Frequently asked questions B Corp

We minimize packaging waste, test reusable solutions, and develop return and reuse services. Recycling is part of our design process.

Our target is CO₂ neutrality by 2030, through energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, and optimized production.

We conduct GAP analyses with ClimatePartner and bAwear. We measure CO₂ emissions at company level (CCF) and per product (PCF) through LCA.

• Measuring and reducing CO₂ emissions
• Local production
• Less packaging and reusable alternatives
• Circular business models

• Strict certification requirements (e.g., GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX)
• Transparency and long-term partnerships
• Regular environmental and social performance evaluations

• Fabrics carefully selected for durability and performance
• Designed for long-lasting use in professional environments
• Collections available for years to avoid yearly repurchasing, reducing consumption
• Repair and personalization options

You can trust that our products are made with care for people, the environment, and the craft. We combine transparency and quality with refined design.

We undergo reassessment by B Lab every three years. Our processes, documents, and results are thoroughly reviewed.

That we perform above average in all five B Corp pillars. This strengthens confidence in our approach, both internally and externally.

It proves that sustainability is not an afterthought but an integral, legally embedded part of our policy. It’s a commitment our customers can count on.

Because we believe things can and must be done differently. B Corp gives structure to our goals, justifies our choices, and makes our impact transparent for partners and customers.

• Made-to-order production to avoid overproduction
• Internal sustainability training
• Partnerships with renewable energy users
• Circular designs and use of recycled materials

• Product group LCAs, led by the Essentials Collection
• CO₂ reduction targets based on measurements
• Dedicated ‘People & Planet’ dashboard
• Annual SMETA audits at our CMT locations

• 100% sustainable materials in all collections
• Full supply chain transparency down to raw material level
• CO₂ neutrality through renewable energy and smart mobility
• Further expansion of circular services like repair and resale

Producing locally helps us support European societies and ensure decent working conditions. It also allows us to:

• Limit transport emissions
• Maintain social and environmental standards
• Respond more quickly and efficiently to suppliers

Our mission: “We help chefs succeed, responsibly.” We believe chefs can only excel when their workwear matches in style, functionality, and respect for people and the planet.

Our CMT production takes place entirely in Europe, mainly in Poland and Portugal, with partners we’ve worked with for years. We visit these locations at least twice a year to oversee quality, working conditions, and flexibility.

Yes. We work with partners who hold recognized certifications like GOTS, GRS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and Bluesign. Le Nouveau Chef is not certified as a company because the materials are already certified—we choose to invest in other sustainability efforts instead.

A garment is considered sustainable when it meets strict criteria:

• Certified materials: We use independently certified fabrics like GOTS (organic cotton) and GRS (recycled materials) to ensure traceability and environmental impact.
  
• Designed for long-term use: Our garments meet high standards for workwear durability, including pilling, abrasion, color fastness, and tear strength, tested with standard methods such as Martindale.
  
• Fair supplier partnerships: We work with long-term suppliers under contractual agreements, avoiding price pressure and reducing the risk of unfair labor conditions.
  
• Focus on reuse and repair: Customers can have items repaired, and we explore material reuse in new applications.
  
• Efficient fabric use: We reduce cutting waste by 98% and reuse scraps to create new products like shopper bags.
  
• Safe production, free of harmful substances: Our garments are made under safe working conditions and tested for harmful substances per OEKO-TEX 100 standards.

In 2024, 63% of our sold materials were classified as “less impact materials” according to the Modint Fiber Matrix, such as certified fibers like organic cotton or recycled polyester.

• More sustainable materials: In 2024, 67% of our collection consisted of lower-impact materials according to the Modint Fiber Matrix, up from 53% in 2023.
  
• European production: All our CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) production takes place within Europe, with long-term certified partners who meet strict social and environmental standards.
  
• CO₂ measurement program: We began measuring our CO₂ footprint in collaboration with bAwear and ClimatePartner and set reduction targets based on these measurements.
  
• Digital Product Passport: We participated in a pilot for the Digital Product Passport with GS1, Shopping Tomorrow, and Modint, increasing transparency on material use and product origin.
  
• Partnerships with sustainable suppliers: We formalized agreements with certified suppliers like Carrington (BCI) and Utexbel (GOTS, GRS), reducing waste and rejection.
  
• Stricter chemical policy: Our chemical policy exceeds REACH standards, and we independently test our products with Bureau Veritas.
  
• Legal compliance: We actively monitor regulations in key markets, including care label and packaging rules under the EPR directive.
  
• LCAs for impact measurement: Life Cycle Assessments were conducted on about 10 items, aiming to cover the entire Essentials collection by the end of 2025.
  
• Less plastic in packaging: We introduced new polybags with lower plastic content.
  
• Internal growth and well-being: We launched a ‘blue growth culture’ to track employee engagement (ENPS), renovated the office, and installed a new ventilation system.

Yes, since 2024, we proudly carry the B Corp certificate. Our score of 111.1 points is well above the minimum threshold of 80 points required to achieve B Corp status. This demonstrates our commitment and measurable results.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  Everyone should be able to work safely, earn a fair wage, and have opportunities for development.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  We use resources more efficiently and reduce waste from production to use.
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  We reduce our emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
  We protect seas and oceans by combating pollution, such as reducing waste and plastic use.
• SDG 15: Life on Land
  We care for forests, plants, and animals and restore damaged nature.

These SDGs were not chosen at random. We asked our suppliers, ateliers, customers, and partners which themes they find important. This way, our plans align not only with our goals but also with what our community values.

The goals are integrated into our strategy, policies, and department-specific plans. Every year we evaluate: where are we now? What can we improve? And how do we make that visible? This is how we work step by step toward chef clothing that is not only stylish but also meaningful.

SDGs, or Sustainable Development Goals, are global sustainability targets established by the United Nations in 2015. They guide global cooperation for a better future by 2030, focusing on issues like decent work, reduced inequality, climate action, and protecting oceans and forests. These SDGs inform the decisions we make.

At Le Nouveau Chef, we aim to make a positive contribution to people, the environment, and society. Our commitment to fairness, transparency, and impact is reflected in everything we do.

B Corp is an international certification for companies that pursue more than just profit. Certified companies demonstrate that they create a positive impact in five areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. This includes responsible production, transparency, ethical business practices, and care for people and the environment.