IVALOCOM’s Sustainable Stars blog concept highlights brands that are pioneers in sustainability.
IVALO.COM proudly and happily welcomes the Finnish brand R-Collection.
Sustainable Stars – R-Collection
R-Collection is one of the most requested brands by IVALO.COM customers and a long-standing favorite. It is an honor to collaborate with a brand that began its journey in responsible fashion back in 1978.
Organic - Naturally
The call for sustainability in the fashion industry has gained momentum in recent years and has become a central factor for consumers. For R-Collection, many sustainability principles have been second nature, rooted in its heritage as a northern family business.
According to R-Collection’s selection manager, Louna Kotimäki, R-Collection has always calculated its fabric usage precisely, using every meter carefully, and production quantities are considered thoughtfully.
“We are genuinely interested in what values our customers expect from us as a company and from our products.”
Sustainability is a complex concept, built from visible actions by the company, but also influenced by many factors that are not directly visible to the consumer.
One of R-Collection’s most visible sustainability policies is its use of organic cotton for most of its products. The brand also uses non-toxic dyes that meet the OEKO-TEX standard.
Longevity and durability are crucial aspects of R-Collection’s sustainable approach, which is why it also offers repair services and care products. Recently, R-Collection launched the ReCollection concept, which allows customers to bring used R-Collection products to brand stores for recycling.
R-Collection’s sustainability is evident in many aspects of its production and design process. The brand hopes to make a difference with transparent production chains and materials.
“By promoting openness and shedding light on production stages, we hope to encourage consumers to demand transparency from the clothing industry at large.”
R-Collection prefers European partners for fabric manufacturing. The fabric for its anoraks and stretch sweatshirts comes from Turkey, while the merino knit is sourced from Australia.
Bestseller - Anorak from the 80s
R-Collection’s most iconic product is the anorak, introduced in the early 80s and updated only slightly over the decades. A beloved garment for a diverse range of users, it’s commonly seen everywhere—from blueberry forests in rural areas to trendy social media photos, Helsinki’s Kallio bars, and even preschools.
The anorak is made from 100% organic cotton woven in Turkey. The current fabric is windproof, dirt-repellent, and water-resistant. Loved by both adults and children, the dense cotton knit breathes well during skiing and protects against rain and wind in the fall and spring, while keeping mosquitoes and midges away in the summer.
The long anorak is a perfect choice for a relaxed city look. In autumn 2024, R-Collection responds to customer wishes by releasing a long anorak in women’s sizing.
Practicality Above All
One of R-Collection’s core values is practicality, which is evident in the brand’s material choices.
The best thing about R-Collection products is that they suit the everyday lives of ordinary people—for outdoor activities, special occasions, and outings.
“This is something our customers appreciate and what keeps them coming back to R-Collection products repeatedly. Our clientele ranges from young street-style fans to stylish, mature everyday dressers.”
Slowly Does It
With a long history, R-Collection has taken time in recent years amidst global turmoil to reflect on its philosophy.
In the waves of the business world, it’s easy to sometimes lose sight of the core purpose—and for whom the work is done.
This introspection has led R-Collection to embrace the importance of slowing down. In a fast-paced, disposable world, R-Collection wants to do things differently.
The brand hopes that its thoughtful strategy will help further share the lifestyle and mindset of the Kainuu region with the world.
R-Collection encourages focusing on what truly matters and choosing things that last—and help us endure.
In true Kainuu spirit, “slowly does it.”
