O.T.A
Our Rating: 4 Stars - Good
Price: $ $ $ $
Country of origin: France
Official brand website: Visit
O.T.A is a brand that focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility. With an environment rating of ‘good’, the brand takes steps to minimize its impact on the planet. One of the key ways it does this is by using a medium proportion of eco-friendly materials, including recycled materials. By incorporating sustainable materials into its products, O.T.A reduces the demand for new resources and helps to combat waste.
In addition to using eco-friendly materials, O.T.A also manufactures locally. This decision not only supports the local economy but also helps to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint. By minimizing the transportation of goods, O.T.A reduces the emissions produced during the shipping process. This commitment to local manufacturing demonstrates O.T.A’s dedication to sustainability and shows that they are actively taking steps to make a positive impact on the environment.
Another factor that contributes to O.T.A’s ‘good’ environment rating is its use of gold certified Leather Working Group tanneries. The Leather Working Group sets standards for environmental stewardship within the leather industry, and gold certification signifies the highest level of compliance. By sourcing leather from these certified tanneries, O.T.A ensures that its materials meet rigorous environmental standards.
Not only does O.T.A prioritize sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, but it also strives to limit the use of harmful chemicals and reduce water and wastewater during production. By opting for eco-friendly materials, O.T.A minimizes the need for chemicals that can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Additionally, the brand’s efforts to reduce water and wastewater usage help to preserve this precious resource and prevent pollution of water systems.
While O.T.A’s environment rating is ‘good’, its labour rating is still a work in progress. The brand’s final stage of production takes place in Portugal, a country that carries a medium risk for labor abuse. Although there is no evidence of O.T.A having a formal Code of Conduct, the brand does have a formal statement that outlines its commitment to protecting worker’s rights. This commitment is a step in the right direction, but there is still room for improvement.
One aspect where O.T.A can improve its labor rating is by ensuring payment of a living wage in its supply chain. While there is no evidence that this is currently being done, implementing a living wage policy would ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their labor. This would not only improve the lives of the workers but also contribute to a more ethical and sustainable supply chain overall.
On the animal front, O.T.A has an animal rating of ‘it’s a start’. The brand does not use fur, wool, down, exotic animal skin, exotic animal hair, or angora in its products. While this is a positive step, O.T.A does use leather. Although leather is a byproduct of the meat industry, it still raises concerns about animal welfare. O.T.A could explore alternative materials or work towards sourcing leather from more ethical and sustainable suppliers to further improve its animal rating.
In conclusion, O.T.A is a brand that demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. With a ‘good’ overall rating, the brand prioritizes the use of eco-friendly materials, manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint, and sources leather from gold certified tanneries. While there is still room for improvement in terms of labor practices and animal welfare, O.T.A is taking steps in the right direction. By continuing to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, O.T.A can further enhance its positive impact on the planet.
