“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
– Robert Swan, Author
our commitment
to transparency and sustainability
At Nova we take our commitment to transparency and sustainability very seriously as we aware of the importance of implementing good and fair business practices. We believe that transparency is essential for not only building long term relationships with our beloved customers but also for protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy. Thus, we are completely transparent about our suppliers, our production processes as well as our 3rd party logistic providers. Additionally, Nova is proud to say that we employ slow fashion practices with our unique make-to-order business model, in addition to selling classic, timeless fashion products that our customers can enjoy for seasons to come.
our commitment
to circular design
One of the main problems that our world faces relate to excess waste which contributes to various environmental issues. Waste is predominantly created by linear production designs or economies whereby most materials end up in landfills which are harmful to natural ecosystems. A solution to the problem is for businesses to devote their efforts to creating circular design which prevents the creation of waste and minimises environmental damage. Thus, at Nova we are committed to implementing a circular economic model that considers the quantity of waste produced during our manufacturing processes and how resources can be used more efficiently by recirculating products back into the supply chain instead of disposing it to landfills.
As our founder, Nika, is a talented designer, pattern maker, and seamstress, this allows Nova to be creative regarding our circular design processes. Thus, one way in which our business recirculates products back into our production is through upcycling. Upcycling is a method where Nova can creatively reuse unsold products within our production process instead contributing to waste by discarding it. Upcycling allows us to reinvent past designs into unique, bespoke products which are sold online along with our stylish assortment of products. Moreover, any fabric waste is used to make accessories such as scrunchies, hair scarfs as well as tote bags which are available on our website.
Additionally, Nova is committed partnering with third party logistic providers such as Pargo who are devoted to decreasing plastic packaging waste by using recyclable and biodegradable delivery envelopes, bags, and tape. This is one of the vital steps Nova is taking towards protecting the environment as around 45% of carbon emissions generated from the e-commerce industry originates from plastic packaging. Furthermore, Nova will also use Paxi as a third party logistic provider. Paxi is a storeto-store delivery service that allows customers and businesses to send and collect parcels nationwide. Paxi saves energy and reduces their carbon emissions by using PEP and Shoe City stores nationwide as pick-up and delivery points rather than driving to several separate addresses.
our commitment
to our triple bottom line
For Nova the Collective to be a sustainable business we are dedicated to our triple bottom line. The triple bottom line consists of three vital components that are necessary for operating a good and fair business that considers Nova’s social impact, environmental influence, and economic viability.
our social impact
our environmental influence
our economic viability
Nova the Collective aims to give back to the community by employing local women and teaching them practical skills that they can use to earn an income to support their families. This way Nova is empowering women to be independent as well as giving them a sense of agency since around two fifths of households in South Africa are female headed household. Hence, supporting women is a top priority at Nova. Additionally, Nova hosts a charity event called Nova Cares where customers and partners can donate unwanted clothing that will be given to underprivileged communities.
In addition to our social initiatives, Nova the Collective is passionate about protecting the environment. Thus, our aim is to incorporate sustainability through reducing waste, especially with regards to textile waste as this often contributes to landfills which leads to pollution and environmental damage. Hence, our founder and designer, Nika, pays careful attention to her pattern placement and cutting as not to waste fabric unnecessarily. Also, Nika enjoys to experiment with dyeing her own fabrics which is environmentally friendly as there are no harmful chemicals involved. Furthermore, any fabric offcuts are used to make our unique reusable packaging bags, matching scrunchies and hair scarves as well as tactile, fabric toys for children which are sold on Nova’s e-commerce website. Nova also uses a zero-paper waste system whereby all administration and paperwork is stored electronically.
As a way for Nova to contribute to its economic viability, we are committed to maintaining fair profit margins for the business to remain profitable as well as making our products affordable for all women to enjoy. Additionally, our creative and innovative ability to use and reuse our resources effectively to produce additional products like upcycling unsold products, making matching accessories as well as toys for children, also contributes to our revenue as we can sell more products without using or buying more resources which promotes Nova’s economic sustainability. This ensures Nova’s longevity and economic prosperity. Furthermore, as Nova the Collective is a proudly South African business, our business not only contributes to the local economy through offering employment, but also contributes to tax through our turnover, VAT, and employee tax (PAYE) which are paid over to SARS.
Nova the Collective will always strive to continuously improve our sustainability efforts for the love of the planet and its people.
