Sustainability
At Carmina Design Co., we care deeply about the world we live in and the footprint we leave behind. As a design and manufacturing studio based in London, Ontario, we’ve seen firsthand how wasteful the fashion industry can be across all stages of development. That’s why sustainability isn’t just a side project for us. It’s embedded in every phase of our process from concept and design development to production and delivery.
Our Vision:
Our vision is a future where Sustainable Fashion is a way of life. We would like to see the fashion industry shift from mass pollution and the mistreatment of workers. Carmina wants to be known as a brand that offers thoughtful pieces for the modern world, while helping the community and environment.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to be a leader in creating a fashion industry that puts people and planet first. Reduced waste and offering local opportunities for employment drives our daily work. We are currently leading to a path for zero waste production in all facets of our business.
Rethinking Fast Fashion
The fashion industry generates immense amounts of waste, even at small production scales. It’s responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions. For every garment made, up to 20–30% of fabric can be wasted during cutting. That’s before it’s even worn.
At Carmina Design Co., we knew from the beginning: if we were going to make clothing, we had to make it differently.
That’s why we’ve built our production systems to reduce waste, conserve energy, and support long-term careers in Canadian garment manufacturing. Our sustainability efforts aren’t static. They’re measured, intentional, and continuously evolving.
We even track every scrap saved from landfill using a custom tool that converts fabric weight into the equivalent number of trees saved. It’s how we make circular production visible—and quantifiable.
Partnering with us means contributing to a fashion system that values circular design, ethical labor, and sustainable growth.
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices in Canada
How We Repurpose Garment Scraps into New Products
Circularity starts in our studio. We save leftover scraps from every production run—no matter how small—and turn them into new, functional pieces like:
- Pot planters
- Decorative pillows
- Apparel accents
We don’t rely on deadstock or post-consumer waste. Instead, we work with what we produce, minimizing off-cuts and repurposing as much as possible.
"We started saving every scrap thinking we’d find recycling partners—but learned quickly that sustainable disposal is expensive, especially for small businesses. That led us to build our own solutions. Today, these scraps are not wasted. They’re raw materials for something new."
— Carmina, Founder
Carmina's Sustainability
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
Our facility consists of equipment and features which aim to save energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Our servo driven sewing machines saves 60%-80% on energy, while we also use all LED-lighting across our 10,000 square foot facility.
Recycling & Repurposing
We recycle all of our excess textiles by sorting and sending the textiles to plants who turn it into new products. Carmina also does our own repurposing by using large scrap pieces ofoff-cut fabricand using them for items such as bag liners (skilled accents), planter pots, etc.
Responsible Fashion
Our Modern Essentials collection is made in-house at our facility in London, Ontario, Canada. We choose to use materials that are sustainably produced such as Bamboo, Help, Linen, Tencel and natural fibres.
Carmina By The Numbers
216,000+lbs
Of scraps diverted from landfill
Green Economy London
Carmina is a member of Green Economy London who offer a practical approach for businesses that want to create a more sustainable future for their business, employees, and community.
Fashion With A Purpose
Fashion With a Purpose is an initiative the Carmina brand has created to focus on diverting our scrap materials from the landfill. We are making plant pots out of these materials. Our team have been saving seeds from organic and watching new life grow at our facility!
This initiative has encouraged staff and the community to compost, plant seeds and support tree planting and growing our own food.
Community, Culture & Collaboration in Sustainable Fashion
Supporting Local Fashion & Inclusive Talent
We’re proud to work with diverse local talent and community organizations. Our team reflects a wide range of backgrounds, and we foster a workplace rooted in respect, equity, and creativity. We also support local initiatives that uplift and empower—because true sustainability must include people.
Partnering With Sustainable Fashion BrandsWe partner closely with designers and fashion entrepreneurs to help them create consciously from the ground up. Whether it's advice on sustainable fabrics or zero-waste cutting, we’re here to help you build better.
We also offer a clothing recycling program, inviting customers to return worn-out garments for proper disposal or repurposing.