Gerber & Co

Gerber & Co is a vertically integrated business that manages every step of the knitting process, from rearing sheep to processing wool. The company prioritises local community involvement and benefits, maintaining a production chain within a small radius, and ensuring their wool is not only 100% biodegradable but also improves the quality of the Namaqualand soil.

Features

Resources and materials

Supplies merino wool for their jerseys from their own sheep.
Part of Teracata, the sustainable wool standard of King Charles
Complies with Responsible Wool Standards (RWS) and standard wool practices on their farms.
Other garments are made using natural and locally sourced materials such as leather, cotton, and linen.

Making and manufacturing

Maintains a low carbon footprint by keeping every step of its supply chain in South Africa, from wool processing to embroidery
Merino wool is washed, processed, and knitted in Cape Town.
Uses biodegradable scouring soap so that wastewater can be reused.
Recycles manufacturing offcuts into farm soil for planting trees.

Social and cultural

Employs Theresa de Reuck and her team for CMT work from home, providing equipment and materials
Works with New Coe Knitters, supplying yarn and planning future investments
Partners with Snow White Embroidery, a 100% female-owned business, for final garment finishing
Majority of employees are women from local communities