THTC
• Men’s & women’s street-wear inspired by the urban music scene
• Hemp & organic cotton
• Designs created by leading graffiti artists
• Fair Trade
• T-shirts/sweat-shirts/accessories
• Based In London
The business
Brothers Dru and Gav Lawson and their mate Dan Sodergren founded THTC in 1999, after graduating from University. During their student days they ran a Hemp appreciation society called Hempology and this, combined with Dru’s degree in politics and environmentalism, unveiled the potential economic, social and environmental benefits of industrial hemp cultivation. Their mission is to increase knowledge and acceptance of hemp as a mainstream fibre and educate / popularise eco fashion amongst a youth market.
Sourcing/manufacture
THTC use hemp and organic cotton for their garments. The hemp is all grown, processed, spun and woven in eastern China; this avoids having to transport fabric from one country to another for garment production. The organic cotton used is SKAL certified and produced in Turkey. Hemp is an extremely hardy crop and it is possible to grow it organically on most of the world's farmland. The THTC website has a section on the benefits of using hemp.
Product/market
THTC focus on streetwear inspired by the urban music scene. Many of THTC t-shirt designs have been created by leading graffiti artists. Prices range from £25 for a t-shirt to £90 for a jacket. The target market is 18-40 with a street style; THTC products are marketed all over the world in outlets ranging from record stores to eco boutiques. You can see a full list of stockists on the THTC websiteas well as finding more information about the design and inspiration for the THTC brand
Sustainability
Fair wages and working conditions and workers' rights, throughout the supply chain: THTC regularly check the working hours, wages and conditions of the factories and they are always not only well above average for the region, but exemplary.
Supporting sustainable livelihoods and communities: The hemp is sourced from hundreds of family farms where hemp processing and cultivation has been part of the agricultural system for thousands of years.
Addressing toxic pesticide and chemical use: Hemp is grown without pesticides and chemical fertilisers.
Minimising water use: WWF estimates a 55% hemp fibre t-shirt saves over 300 gallons of water compared to a 100% cotton one.
Addressing energy efficiency, recycling and waste: Developing several initiatives to increase efficiency and decrease waste. Find out more about the ethics of THTC.
What next?
THTC are looking to expand into higher end streetwear, producing clothing with the same ethos but with catwalk potential. They are also intending to explore the growing sportswear market, creating sustainable high performance garments.
THTC are currently launching a range called METIS consisting of streetwear pieces set around the core THTC t-shirts; this will include hooded tops, jackets, sweaters, trousers and accessories and launches in spring /summer 08.
The Team are also working on a designer sportswear range to be launched under a new brand name.
For more information visit the THTC website.
Check out THTC in our gallery.
