Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Ruffles Pet Wear, sustainability isn't just a buzzword – it's woven into the very fabric of who we are. From the moment we started creating custom coats for our own uniquely-shaped dogs, we knew we wanted to do things differently. We believe that caring for our four-legged family members shouldn't come at the expense of the planet they call home.

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Slow Fashion for Dogs

We're proud champions of slow fashion in the pet wear world. Every coat is handmade to order using your dog's measurements, which means no overproduction and no waste. When you choose made-to-order, you're choosing a coat that's truly meant for your dog – and a production model that respects our environment.

Our limited-edition fabrics ensure your pup's coat is as individual as they are, while preventing the waste that comes with mass production.

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Giving New Life to Beautiful Materials

Repurposed New Zealand Wool Blankets
The heart of our sustainability story lies in the gorgeous wool blankets we rescue and transform. Some of these beauties are over 50 years old! While collectors still treasure them, many have lost their place in modern homes. We see their potential – thick, durable, naturally warm, and available in the most unique and stunning colours and patterns.

We carefully select blankets that are still in excellent condition, ensuring your dog gets a coat that's not just sustainable, but genuinely superior in quality.

Custom Creations from Your Materials
Have a special blanket or fabric with sentimental value? We'd love to help transform it into something your dog can wear and enjoy. Whether it's Grandma's old wool blanket or a fabric that holds memories, we can create a one-of-a-kind coat that keeps those memories close to your heart.

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Made Right Here in New Zealand

Every single Ruffles coat is handmade in New Zealand – not manufactured offshore, not mass-produced in factories. We're passionate about supporting local business and keeping skills and jobs in our communities.

From our coat labels (designed and made by New Zealand creators) to the dog treats we include with your order (sourced from local NZ suppliers), we choose local whenever possible. Even when we source supplies made off-shore, we purchase through New Zealand suppliers to keep our money circulating in our own economy.

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Extending Life, Reducing Waste

Repair Services
Your coat's story doesn't end when it arrives at your door. Puppy got a bit too enthusiastic with those straps? Adventurous dog found a sharp branch? We offer repair services to extend your coat's life even further. Just send us a photo and details – we'll let you know what's possible and give you an honest cost estimate.

Thoughtful Waste Management
Those fabric offcuts? They don't go to landfill. Instead, they are passed on to other creators who can turn those smaller left over pieces of fabric into other magical hand-made products.

Supporting Rescue Dogs
Any coats with minor flaws or surplus sample coats find their way to local dog rescue organisations. We donate many winter coats each year to spread the warmth to those in need.

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Packaging with Purpose

You won't find unnecessary frills in our packaging. While pretty tissue paper and fancy stickers might look lovely for a few seconds, they end up in the bin – and that doesn't sit right with us. We use only what's needed to get your coat to you safely.

Our courier bags are made from 100% recycled plastic. We'd love to use compostable options, but durability and shelf-life challenges mean smaller order quantities and higher costs. It's a compromise we've made thoughtfully, always looking for better options as they become available.

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Always Improving

Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We're constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact and support our community better. Have ideas for how we can improve? We'd genuinely love to hear them. Can you supply us with products that are more environmentally or socially friendly? Please get in touch – we're always eager to learn and grow.

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The Bigger Picture

When you choose Ruffles Pet Wear, you're not just getting a perfectly fitted coat for your dog. You're supporting:

• Local New Zealand craftsmanship and employment

• Circular economy principles through material reuse

• Waste reduction through made-to-order production

• Community support through donations and local partnerships

• Authentic, relationship-based business practices

 

We believe that the best products come from businesses that care – about their customers, their community, and their planet. Thank you for being part of our sustainability story!

 

Questions about our sustainability practices? Want to share your ideas for how we can do better? We'd love to hear from you. Every conversation helps us improve.