Why China?
The question ‘Why do you produce in China?’ gets asked a lot. Our customers are critical thinkers, and a healthy amount of skepticism is part of purchasing products and supporting brands that align with your values. In fact, we encourage it!
There are many reasons we produce in China, including the delicious bao (steamed buns) we get to eat when we visit! But beyond the excellent food and simply put, producing in China makes YALA what it is. Read on to learn why, and don’t forget the links highlighting even more perks of our partnership.
China is where the magic of YALA began
YALA has an exclusive partnership with a small, family-run sewing factory in China, and we have worked with these same Production Partners at this factory since 2006. During this time, we have built endearing relationships with our partners through frequent visits. They are highly skilled in their fields and fundamental to YALA's success.
Producing in China reduces our carbon footprint
YALA's organic bamboo is grown in the Shunan Forest in Sichuan, China, where it gets processed into pulp. This pulp gets transported to Heibei province, about 1600kms away, and processed into yarn. Some of the bamboo yarn gets woven into bedding fabric locally.
The rest goes to Changshu City, about 1000kms away, where it gets knit into fabric and dyed. YALA's bedding and garments are also cut and sewn in Changshu City, which is very close to the Shanghai Port and Shanghai International Airport, less than 2 hours by car.
In contrast, it’s common in garment manufacturing for a fiber to be grown in one country and shipped across multiple borders for cheaper labor before it finally reaches its distribution point. Even with YALA’s overseas partnership, having every production stage happening within a relatively small radius reduces transportation emissions.
Producing in China ensures worker safety and livelihood
The Chinese government maintains strict safety and work regulations that protect our Production Partners with extensive training and a safe working environment. In addition, China's labor regulations also ensure our staff is not overworked or underpaid.
Bamboo fabric production was developed in China
Most bamboo grows in China, and China is the largest producer of bamboo fabric, developing the process in the early 2000s. Because of this, the region is highly experienced, knowledgeable, and equipped to process bamboo pulp into fabric utilizing sustainable, closed-loop systems that have been refined and optimized over two decades.
Of course, not all bamboo is harvested and processed sustainably in China, just as not all cotton grown in the US is organically or sustainably grown. However, producing with the same partners in facilities we have frequented since 2006 ensures our processes remain sustainable. Learn about our certifications here.
Hopefully, this deep dive increases understanding. We want you to have the same confidence purchasing YALA products that we experience working with our Production Partners!