Our Supplier Partnerships

We consider our suppliers to be some of our most important and valued partners and just as important as the internal team at Stella Nova. It is our suppliers that bring Stella Nova's creativity and visions to life in our samples and productions. This is not something we take for granted, and we are humble about the fact that our success as a brand is highly influenced by our suppliers’ skilled and professional minds and hands.  
Some of our supplier relationships have lasted for over 20 years and go all the way back to Stella Nova's founding, which shows our dedication to each other. We place great value on collaborating, i.e., we do not terminate a partnership with a supplier if we experience problems, but instead, we work with them to get the problems solved.
Our suppliers come from Peru, Bulgaria, Latvian, North Macedonia, Turkey, China, and India. Each supplier has their own core competencies to accommodate a faceted "wardrobe" with different expressions and details.

Risk assessment & Chemical test

Since we produce and collaborate with suppliers in many different countries, it is important to us as a company to make a risk assessment based on country, product, and chemicals.

The purpose of making a risk assessment is for us to check and follow up on potential challenges in the production process. 

Based on the risk assessment tool, the suppliers/country/product receive an overall rating, which should help us focus on the areas that pose a risk to our business, the people involved, and the environment.

Our risk assessment tool has been developed by an impartial third party:
Sustaina Company, whom you can visit here.

We regularly carry out chemical tests to ensure that the products we send out to our customers comply with our requirements.

At Stella Nova, we have chosen to set stricter Chemical Restrictions than the European legislation REACH. We have done this by following the Chemical Restriction List.

When we source certified fibers, documentation is crucial. As part of our internal due diligence procedure, we always check and validate all certifications & certificates we receive.

A social compliance audit, also known as an ethical audit, is an inspection of an external production house, factory, farm, or packaging facility to verify whether the operation complies with social and ethical responsibilities, health and safety regulations, and labor laws.

Our suppliers are either audited by BSCI or SMETA (SEDEX).

All our Tier 1 suppliers (garment manufacturers) have undergone Social Compliance audits, except for our Latvian supplier. Instead, the Latvian supplier holds ISO 14001 certification for Environmental Management, complemented by adherence to the 12 EU Charter of Civil and Labor Rights. This comprehensive approach encompasses the key aspects measured by BSCI.

We conduct comprehensive supplier audits, involving both desk assessments through the review of audit reports and on-site visits to meticulously inspect the facilities that produce Stella Nova garments.

At STELLA NOVA, due diligence is an ongoing, integral process designed to proactively identify and mitigate risks across all our operations in the diverse countries in which we operate. 

This comprehensive approach encompasses risks to the environment and people, recognizing the multifaceted nature and varying intensities of risks within our industry and operational regions. Moreover, the evolving landscape of government policies further underscores the necessity of a robust due diligence framework.

Regular Assessment and Update of Due Diligence Policy:
Our Due Diligence Policy undergoes quarterly assessments and updates to ensure alignment with regulations, best practices, and the evolving needs of our stakeholders. This approach underscores our commitment to staying proactive and responsive in pursuing ethical business practices at STELLA NOVA.