When it comes to sustainable textiles, few companies have embraced the challenge with as much passion and dedication as SaFo by Heart, a newly launched brand that epitomizes responsible manufacturing and environmental consciousness. At the heart of the brand’s operations lies the desire to minimize waste, reduce environmental impact, and deliver high-quality organic textile products. But what truly sets SaFo by Heart apart is its commitment to GOTS, a certification that ensures the highest levels of safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.
We sat down with SaFo by Heart’s leadership to discuss their journey, the impact of GOTS certification, and how the brand is shaping the future of sustainable textiles.
Global Standard: Can you tell us a bit about SaFo by Heart and the story behind its creation?
Hiroaki Yamaoka:
SaFo by Heart was born out of a need to do more than just manufacture bedding and textiles. We are a factory brand of a manufacturing company located in Kochi and we were founded in 1988. At our core, we are dedicated to creating products that are both safe for consumers and gentle on the environment. One of the key aspects of our brand is upcycling—we use scraps from the bedding manufacturing process to create cloth packages and other products. This approach helps us reduce waste and infuse new value into what would otherwise be discarded material. Our mission is to transform every piece of scrap into something meaningful, contributing to a low-impact manufacturing process.
Global Standard: Why did you choose to pursue GOTS certification, and how does it align with SaFo by Heart’s values?
Hiroaki Yamaoka:
From the beginning, we were driven by the desire to produce products that are safe and secure, not only for the people who use them but also for those involved in making them. This includes the people who grow the raw materials, those who manufacture the textiles, and even the communities and environments surrounding our production facilities.
GOTS certification perfectly aligns with our values. It provides a rigorous standard for safety, transparency, and sustainability. GOTS ensures that every step in our production chain is free from harmful chemicals, that labor conditions are fair, and that we are minimizing our environmental footprint. It’s more than just a certification—it’s a framework that guides how we approach every aspect of our business.
Global Standard: How has GOTS certification impacted SaFo by Heart’s practices?
Hiroaki Yamaoka:
GOTS has had a transformative impact on our operations. Every year, we undergo thorough inspections and monitoring to renew our certification. This process allows us to continually evaluate how our practices affect the environment. For example, we work closely with a university to quantify the reduction in CO2 emissions during production. Each year, we calculate the total amount of waste and emissions, and we post the data at our factory and offices to make it visible to our entire team. This transparency holds us accountable and helps us constantly improve our sustainability efforts.
Additionally, GOTS certification has enhanced the credibility of our company. Both in Japan and internationally, we’ve seen a growing interest in our GOTS-certified products. It’s a badge of trust that resonates with our customers, who care about the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases.
Global Standard: What are some of the tangible benefits SaFo has experienced since obtaining GOTS certification?
Hiroaki Yamaoka:
There are both external and internal benefits. Externally, our continued GOTS certification provides a level of trust for clients and consumers. They know that when they buy our products, they’re getting something that adheres to the highest standards of sustainability and safety.
Internally, GOTS has become our benchmark for manufacturing. It has encouraged us to find ways to use every scrap of material, whether that’s in the product itself or its packaging. For instance, with our upcycled packaging, we’re not just reducing waste; we’re also creating something new and valuable from what would have otherwise been discarded. This commitment to using every resource to its fullest has become a cornerstone of our brand philosophy.
Global Standard: Looking to the future, what are SaFo by Heart’s goals, and how does GOTS play a role in achieving them?
Hiroaki Yamaoka:
Our goal is to continue expanding our product line while maintaining the same high standards for safety and sustainability. GOTS will continue to be central to this vision. We believe that organic products should offer not just physical comfort but also peace of mind for everyone involved in their lifecycle— from the farmers who grow the cotton to the customers who use our products.
We also want to lead by example. The more people see the value of GOTS certification and the benefits it brings to the environment and society, the more we hope to inspire other companies to follow the same path. We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we believe that through our ongoing efforts, the SaFo by Heart name will become synonymous with ethical, sustainable living.
Conclusion
SaFo by Heart is a brand that perfectly captures the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and responsibility. Through its dedication to upcycling and environmentally conscious practices, and with the guiding principles of GOTS certification, SaFo by Heart is poised to lead the way in transforming the textile industry. As more consumers prioritize ethical and eco-friendly products, SaFo by Heart’s commitment to creating a positive impact on both people and the planet is setting a powerful example for the future of fashion and lifestyle goods.
