Sustainability

At Kapetto, sustainability begins with timeless design and ends with dignified employment. Every rug we create represents a commitment to the artisans who weave them, the materials that compose them, and the principles that guide their creation.

Our Approach

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our practice. From the moment raw materials arrive at our facilities in Bhadohi, India, through final inspection and shipment, we maintain rigorous standards that prioritize both people and planet.

We work with over 2,000 skilled artisans across two manufacturing facilities, maintaining complete vertical integration from yarn spinning to finished product. This approach allows us to guarantee fair labor practices, environmental responsibility, and material quality at every stage.

Social Accountability

SA8000 Certification

Our facilities are certified to SA8000, the leading international standard for social accountability in the workplace. Developed by Social Accountability International and based on International Labour Organization conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this certification verifies our commitment to fair treatment of workers across eight critical areas.

SA8000 certification requires third-party verification of labor conditions, health and safety protocols, fair wages, reasonable working hours, and prohibition of child and forced labor. It ensures our artisans work in dignified conditions with wages that meet or exceed legal minimums and provide discretionary income beyond basic needs.

SEDEX Membership & SMETA Audits

We participate in the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange platform and conduct regular SMETA audits. SMETA, the world's most widely used social audit methodology, evaluates labor standards, health and safety, environmental performance, and business ethics across our operations. This transparent reporting system allows our partners to verify ethical practices throughout our supply chain.

Direct Impact: We transfer wages directly to artisan bank accounts, ensuring transparency and financial inclusion. Our employment practices prioritize women in rural areas, providing skill development and stable income opportunities that uplift entire communities.

Material Certifications

Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)

RWS certification verifies that wool comes from farms with progressive land management practices and sheep treated according to the Five Freedoms of animal welfare. It ensures complete traceability from farm to finished rug, guaranteeing ethical sourcing and responsible environmental stewardship.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

GOTS is the leading standard for organic textiles, requiring minimum 70% certified organic fibers. It certifies the entire supply chain from harvesting through processing, ensuring both environmental responsibility and social compliance. GOTS prohibits harmful chemicals while mandating fair labor practices throughout production.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100

Every component of our OEKO-TEX certified rugs is tested against over 1,000 harmful substances. This certification ensures our textiles are safe for human contact and free from chemicals that could affect health or environment. Annual testing verifies continued compliance with the strictest global standards.

Global Recycled Standard (GRS)

GRS certification verifies recycled content in products while ensuring responsible social and environmental practices in processing. It requires minimum 50% certified recycled materials and mandates compliance with strict chemical, water, and energy management standards throughout the production chain.

Our Commitments

  • Fair Wages Workers receive wages that meet or exceed legal minimums, with direct bank transfers ensuring transparency and financial security. Compensation provides for basic needs plus discretionary income.
  • Rural Employment We prioritize employment in rural Bhadohi, providing stable income opportunities where they are most needed. Our presence supports local economies and preserves traditional weaving communities.
  • Women's Empowerment We actively recruit and train women artisans, offering skill development programs and career advancement opportunities. Women represent a significant portion of our workforce across both facilities.
  • Safe Working Conditions All facilities maintain certified health and safety standards with regular audits. We provide clean facilities, protective equipment, and comprehensive emergency protocols.
  • Skills Development Traditional weaving techniques are passed through generations of artisans. We invest in training programs that preserve craftsmanship while introducing quality control and efficiency improvements.
  • Environmental Responsibility Our certifications mandate strict environmental standards including water management, waste reduction, and chemical restrictions. Natural fibers and traditional techniques minimize environmental impact.
  • Supply Chain Transparency Complete vertical integration from yarn spinning to finished product allows full traceability. We maintain detailed records and welcome third-party audits of our practices.

Continuous Improvement

Certification is not a destination but an ongoing commitment. We undergo regular audits, maintain transparent reporting, and continuously seek ways to improve working conditions, environmental practices, and product quality.

Our relationship with artisans extends beyond employment. We view ourselves as custodians of traditional weaving knowledge and partners in building sustainable livelihoods. Each rug carries this commitment forward, connecting conscious consumers with dignified craftsmanship.

Sustainability at Kapetto means creating products designed to last generations while ensuring the people who make them thrive today. It is measured not just in certifications, but in the lives and communities our work sustains.