We are committed to
SUSTAINABILITY
At Blackbough Swim, we're committed to environmental responsibility through mindful business practices. Since 2021, we've proudly created our new swimwear line from recycled fabric. Our commitment to sustainability extends to biodegradable and reusable packaging, and strategic stock management to minimize waste.
Our passionate team leads impactful initiatives, including coastal cleanups in the Philippines, shaping a cleaner world, one coast at a time.
OUR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY
At Blackbough Swim, each piece goes through a meticulous journey filled with creativity, dedication, and care. From creative ideation to testing to production, every step is carefully crafted to create sustainable, long-lasting, high-quality, and perfectly-fitting pieces that you can love and wear for years to come.
100% OF SWIMWEAR MADE FROM RECYCLED FABRIC
In 2021, we took a bold leap towards sustainability by using recycled nylon or recycled polyester for our swimwear. Today, 100% of our swimwear collection is created from recycled fabric.
Crafted by you, for you
Our community is the heart of Blackbough. We take time to listen closely to your feedback, reviews, and comments. Your insights are integrated into our research and development, helping us bring your dream pieces to life. By actively engaging and listening to our community, we aim to deliver the highest quality swimwear that endures over time, ensuring your dream pieces last for years to come.
Mindful Production Practices
We incorporated direct-to-fabric printing into our production processes which minimizes water waste while ensuring efficiency. Through meticulous data analysis and strategic ordering, we are mindful that our production quantities meet customer demand, minimizing excess stock.
Planet-Friendly Packaging
Since 2019, we've proudly embraced 100% biodegradable mailer bags and biodegradable reusable ziplock bags. We also offer the option to use less packaging, encouraging our customers to make environmentally-friendly choices.
Not only do we make it a point to produce only the quantities that we need, an estimated 80% of all our swimwear is made with fabrics that utilize recycled nylon.
Direct to Fabric Printing
Our custom designs are printed directly onto the fabric, instead of using dyes. This ensures a lot less water waste and usage in the process. We also practice mindfulness by controlling the amount of fabric produced. We try our best to only print what is needed, and never in excess.
Calculated Quantities
Our approach to initial orders for new styles and prints is rooted in the analysis of past collections' data, mitigating the risk of excess stock. Re-orders are strategically initiated only when styles or prints are sold out, and only when substantial demand is evident. We work closely with several long-term manufacturing partners to ensure our swimsuits are produced in conditions that adhere to our standards.
OUR ADVOCACY
Here are initiatives driven by our passionate team.
We look forward to doing more:
PLASTIC WASTE UPCYLCING WITH RETASO
Blackbough Swim is thrilled to share that we are an official Plastic Waste Upcycling Donor to Retaso, a social and environmental enterprise based in the Philippines. As we aspire to become more holistically sustainable in our business practices, we are constantly looking for new avenues to minimize waste and maximize impact.
Learn more about Retaso and our pledge here.
CLEANER COASTS
In collaboration with Project CURMA, Blackbough launched a two-part coastal cleanup initiative aimed at protecting the Philippine shorelines and aiding in the rehabilitation of sea turtles.From the start of the campaign until September 30, 10% of net profits from purchases made in the Blackbough Cleaner Coasts Collection were donated to Project CURMA, which works to protect sea turtles and their habitats in La Union, Philippines. From September to November, customers could also add a tip at checkout, with 100% of these tips supporting sea turtle conservation efforts.
Thank you for helping keep our coasts clean. Learn more about the initiative here.
PHILIPPINE SPOTTED DEER CONSERVATION
Blackbough is delighted to announce that the Bambi’s Ballet fundraiser has successfully raised $1,000. This generous contribution will play a crucial role in maintaining an enclosure for an entire family of Philippine Spotted Deer, ensuring their care, well-being, and breeding within Talarak’s ongoing conservation efforts. These funds will directly contribute to preserving one of the most endangered deer species in the world, helping to safeguard their habitat and support their population growth. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported this cause through their purchases and donations. The Blackbough community’s commitment and enthusiasm have made a tangible difference in our collective mission to protect and conserve our natural heritage.
Thank you for supporting the preservation of the Philippine Spotted Deer. 🦌🎀 Learn more here.
SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
In an inspiring display of environmental advocacy, over 170 volunteers united with Blackbough Swim to remove a truckload of trash from the nesting beaches of endangered sea turtles in Bacnotan, La Union. The one-day coastal cleanup to mark Earth Month celebrations underscored our dedication to ecological preservation.Beyond the beach cleanup, the Blackbough Swim community made an impact from all over the globe. We ran a fundraiser sale ‘Earth Day 2024 Collection’ for CURMA for the month of April. Each sale of two bikini sets supported a day of care for rescued sea turtles in La Union, Philippines.
Learn more about our coastal cleanup and initiative here.
COASTAL CLEANUP
At Blackbough Swim, we're not just a swimwear brand; we're ocean advocates. In recent years, there is no doubt that Siargao, Philippines has gained worldwide popularity as a tourist and surf destination, and has also received its fair share of environmental impact. Last September 2023, the Blackbough team, along with the local government unit and 150 dedicated local volunteers, partnered up for a coastal cleanup to fill up 100 sacks of trash. This event is a part of our ongoing sustainability journey, aligned with our goal of creating a world where pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are a reality and not just an ideal.In September-October 2023, we launched a tip option at checkout for customers worldwide to join our coastal clean-up mission. Blackbough Swim pledged to match donations, amplifying our efforts. Together, we're committed to creating a concrete and long-lasting positive impact on our environment.
Learn more about our coastal cleanup here.
WEAVES COLLECTION ABEL ILOCO
Our handwoven beachwear are specially created by Abel Iloco, a women's weaving community from Ilocos Sur, a northern province in the Philippines. The Abel Iloco community skillfully hand-weaves natural fibers into traditional textiles called "inabel," carrying on a cultural tradition spanning generations. Through our collaboration making handwoven products for our Good Stuff and Summer Romance collections, we aim to support their weaving culture and small-batch, natural fabric products.
Read our blog post here.