by Haileigh Farrell
Peony Swimwear is a family owned and independently operated business centered around sustainable materials, manufacturing and shipping techniques. Becky Morton founded Peony in 2012 with a goal to create responsible swimwear. On its website, the “Our Approach” section states:
“Every single Peony Swimwear is made from recycled and sustainable fabrics. This includes our printed fabrics, our custom textures and even our inner linings…Inch by inch and seam by seam, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible to bring you thoughtful pieces that are equal parts beauty, heart and substance.”
The brand has proven to be authentic as it is deeply committed to this statement, using its values as a moral compass. More specifically, all its fabrics are made from Econyl, a 100% repurposed nylon made from fishing nets and landfill nylon waste. This reduces global warming by 80% compared to petroleum based products. As well, Peony is a courageous trailblazer in the swimwear category. For example, Peony’s plant-based shipping materials decompose in three to six months, unlike other brands, which take 1000 years.
In addition, Peony empathizes with its customers and the choices they make to help the environment. At the company offices, called the #PeonyHouse, small changes have been incorporated such as setting timers for devices. Furthermore, Peony is pushing itself to improve its sustainability efforts, demonstrating just how resilient it is. By 2021, Peony’s goal is to be completely sustainable.
To continue, Peony is a truly responsible brand as it has consistently been committed to social good. It insists that all its suppliers are SA8000 certified, the leading social certification for factories and organizations, ensuring, “…ethical and fair compliance regarding child labor, forced or compulsory labor, health and safety, freedom of association and right to collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, remuneration and management systems” (peonyswimwear.com).
Lastly, Peony has been proactive in its timing compared to other swimwear lines. Unlike other brands that overlook lining, which makes up 50% of swimwear fabric consumption, Peony’s lining is made from sustainable material. Looking to the future, Peony plans to launch a recycling program to make it easier for customers to further reduce their environmental impact.