Who Made Your Clothes, Part 7, Utenos

This article series by Varusteleka is part of the global Fashion Revolution Week, the idea of which is to make the sourcing, manufacture, and sales of clothes more ethical and transparent. Since the clothing business has some major issues that needs cleaning, we are happy to join this fight.

During this campaign week, we publish a seven-article series that introduces our partners and their fantastic gang that makes your clothes and accessories. In this seventh and final part, you will meet Utenos trikotažas from Lithuania.

Utenos makes some of your Särmä underwear

Utenos trikotažas started operating in 1967 in Lithuania. They make underwear and leisure wear for other companies and under their own brands. Innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction are the cornerstones of their operations. Utenos was the first Lithuanian company to be awarded the National Prize for Quality, and they have gotten it twice. They have subsidiaries in Ukraine and Lithuania, and their clients are located in Europe, Russia, and the USA.

For us, they manufacture e.g. Särmä Viscose Boxers and Särmä T-shirts made from lyocel. Our collaboration started in 2015.

Utenos has been actively involved in improving job security and working conditions throughout their history. They want to provide a safe and comfortable workplace for their employees.

They are also committed to reducing environmental pollution. In 2005, they were rewarded the European Union Ecolabel Flower. In 2017, Utenos also became the first company in Lithuania to officially join the Detox campaign by Greenpeace. They are committed to eliminating any toxic chemicals likely to have adverse effects on humans or the environment from their production chain.

Irene

How long have you worked at Utenos?

I have been working for one of Utenos’ Lithuanian suppliers for 28 years.

What do you do there?

I work with sewing machines, turning fabrics into all sorts of garments.

How do you like your job?

I am a creative mind and sewing is my passion, so I like it a lot.

Eugenijus

How long have you worked at Utenos?

I have worked at one of Utenos’ partner companies in Lithuania for about 4 years now.

What do you do there?

I work in final production, so ironing, labeling, and packaging are my specialties.

How do you like your job?

I especially enjoy the fact that my various tasks are so different and I also like spending time with my wonderful colleagues.

Jurgita

How long have you worked at Utenos?

I have worked at one of Utenos’ Lithuanian partners for 3 years.

What do you do there?

I give your products the finishing touch by ironing them.

How do you like your job?

It keeps things interesting that we make so many different kinds of garments. Another great thing is my lovely colleagues.

Renata

How long have you worked at Utenos?

I have been working with one of Utenos’ suppliers in Lithuania for 12 years.

What do you do there?

Colors are my world. I work in dyeing and give the yarns and fabrics their right colors.

How do you like your job?

I love mixing colors and dyeing textiles, so I like it very much.