DANTE6 puts responsible materials at the heart of its knitwear

With its FW26 collection, Dutch fashion brand DANTE6 puts knitwear centre stage. Soft jumpers, cardigans and a wrap top form the base for layered looks that carry through the fall/winter season. There is also a clear story behind the collection: much of the knitwear is made with certified merino wool and alpaca. Sustainability Manager Emily Niemöller explains how this ties into DANTE6’s Sustainability Strategy.

Four pillars, six goals

DANTE6’s Sustainability Strategy is built on six of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We are focusing on the six SDGs which are closest to our brand values,” says Niemöller. In practice, the strategy is divided into four pillars where the brand aims to make a positive impact: Our People, Our Planet, Our Product and Our Operations.

Under Our People, the brand works towards healthy and fair working conditions in its supply chain and engages actively with production partners for continuous improvement. Our Planet focuses on packaging made from recycled materials where possible, or from certified responsible sources. Our Product centres on certified sustainable raw materials, with the aim of increasing the share of more sustainable options with each collection. Our Operations stands for zero overproduction and a contribution to the circular economy through the UPV Foundation.

That product goal is reflected in the FW26 knitwear, which uses merino wool certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and alpaca certified to the Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS).

Benyo: the wrap top as a base for layering

Benyo, currently DANTE6’s bestselling style, is a knitted wrap top in 100 percent RWS certified merino wool. The long tie around the waist creates a defined silhouette. In the campaign, DANTE6 shows how the top works as a base for layering: with a lace top underneath, its cuffs peeking out from the sleeves, and a soft stole draped over the shoulders.

Tysio: button details and an asymmetric neckline

Tysio is a jumper with button details along the sleeves, an asymmetric neckline and split cuffs. Its yarn contains 50 percent RWS certified merino wool. The jumper comes in espresso brown and off-white.

Siega: fringes and a cut-out

Siega is also made with 50 percent RWS certified merino wool. The turtleneck stands out with fringes along the sleeves and a cut-out at the shoulder.

Toronto: alpaca in green and yellow

The short Toronto cardigan contains 52 percent RAS certified alpaca and is made in Italy from the finest Italian yarn. According to Niemöller, the wearer notices the positive characteristics of alpaca straight away. “Alpaca fibres are lightweight and airy, and feel smooth and soft against the skin,” she says. “They offer excellent warmth for their weight, while still staying breathable.” The fibres are also non-itchy, hypoallergenic and resist pilling, helping the cardigan keep a clean appearance.

Retailers as part of the story

DANTE6 involves both its DANTE6 Brandstore Teams and multibrand stores in its sustainability story. “We engage them by informing and inspiring them through our newsletters and our sales agencies,” says Niemöller. The brand reaches end consumers through its Conscious Journey on social media.

DANTE6 is currently finalising its Care & Material guide. “It will help our sales teams to express our sustainability efforts to end customers by educating them about our material choices and what they can do to take responsibility with the right care,” Niemöller explains.