Sustainability / Product & design
Sustainability / Product & design
With our 75 years of history, our goal is to craft timeless designs and future classics.
Our design philosophy is based on timeless, functional and high-quality products that can bring joy to different users over time. Sustainability considerations are embedded in the everyday work of all Marimekko teams and across different stages of the process, from design and product development to material choices and designing for combinability within and across seasons.
We use rigorous quality management processes to ensure the quality of our materials and the durability of our products. Before we launch a new product, it undergoes thorough testing to meet our demanding quality standards. Our tests include fabric shrinkage, colorfastness, and abrasion resistance. We aim to keep the share of quality claims of sold products at or below 0.5% – that’s less than 1 in 200.
Share of sold products subject to claims:
The choice of materials affects the purpose and quality of the product, and it also plays a role in different sustainability-related aspects, such as environmental and social impacts in value chains.
We carefully select the materials used in our products to ensure that they are the most suitable for each application. Material choices are guided by our classification, which we use to assess which materials we prefer, approve or strive to reduce. We prefer certified organic and recycled materials and continuously develop our material range, taking into account environmental and social impacts in value chains.
Marimekko uses recycled cotton and polyester in its products, for example. The recycled materials we use are certified (GRS, RCS), and the organic materials are certified according to internationally recognized organic standards (GOTS, OCS). In 2025, recycled materials accounted for 21% (21) and organic materials for 68% (20) of all textiles purchased.
Below is a list of the materials used by Marimekko. The list does not cover all the materials we use, as we are constantly testing new options for developing materials and printing inks.
The Marimekko design philosophy is rooted in an optimistic lifestyle and a genuine desire to inspire through timeless and functional design.
Our multipurpose clothing encourages creative combinations across collections and helps to prolong the product's lifetime. Our structural system for dresses, skirts, and tops offers three distinct archetype silhouettes – A-line, straight, and fit & flare – in three different volumes: slim, relaxed, and oversized.
At Marimekko, we believe every product should earn its right to exist by bringing years of joy and value to its owner(s). Before the launch of any new Marimekko product, rigorous testing ensures it meets our demanding quality standards. We test for fabric shrinkage, colorfastness, and abrasion resistance, among other criteria.
Your Marimekko item is timeless. When you’re ready to pass it on, discover how it can bring others joy.
Marimekko uses materials like recycled cotton and polyester in its products. The recycled materials we use are certified, and the organic materials are certified according to one of the organic standards. In 2024, recycled materials accounted for 20% (21), while organic materials accounted for 39% (20) of all sourced textiles.
We aim for full product transparency, which is why we use certified or more traceable textile materials. In 2024, conventional enhanced materials made up 36% (43) of all sourced textiles.
Marimekko is committed to continuously driving innovation in technologies, materials, and business models. In 2024, innovative materials accounted for 0.1% of all sourced textiles. While this share is still low, Marimekko has identified these resources as some of the potential future materials and is currently testing or piloting them.
While transitioning in our material strategy, we still use conventional materials in our products. In 2024, the share of conventional materials was 4% (16) of all sourced textiles.
When properly cared for, your Marimekko product lasts for years. Proper care is an excellent way to extend an item's lifespan, keep colors vibrant, and create more joyful ownership. Check out our comprehensive care guide and discover how easy it is.
Sell: Marimekko products are in demand on the second-hand market. Sell your item and earn some extra money.
Donate: Support your favorite charity by donating items you no longer use. Imagine the joy they'll bring to new owners.
Treasured objects tell stories and evoke shared memories. Consider passing your item on to friends or family members to become their new treasure.
Swap: Host a swap party with friends for a fun and cost-free way to bring new items home while spreading joy.
Upcycle: Get creative! Transform old Marimekko pieces into something new, like turning an old tablecloth into pillowcases.
Recycle: When your Marimekko product is no longer usable, please ensure it is properly recycled to minimize waste.