Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability
At Charlie Bears, we believe all bears should be made with care, craftsmanship, and a commitment to responsible practices. From the materials we use to the partners we work with, we aim to ensure our products are created with care, respect and transparency.
We work closely with trusted suppliers and manufacturing partners around the world who share our commitment to responsible business practices. Our approach focuses on ethical sourcing, fair working conditions, product safety and supporting the communities around us.
Our goal is simple: to create bears that collectors can treasure, knowing they have been produced responsibly.
Responsible Mohair
Some of our collectable bears are made using mohair, a natural fibre produced from the Angora goat. Mohair has been used in traditional teddy bear making for more than a century and is valued for its durability, softness and distinctive appearance.
At Charlie Bears we recognise that natural fibres should be sourced responsibly. For this reason, the mohair fabrics used in our bears are sourced through suppliers aligned with the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS).
The Responsible Mohair Standard is an internationally recognised standard developed by Textile Exchange that promotes responsible and transparent mohair production.
The standard focuses on:
• Responsible animal welfare practices
• Sustainable land management
• Environmental protection
• Supply-chain traceability
• Fair working conditions for those involved in production
This means that the Angora goats providing the fibre are raised with appropriate care and welfare standards, including suitable living conditions, proper nutrition and veterinary attention.
By working with suppliers aligned with the Responsible Mohair Standard, we aim to ensure that the materials used in our bears are sourced responsibly and transparently.
Ethical Manufacturing & Supplier Standards
Charlie Bears works closely with its manufacturing partners and regularly conducts independent social audits of our production sites.
These audits help ensure that our suppliers operate in line with recognised ethical standards and allow us to make certain needed improvements are identified and corrective action plans are implemented to uphold standards and continually improve.
Areas reviewed include:
• Labour standards
• Health and safety practices
• Responsible recruitment
• Fair wages and working hours
• Non-discrimination policies
• Responsible use of subcontracting
Child labour, forced labour, and unsafe working conditions have no place in our world and will never be tolerated anywhere within our supply chain.
Product Safety & Quality
Product safety is extremely important to us. All Charlie Bears products undergo extensive safety testing to ensure they meet or exceed the regulatory requirements of the markets in which they are sold.
Our collections include both collectable bears intended for adult collectors and products that are suitable from birth, each tested to the appropriate safety standards.
Quality, safety and craftsmanship remain central to every bear we create.
Supporting Our Community
Charlie Bears is proud to be based in Launceston, Cornwall, and we believe businesses should play a positive role in the communities around them.
We support local initiatives, charities and community events, and we value the strong connection we have with the area that has supported our journey.
We are equally committed to providing a welcoming and supportive workplace for our team, offering fair pay, flexible working arrangements and initiatives that promote employee wellbeing.
Our Commitment
Our bears are created to bring joy to collectors around the world. By working responsibly with our suppliers, partners and employees, we aim to ensure that this joy is supported by ethical and sustainable practices.
Transparency and continuous improvement remain important to us, and we will continue to review and strengthen our standards as our business grows.
We are always happy to share more about how our bears are made and the standards we work to. If you would like further information about our ethical sourcing, testing or sustainability practices, please contact us at headbear@charliebears.com
