The Level Collective: What is it?

As the name implies, The Level Collective is a brand that’s all about balance: gear that works for both city and great outdoors; products that work hard and look good; and above all, items that are fair to others and have a minimal impact on the planet – all of which are causes we can get on board with.

The company was set up by founder and designer Mark Musgrave, who hunts out collectives and craftsmen to collaborate with on his products. The waxed organic cotton backpacks are a particular hit – hardy and handsome, they’ll take from commute to countryside without a bat of an eyelid. Think Finisterre and Patagonia levels of cool, but made by a small British brand.

As you’ll read below, Musgrave goes above and beyond to make sure he’s doing the best he can for people and planet – and on top of that, he donates money to charities directly, including the Waves project in Cornwall that provides surfing lessons for vulnerable children from disadvantaged background.

The Level Collective: How sustainable is it?

It’s undeniable that every single one of The Level Collective’s products looks beautiful – but that’s in part down to simple designs that showcase brilliant materials and craftsmanship.

90% of the brand’s products are made from either GOTS certified organic cotton grown in India or are non-mulesed British or Spanish merino wool. The sanded twill used in the backpack lining is woven in the UK (the cotton, grown in India is currently not organic, but founder Mark Musgrave is seeking organic alternatives). The organic cotton t-shirts are printed with GOTS-certified water-based inks.

Any leather products are made from non-chromium vegetable tanned leather sourced in Spain as a byproduct of the meat industry – it’s much more durable and biodegradable in comparison to vegan ‘leathers’.

And as for the packaging – well, that’s made out of 100% recyclable kraft paper packaging, too. See, we told you every last detail had been thought of.

The Level Collective: Who makes it?

Most of the makers Musgrave works with in the UK to make the backpacks and wallets are small businesses that don’t have certification, but all the screen-printed items are made in FairWear Foundation-approved factories.

Musgrave visits the factories and studios of most of the makers he works with at least once a year. T-shirts and sweaters are sourced from Stanley Stella because they have high ethical and environmental standards, meeting the FairWear Foundation criteria.

He also collaborates with a variety of artists and makers across different minority groups, and makes sure the models used to showcase his products are diverse and representative.

And the icing on the cake: The Level Collective’s Big Bob beanie hats are made by a social enterprise called Dece Clothing in Romania that trains women in disadvantaged Roma communities how to hand crochet beanie hats and earn a living to support their families and move out of a cycle of poverty.

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