Bargain Merino With Ethical Credentials

We recently told you about surf brand Finisterre which is using Nikwax Analogy fabrics to produce waterproof jackets - now the Cornish-based outfit has launched a £25, ethically-produced, Eddie merino baselayer top.

What we like about the company is that in tune with surfing culture, it's committed to ethically sound manufacturing and products. One reason they chose to use the Nikwax fabric for example, is that it's made from polyester which is easily recyclable.

Other garments in their range are made from recycled fabrics, but they also go further by trying to minimise their environmental impact in other ways like minimising the tranport involved in getting their products made and distributed.

Merino sits squarely with this ethos and the new tops are made from 100 per-cent natural merino wool made in ISO accredited Portugese factories. We've seen one of the tops and it's made from a lightweight fabric that should be ideal for summer use. Merino's great for feeling cool in the heat and warm in the cold, but also stays comfortable when damp and has natural anti-pong properties.

Finisterre says that the relatively bargain level of the price is all about realistic pricing and not overcharging the customer. By keeping their own margins down, they say, they can choose not to use unethical factories and cheap fabrics.

The good news is that a portion of their turnover goes to environmental groups under their 'Offset the PLC' - Product Life Cycle - initiative. The way it works is that all Finisterre products have their product life cycles analysed, the company works out where the three largest areas of the products environmental footprint fall and a proportion of the retail price of that product is then donated to groups working specifically in those environmental areas.

We happen to think that's brilliant. For more details of the company and the Eddie baselayer, which is available in both men's and women's versions see www.finisterreuk.com.