Sustainability

Since Denner Natural Cashmere was founded in 1994, we've been committed to transparency, ethical practices, cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. The most sustainable jumper is the one you are still wearing in ten years, and most of what we do follows from that idea.

Sustainability: our DNA

We take the whole concept of sustainability very seriously. In fact, we were probably one of the first cashmere companies to really make it part of our DNA. From the very genesis of the product (the carefully, lovingly gleaned moulted goats' hair) through to the manufacture of the cashmere, we check every single step along the way. So, when it reaches you, you can be sure you have in your hands a fully sustained product to the best of our ability.

Of course, sustainability is an ongoing challenge. There is never a sustainability end point. We continually look for new ways to improve, and we have an open sustainability dialogue with everyone involved in the manufacturing process. Harriet Denner, our founder, was a believer, and we make sure we do our level best to maintain that goal.

Denner cashmere knitwear

We know where the fibre comes from

Our cashmere is combed by hand from Capra Hircus goats on the Mongolian steppe each spring, when they naturally moult their winter coat. It is gathered by herding families we have worked with for over thirty years and know by name. Buying from the same families year after year means we know how the fibre is gathered, and they know the work will be there next spring. Read more about why Mongolian.

We are the factory

Inside the Denner cashmere factory

Although we draw on our history for inspiration, we are very much a modern cashmere company, and we are the factory. We own and control every aspect of our cashmere before it gets to you. From the steppe the fibre goes to our own factory in Mongolia, where it is washed, spun into yarn, knitted and finished under one roof. We don't rely on third-party outsourcing, so we can guarantee the quality and answer for every stage.

Made to be kept

We knit in 2-ply yarn, twisted double, so the fabric is warmer and holds its shape for longer. The shapes are plain on purpose: a crew neck or a V-neck cardigan is as wearable in its tenth winter as its first. Much of what we make comes back season after season in the same shapes, so a piece bought years ago still sits alongside this year's.

Our sustainability commitments

Denner cashmere

People

Make sure no one is exploited in our factories, instilling the basic principle of a fair day's work for a fair day's pay.
Ensure that we, Denner Cashmere (London), have the highest standards of equality and employment practices.
Do all we can to cherish, protect and sustain local communities' lifestyles before profit.

Product

Know where every thread of our cashmere comes from.
Have an open and frank ongoing dialogue with all of our suppliers about the sustainability of what we buy from them.

Mongolian steppe

Planet

Continually work to improve our packaging and make sure that everything that can be recycled is recycled.
Demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental responsibility for each product by embracing the practice of repairing and mending as required.
Listen to you on sustainability.

Looking after it makes it last

Most of our knitwear can be washed at home, and a little care keeps cashmere soft for years. Our care guide covers washing, drying, storage and pilling, and our care products include the shampoo, comb, cedar balls and storage bags we use ourselves.