The Hempire Story

Hempire Collective, founded by Trimayne Meader, emerged from a fashion designer’s realization that mainstream fashion conflicted with her sustainability values. Leaving the industry, she embraced a new path in Northern NSW, studying Permaculture and delving into Earth-centric work. This shift sparked her quest to create sustainable underwear, blending her fashion expertise with a passion for sustainability. The brand symbolizes her deep connection to nature and a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry.

During a 2019 exploration across India, Nepal, and China, Trimayne researched natural fibers, particularly hemp, discovering their ancient cultivation methods. These centuries-old practices continue to inspire Hempire Collective’s journey towards sustainable fashion.

The Mission

We’re committed to crafting sustainable, timeless fashion that seamlessly fits into various aspects of life—be it yoga, work, or relaxation. Our designs aim to be your everyday essentials, exuding simplicity and comfort. Wearing our garments empowers individuals by supporting a brand dedicated to hemp’s future and transforming the fashion landscape.

Our ambition is to establish a solar-powered hemp textile facility in Australia, eventually producing our own hemp fabric. This initiative extends to fellow hemp enthusiasts seeking Australian-made materials. By monitoring production onshore, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint. We prioritize educating and inspiring others about hemp’s vast potential, particularly in Australia, where its land and climate can truly impact our planet positively. Hemp stands as a solution to the global textile crisis, addressing the fashion industry’s massive pollution. We’re driven by the excitement for hemp’s potential, envisioning its revolutionary impact across various industries, not just fashion. Join us on this transformative journey!

Supply Chain

Our fabric originates from Heilongjiang, China, known as the hemp textile hub. We’re privileged to collaborate with proficient experts dedicated to advancing sustainable textile practices.

After harvesting, the hemp’s long fibers undergo a process called “retting,” separating them from the plant’s bark. These fibers are then spun into thread and knitted with GOTS Certified Organic Cotton and 5% spandex for flexibility. We aim to transition to recycled spandex for a more sustainable fabric and closed-loop system, aligning with our startup’s vision for eco-friendly materials.

The resulting hemp organic cotton fabric is crafted by a small, family-run garment maker, a partnership we’ve nurtured since 2019. Our commitment to carbon neutrality drives us to minimize environmental impact, including choosing a manufacturer near our fabric source in Hangzhou, China. Localizing production helps reduce shipping distances, aligning with our goal to lower our carbon footprint at every production stage within our current capabilities.

All Natural

Sustainable Packaging

After dyeing our garments in Australia, we take steps to minimize our environmental impact by packaging them in recycled paper and using biodegradable post bags. Specifically, we utilize the comPOST Pack, a certified home compostable and fully biodegradable mailing satchel made partly from plants.

As a company deeply aware of our carbon footprint, we prioritize accountability and improvement. In early 2020, Better Packaging conducted a comprehensive carbon emissions audit, allowing us to measure and understand our impact. To go beyond neutrality, we now offset our emissions by 120%, embodying what it means to be ‘climate positive.’

Transparency

Ethical Suppliers

At present, we’re proud to collaborate with suppliers who prioritize fair treatment and uphold workers’ rights across their supply chains. Our firsthand visits to all factories in 2019 affirm that our manufacturers adhere to fair trade regulations.

Partnering with knowledgeable professionals in China’s hemp textile industry, we’re dedicated to making a positive impact. Our suppliers specializing in natural fibers and fabrics continually strive to reduce energy consumption, minimize toxic chemical usage, and closely monitor wastewater discharge to protect the environment. Ensuring safe and comfortable working environments for employees is a shared commitment.

As a small-scale brand, we’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside these hemp industry experts, offering our unique vision of hemp intimates to the world. Every purchase of our hemp garments contributes to the solution, making you a part of the revolution toward ethical and sustainable fashion.