpaca with the Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS), which describes and certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool production and tracks the certified material from farm to final product.
Marimekko uses down and feathers with responsibility certificates sourced from suppliers that meet the Responsible Down Standard. This means that a third party has ensured that the down and feathers come from farms that protect animal welfare.
Marimekko uses LWG-certified leather. The leather in the products has been produced in accordance with the standards of the Leather Working Group (LWG). Products that bear the LWG certification mark have undergone third-party assessment and meet specific criteria related to environmental performance and chemical management.
The leather used in Marimekko’s products is always a by-product of meat production, as we only accept leather from animals that have been bred for food production.
Marimekko uses special traceable leather in its Imprint series. Each piece of leather can be traced back to a specific Scandinavian farm.
The leather used in Marimekko’s products is always a by-product of meat production, as we only accept leather from animals bred for food production.
Marimekko uses wood-based materials in its products, packaging, and printed materials. We are committed to using traceable and certified wood and wood-based materials. Wood, paperboard, and paper must be recycled or have a certificate from the FSC or PEFC.
TENCEL is a brand name for lyocell material, a man-made cellulosic fiber derived from FSC – or PEFC-controlled or certified wood sources. TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.
ECOVERO is a brand name for a viscose material, a man-made cellulosic fiber derived from FSC or PEFC-controlled or certified wood sources. ECOVERO™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.
European Flax Linen has a certification that guarantees the traceability of premium flax fiber grown in Western Europe.
Innovative materials: future potential
Marimekko is committed to continuously driving innovation in technologies, materials, and business models. In 2023, innovative materials accounted for 0.4% of all sourced textiles. While this share is still low, Marimekko has identified these resources as some of the potential future materials and is currently testing or piloting them.
Wood-based SPINNOVA® fiber is an alternative to conventional wood-based fibers. In the Marimekko X Spinnova capsule collection, the denim-like material blend comprised approximately 20% SPINNOVA® fiber combined with organic cotton.
Vireo is a plant-based material produced by Hemp Bio, which is majority-owned by Kvadrat. The material is made with more than 70% hemp fibers and is topped by an anti-scratch layer of polyurethane, which is partly bio-based. Thanks to this top layer, the material offers a tactile patina and durability.
ZQRX is regenerative, mulesing-free merino wool, as well as a standard covering animal welfare, environmental integrity, social responsibility, fiber quality, and traceability. The ZQRX program helps farmers work with nature to continuously improve human, animal, and environmental outcomes. The regenerative aspect of the program focuses on improving soil health, creating more resilient farming systems, and increasing biodiversity.
Accepted materials: Conventional
While transitioning in our material strategy, we still use conventional materials in our products. In 2023, the share of conventional materials was 16% (18) of all sourced textiles.
These are all man-made cellulose fibers made from mostly wood pulp. They are considered semi-synthetic fibers because although they originate from natural materials, they undergo chemical processing.
Cupro is a regenerated cellulose fiber derived from cotton linter, a byproduct of cotton processing. It’s a circular material turning waste into new, usable fiber.
Linen is a natural fiber that feels pleasant and absorbs moisture. Linen garments are warm when it’s cold and cool when temperatures rise. It’s essential that your linen garment is loose enough to prevent seams from fraying.
Silk is a natural fiber with a very pleasant and luxurious feel. It is breathable and transfers heat and moisture, making it comfortable against the skin. Silk repeats colors well, making it an excellent match for Marimekko prints and colors.
Earning the spot in your wardrobe
Designing beyond trends
The Marimekko design philosophy is rooted in an optimistic lifestyle and a genuine desire to inspire through timeless and functional design.
Our multipurpose clothing encourages creative combinations across collections and helps to prolong the product's lifetime. Our structural system for dresses, skirts, and tops offers three distinct archetype silhouettes – A-line, straight, and fit & flare – in three different volumes: slim, relaxed, and oversized.
Making things that last
At Marimekko, we believe every product should earn its right to exist by bringing years of joy and value to its owner(s). Before the launch of any new Marimekko product, rigorous testing ensures it meets our demanding quality standards. We test for fabric shrinkage, colorfastness, and abrasion resistance, among other criteria.
Take care
When properly cared for, your Marimekko product lasts for years. Proper care is an excellent way to extend an item's lifespan, keep colors vibrant, and create more joyful ownership. Check out our comprehensive care guide and discover how easy it is.
Give new life to your products
Your Marimekko item is timeless. When you’re ready to pass it on, discover how it can bring others joy.
Ways to extend the life of your pre-loved product:
Sell: Marimekko products are in demand on the second-hand market. Sell your item and earn some extra money.
Donate: Support your favorite charity by donating items you no longer use. Imagine the joy they'll bring to new owners.
Pass it on: Treasured objects tell stories and evoke shared memories. Consider passing your item on to friends or family members to become their new treasure.
Swap: Host a swap party with friends for a fun and cost-free way to bring new items home while spreading joy.
Upcycle: Get creative! Transform old Marimekko pieces into something new, like turning an old tablecloth into pillowcases.
Recycle: When your Marimekko product is no longer usable, please ensure it is properly recycled to minimize waste.