How it's made /
Our Craftspeople
Our craftspeople work across distinct locations and we strive to reflect their cultural differences. Some things are structured to work on a local level, and everything is done with dignity and fairness in mind.
Varanasi
The holy city of Varanasi is where it all started. Shakti is a feminine Sanskrit principle that symbolises empowerment, abundance, and change. It’s no coincidence that the Gratitude Factory is run with the same principles.
It's all-female due to the challenges women face in search of meaningful employment, and it’s still the spiritual heart of our supply chain.
Every woman in Varanasi recieves
- Living wage
- Holiday leave
- Free medical leave
- Daily meals and Puja (time for prayer)
- Access to an emergency medical fund (for them and their family)
- Sick leave
Ranchi & Agra
Kishor Exports, one of our production partners, spans two cities: Ranchi, and Agra (home to the Taj Mahal).
They were specifically chosen to bring our Premium and Pressure Collections to life because of their commitment to sustainability certifications and environmental credentials. Kishor’s production is completely Fairtrade certified.
They’ve been awarded on the global stage for their social responsibility practices, 85% of their workforce is female, and they go above and beyond to provide opportunities for workers with disabilities.
Everyone in Ranchi & Agra receives
- A living wage
- No excessive working hours
- Transportation
- Canteen facilities
- Access to provident fund (PF) and Employees' State Insurance Scheme (ESI)
- Health and medical checkups
Delhi
India's capital is home to over 32 million people. It's a thriving city that's steeped in different cultures and beliefs, but there are many threads that unite Delhiites (Delhi locals).
Family empowerment, financial independence, and flexible work hours matter. So, when we expanded production here in 2017, it only made sense to reflect that.
Production in Delhi is spread across a network of small family businesses that work together to put the Shakti Mat together. In 2020 we directed an additional €10,000 in COVID support.Over time, Delhi has grown to become the engine room of Shakti Mat production.
EVERYONE IN DELHI RECIEVES
- Living wage
- SMETA-certified work conditions
- End-of-year bonuses
- Medical insurance through the Employees' State Insurance Scheme (ESI)
How it's made /
Our Production
Our supply chain is about more than the bottom line. We're mindful about who we work with, and we're lucky to have partners that reflect the goodness we want to see in the world.
GOTS
Organic cotton just feels better. It’s better against skin, better for the planet, and most importantly – it’s better for the people who produce it.
We only work with factories that carry the world’s leading textile processing standard for organic fibres. It’s the least we can do. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) sets ecological and labour-related benchmarks throughout the cotton supply chain to ensure traceability and best practice.
Organic production is based on farming that maintains and replenishes soil quality without the use of toxic, persistent pesticides, or synthetic fertilisers. All Shakti cotton is GOTS-certified.
Fairtrade
We also work with factories that have independently undertaken Fairtrade certification. Fairtrade Standards instil fair terms between farmers and buyers, protect workers' rights, and create a framework for producers to balance growth with responsibility.
As it stands, Premium and Blissfoam™ acupressure products, and accessories, are produced in “Fairtrade certified” factories.
This isn’t to say it won’t change in the future, but we’re in a unique position because we’ve set up a supply chain that largely mirrors the Fairtrade system already. If we converted to Fairtrade accreditation across the board we’d also have to cut some of the charitable initiatives we’re already involved in.
It’s a space we’re navigating, but we welcome feedback and invite you to watch this space.
Blissfoam™
We source our high quality Blissfoam™ from two suppliers.
- Eco-Latex is a leading Sri Lankan manufacturer that generates 60% of its energy through renewable sources. They’re obtaining carbon-neutral status, and working closely with their Government to provide meaningful employment across a wide range of positive initiatives.
- Signature Foam is based in Kerala, India. They are the first and only farm–finish organic latex producer in India, and they provide fair pay, free meals, and accommodation for all 150 employees. Signature also contributes <2% of profits to a fund that supports schoolkids, terminally ill community members, and sustainable farming practices.
- Signature Foam employees also receive access to the Provident Fund (PF) and the Employees' State Insurance Scheme (ESI) – India’s leading social security bodies.
ABS plastic
The last time we tried recycled plastic it just wasn’t sharp enough, and pointless mats are about as useful as white crayons. It’s why we currently use ABS for its performance, durability, and safety on skin.
Our spikes are arguably our most important asset. And while everything we make comes with a 5-year guarantee, there are Shakti Mats from 2014 that still provide the sensations and benefits we expect today.
Independent audits
Fairtrade-certified or not – our factories are independently audited by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA). SMETA audits assess labour standards, human rights, worker health and safety, environmental compliance, and business ethics performance.