Everything starts at the drawing board. Making smart choices in the design process can have a huge impact on the product's entire lifecycle. A garment should be able to be used frequently and therefore be of good quality to last over time. This is also where other important aspects are decided, such as the possibility for repair, circulation, recycling, and environmental impact during the production stage.

Design

By designing and creating products in a new way, we can move from a linear model towards a more circular one.

At Bubbleroom, we use our Designer’s Checklist, a guiding document aimed at capturing the product's purpose and sustainability aspects from the very first stroke of the pen. The tool is used together with our Material Score Guide when developing new products to maximize the circular potential of a product. In the long run, the goal is for all of our products to qualify for one or more of these categories.

Bubbleroom’s Designer’s Checklist is based, among other things, on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s vision of a circular economy for fashion, which guides us in promoting long-term sustainable work

• Design for longevity
• Design for circularity
• Design for the conscious choice

Material

Choosing the right material for the right product makes a big difference. The choice of material not only affects the product’s appearance and fit but also its quality, function, and overall environmental impact. Here, you can read more about some of the most commonly used fibers and how we choose materials.

To ensure that the materials we fall in love with are on the right side of the sustainability scale, we have developed our own fiber ranking tool, the Bubbleroom Material Score Guide. The guide provides simple guidance to our design and purchasing departments during the product development phase. When we choose a better-ranked option, including organic or recycled fibers, we always request a certificate from a third party to verify its authenticity.

Bubbleroom's Material Score Guide

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber with many good properties, but growing cotton often requires a lot of water, pesticides, and fertilizers. The type of cotton we choose and how it is produced impacts both people and the environment in many ways. Therefore, we want to choose better alternatives for our products where less water and chemicals have been used, benefiting cotton communities.

Our goal is that 100% of the cotton in our own-designed range will be more responsibly produced* by 2025.

* Recycled, Organic, Cotton in-conversion, cotton through our membership in Better Cotton, cotton from regenerative farming.

Organic Cotton

In organic cotton farming, no chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified raw materials are allowed, which is gentler on both the soil and cotton farmers.

Cotton in Conversion

“Cotton in conversion” refers to cotton from farmers who are in the transition period from conventional farming to certified organic cotton farming. By demanding cotton at this stage, we provide farmers with security and income during the three-year transition period.

Recycled Cotton

Recycled cotton comes from production waste or previously used textiles that are mechanically torn apart and spun into new material. Since the tearing method shortens the fibers compared to newly produced cotton, recycled cotton is typically blended with new cotton or other materials to give the final textiles a longer lifespan.

Regenerative Cotton

The purpose of regenerative cotton farming is to create a positive ecological impact compared to conventional farming methods. These methods include soil coverage, reduced chemical use, promotion of biodiversity, and efficient water management, as well as social responsibility, such as fair working conditions.

Linen

Linen, made from flax, can be grown in cooler climates. The colder the weather, the less risk of pests, and thus, less need for insecticides. Linen also does not require synthetic fertilizers, hardly any irrigation, and thrives on soil that is not suitable for food production.

Organic Linen

In organic linen farming, no chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified raw materials are allowed, which is gentler on both the soil and farmers.

European Flax

Linen labeled as European Flax is grown in Europe. The cool climate with abundant rainfall is ideal for flax farming, and neither artificial irrigation nor pesticides are needed.

Regenerated Fibers - Lyocell, Viscose, Modal

We appreciate materials like viscose, lyocell, and modal for their softness, good drape, and breathability. These regenerated fibers are made from renewable, plant-based cellulose from wood sources.

The downside is that the production process can require considerable energy and chemicals when cellulose is converted into textile fibers. If there is no information about the source of the raw material, there is a risk that it may have been sourced from unsustainable forestry. Therefore, we strive to use wood-based alternatives that we know, through verification, have a lower impact on people, ecology, and climate.

Our goal is that 100% of the regenerated fibers in our own-designed range will be more responsibly produced* by 2028

*Canopy green shirt-ranked cellulose fibers: https://hotbutton.canopyplanet.org/

Lyocell

Lyocell is a bio-based fiber made from cellulose, such as from eucalyptus trees. At least 99% of the process chemicals used when processing the wood pulp during fiber production are recycled in a closed loop.

Bubbleroom primarily uses lyocell from Lenzing AG, branded as TENCEL™. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers are produced with at least 50% lower carbon emissions and water consumption compared to conventional viscose according to Higg MSI* and are certified with the EU Ecolabel, a label awarded to products that meet high environmental criteria throughout their lifecycle**. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers come from controlled or certified wood sources and are made using a closed and resource-saving production process***.

TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.

*Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) available via Higg MSI (version 3.7)
**EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001)
***Savings consider solvent recovery, compared to generic (unlabeled) lyocell. Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) available via Higg MSI (version 3.7).

Viscose

Our range includes both conventional and certified viscose, but our goal is to increase the share of certified viscose, such as LENZING™ ECOVERO™. LENZING™ ECOVERO™ is produced with at least 50% lower carbon emissions and water consumption compared to conventional viscose according to Higg MSI* and is certified with the EU Ecolabel, a label awarded to products that meet high environmental criteria throughout their lifecycle**. The wood used comes from controlled or certified sources that meet FSC® or PEFC standards***.

LENZING™ and ECOVERO™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG.

*Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) available via Higg MSI (version 3.7)
**EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001)
***FSC®- (FSC-C041246) or PEFC- (PEFC/06-33-92) certification.

Modal

Modal is a bio-based fiber made through a modified viscose process. Modal has a higher fiber strength than conventional viscose, and garments made from modal are often perceived as soft and comfortable, with good absorption ability and resistance to moisture.

Bubbleroom primarily uses modal from Lenzing AG, branded as TENCEL™ Modal. Just like TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, TENCEL™ Modal is produced with at least 50% lower carbon emissions and water consumption compared to conventional viscose according to Higg MSI* and is certified with the EU Ecolabel, a label awarded to products that meet high environmental criteria throughout their lifecycle**. The raw materials come from responsibly managed or certified forestry and are made using a closed and resource-saving production process***.

TENCEL™ is a trademark of Lenzing AG.

*Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) available via Higg MSI (version 3.7)
**EU Ecolabel for textile products (license no. AT/016/001)
***Savings consider solvent recovery, compared to generic (unlabeled) lyocell. Results based on LCA standards (ISO 14040/44) available via Higg MSI (version 3.7).

Polyester and Polyamide

Polyester and polyamide are synthetic fibers that last over time, have good functionality, and are often easy to care for, making them suitable for many uses. Since the raw material is oil-based, non-renewable, and not biodegradable, our goal is to increase the use of verified recycled alternatives to reduce our negative environmental impact. By using materials already in circulation, we can help save natural resources.

Recycled polyamide can be produced from materials like old fishing nets, while recycled polyester is mainly made from recycled PET bottles. The materials can also be recycled from production waste in the manufacturing process.

Our goal is that 100% of the polyester in our own-designed range will come from recycled raw materials by 2028.

Wool

Among the materials we particularly appreciate is wool. Wool can both warm and cool, breathe well, and can be used for a long time with proper care. We aim to only use wool that is recycled or certified according to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS), or Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS). These certifications ensure that the animals are treated well and that the land on which the animals live and graze is used responsibly with regard to pesticides and biodiversity.

Our goal is that 100% of the wool in our own-designed range will be certified according to GRS, RAF, or equivalent by 2025

Leather

The leather in our own-designed products exclusively comes from tanneries certified according to the Leather Working Group (LWG). LWG works to improve methods within the leather industry and issues certification for leather producers (tanneries). The certification requires the implementation of a program for energy consumption, chemical management, and water treatment.

100% of the leather in our own-designed range has been certified according to LWG, GRS, or equivalent since 2022.

Down & Feathers

In our outerwear range, you can find warm winter jackets filled with down. We strive to exclusively use recycled down or down certified according to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The certified down is traceable from farm to finished product and ensures humane treatment of geese and ducks throughout the down and feather production process.

100% of the down in our own-designed range has been certified according to RDS, GRS, or equivalent since 2024

Animal Rights

At Bubbleroom, we care about animal rights and therefore set particularly high standards for products that contain animal-derived materials.

Fur Free Retailer

Bubbleroom has a ban on real fur and is part of Fur Free Retailer. Fur Free Retailer is a part of Fur Free Alliance (FFA), an international coalition of leading animal and environmental protection organizations around the world. The aim of the program is to encourage companies to refrain from using real fur and to guide consumers who are looking for ethical products.

Our Animal Welfare Policy

Bubbleroom's Animal Welfare & Material Ethics Policy includes a range of requirements and restrictions regarding the origin and handling of animal-derived materials. The policy is an important part of our supplier agreement and is followed up throughout the product development process. A fundamental requirement is that suppliers must comply with national and international laws regarding animal rights. This includes agreements such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Breeders and other parties handling animals must adhere to The Five Freedoms, developed by the EU Farm Animal Welfare Council/World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The Five Freedoms:

 • Freedom from hunger and thirst by having access to fresh water and a diet that maintains full health and vigor.
 • Freedom from discomfort by providing a suitable environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting place.
 • Freedom from pain, injury, and disease by preventing or quickly diagnosing and treating them.
 • Freedom to express normal behavior by providing enough space, proper resources, and companionship of their own kind.
 • Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering.

Bubbleroom's Animal Welfare & Material Ethics Policy

Goals for animal-derived materials in Bubbleroom’s own-designed range:
 • 2022: 100% certified leather according to LWG, GRS, or equivalent standard.
 • 2024: 100% certified down according to GRS, RDS, or equivalent standard.
 • 2025: 100% certified wool according to GRS, RAF* or equivalent standard.

*RAF = Responsible Animal Fibers, includes RWS, RMS, RAS.

Quality Assurance

Our goal is for our garments to become wardrobe favorites. To ensure that the garments can be used for as long as possible, good design, comfortable materials, and high quality that lasts over time are required. Quality assurance is therefore a major and important part of our product development process.

Product Testing

To ensure that our quality standards are followed, all products under our own brands—Bubbleroom, Bubbleroom Occasion, Happy Holly, and Chiara Forthi—are quality-tested. Each product undergoes several quality tests before it reaches our customers, and before production starts, we test the fabric's color fastness before and after washing, shrinkage, and twisting. All metal details such as buttons and zippers are also tested for nickel. In addition to our standard test package, specific tests are added as needed to best assess how the material holds up over time when subjected to various stresses during the garment’s user phase. The tests are mostly carried out by third-party laboratories in our supplier countries, but also internally at our headquarters in Borås. Testing products before production helps us correct or stop faulty products early, which is beneficial for our suppliers, our planning, and our environmental impact.

When production is completed, additional samples are checked in the form of shipping samples, and in some cases, larger final inspections called Final Random Inspections (FRI) are conducted.

When shipments arrive at our warehouse in Borås, samples are taken from each delivery for a final quality check. This helps us detect any issues that may have occurred during transit. If late discrepancies are found, we often have the opportunity to address them locally in Borås.

Final Inspections

In addition to quality tests, we also conduct quality inspections at the supplier's site, known as Final Random Inspections (FRI). These are another tool to ensure that production has followed the previously established requirements regarding execution, fit, packaging, and labeling.

Despite the name, selections for final inspections are not entirely random. Criteria for selection may include: a supplier where we have previously detected quality issues, an order with a new supplier, large orders, or orders with complex designs.

The inspection is carried out once the order is fully packed and ready for shipment. An independent quality controller visits the production unit to pick a larger number of goods based on an AQL table (Acceptable Quality Limit), which are then inspected and evaluated. A selected range in the AQL table indicates how many items are to be selected, inspected, and what the threshold is for an approved or non-approved delivery. The results in the inspection report clearly show whether the production meets our quality requirements or if any actions need to be taken before the shipment departs. Final inspections are a very useful complement to other quality controls, and we see great value in detecting deviations before shipments reach our internal warehouse.

Chemical Assurance

Despite their often negative connotation, chemicals also serve many useful purposes. Chemicals are present in almost everything we surround ourselves with—furniture, clothing, food, medicine, and hygiene products. During the manufacturing process of textile goods, various chemicals are used to refine the product. Chemicals are used to give fabric its beautiful color or to impart specific properties to the product.

However, some chemicals pose risks to both the environment and manufacturers, as well as to the end consumers. Responsible chemical management is therefore a must. A lack of knowledge about risks and subsequent effects can lead to serious consequences. Bubbleroom works extensively on chemical issues, and our suppliers are continuously informed about new requirements based on international, European, and national legislation.

Our products must not contain substances at levels that exceed regulations or that are banned according to current legislation. In many cases, we have stricter requirements than the law, and as an addition, we do not allow our products to contain substances listed as candidates in the European Chemicals Regulation REACH.

All our chemical requirements are summarized in our Restricted Substance List (RSL). Our chemical restriction list is updated twice a year in conjunction with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updating legislation. Our chemical requirements are part of our supplier contract, which is signed by all our suppliers.

To ensure that our suppliers comply with legislation and that our products do not contain unwanted chemicals, random product testing is carried out continuously. Which products are tested is based on several parameters, including whether a product is considered a risk product, the supplier's previous history, and whether the supplier is new to Bubbleroom. The tests are not conducted randomly but are determined based on a risk assessment of the product and its production.

Membership in the Chemical Group

As part of our chemical work, Bubbleroom is a member of the Chemical Group. The Chemical Group is part of Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and aims to spread the latest knowledge on chemistry and environmental issues to member companies in the textile and electronics industries. To stay updated on new hazardous substances and legal requirements, those responsible for chemical work continuously participate in the Chemical Group's meetings and discussion forums. These meetings also provide a good platform for meeting others in the industry and exchanging knowledge and experiences.

Through the Chemical Group's guide "Chemicals Guidance," our suppliers receive information about regulated chemicals, in which processes they are more common, and how they affect the environment and people. A new edition of the "Chemical Guidance" is sent out twice a year along with our updated Chemical Restriction List.

Handling Defective Goods

Despite putting in considerable resources for quality assurance, mistakes can sometimes occur. This can involve production errors, moisture damage during transport, or customer complaints. Regardless of the cause, having a solid handling process is crucial.

Bubbleroom's policy is that no goods should be destroyed, as this is neither environmentally nor economically sustainable. If discrepancies from our quality requirements are discovered, we often have the opportunity to address them locally. In the first instance, the item is returned to the regular sales channel, second, it may go to outlet sales, third, it may go to charity organizations, and fourth, it is sent for textile recycling.

Customer safety is of utmost importance to Bubbleroom. The only time destruction of goods is considered is if they do not meet national or international safety regulations. An example is mold damage during transit, where results such as ozone treatment and washing are not considered sufficient measures.