The story of Vyssos

In a world filled with fast fashion and fleeting trends, we stand as cultivators of change. Our commitment to transparency is woven into every fiber of our brand, creating a tapestry of trust between you and the roots of our garments.

Meet the farmer, the unsung hero in this tale of sustainable fashion. His hands have nurtured the cotton, sowing the seeds of integrity that blossom into the fabric you wear. Our journey doesn't just trace the steps from farm to fashion; it intertwines the stories of all those who contributed to each garment.

Certified at every stage, we guarantee that each piece of clothing embodies the values we hold dear. From the sustainable cotton fields to the skilled artisans crafting the final stitch, we invite you to feel the authenticity in every touch. Our commitment doesn't stop at clothing; it's a promise to the planet and to you.

With each purchase, you are not just acquiring a garment; you are becoming part of a movement that believes in sustainable fashion without compromise. As you wear our creations, remember that you carry a legacy of transparency, sustainability, and the stories of those who made it possible.

Together, let's weave a future where fashion is not just beautiful but responsible, where every thread tells a story worth sharing.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Meet the farmers:

At Vyssos, we are proud to introduce you to the dedicated farmers behind our sustainable cotton. Get to know the individuals who cultivate the land with passion, integrity, and a commitment to sustainability.

Theodoros Lefis
Location: Komotini
Background: Third generation farmer
Annual Cultivation: 80 hectares
Quality: Known for producing some of the best quality, long-staple length cotton
Philosophy: A pioneering thinker, Theodoros seeks practical ways to grow crops sustainably and ethically while earning a premium for his efforts.

Giannis Misailidis
Location: Komotini
Partnership: Works alongside his brother
Certification: Certified his cotton production since 2018
Quality: Invests in continuous training to produce cotton with superior quality characteristics

Vasilios Haidos
Philosophy: Constantly invests in quality and stays informed about new sustainable cultivation methods
Certification: Certified his production since 2018
Quote: "Sustainable cotton farming is extremely difficult, and we're happy that Vyssos now appreciates the value of what we produce."

Rafail Tomzas
Background: Second generation cotton producer
Education: Holds a degree in agriculture and continues to educate himself on innovative solutions
Philosophy: Incorporates innovative solutions into a traditional industry

George Lykoglou
Background: Young agronomist from Komotini
Training: Highly trained in cotton cultivation, learned alongside his family
Philosophy: Strives for superior quality characteristics, ensuring the value returns to him

Join us in celebrating the dedication and craftsmanship of these farmers as we weave together a story of sustainability, one garment at a time.

The Journey Begins: From Seed to Shirt

From the humble cotton seed to the final cotton shirt, every partner in this beautiful journey shares the same commitment to reliable and trustworthy cotton sourcing.

1. Seed Selection:
   The journey begins with the selection of the right cotton seed. Vyssos partners with FiberMax, a renowned global seed brand known for its high-quality cotton seeds. With 22 years in the European market, FiberMax provides seeds synonymous with excellence, resulting in high gin turnout and excellent spinning characteristics.
2. Sustainable Cultivation:
   Our five farmers cultivate their land using FiberMax seeds, following the Certified Sustainable FiberMax (CSF) protocol for sustainable agricultural practices. This program, certified by an external audit body, encompasses economic, environmental, and social conditions, ensuring responsible farming practices from seed to harvest.
3. Ginning Process:
   The journey of the cotton continues to Thrakika Ginning Mills, where it is ginned with love and care by the Kouroudis family. As one of the largest and oldest cotton ginning mills in Greece, Thrakika Ginning Mills processes the seed cotton from our farmers separately, ensuring traceability and quality control. The entire process, from storage to ginning to packaging, is certified by the same external audit body.
4. Spinning into Yarn:
   Once ginned, the cotton travels to Thrace Spinning Mills, where it undergoes modern spinning processes to become yarn. This transformation ensures the quality and integrity of the cotton is maintained throughout the process. Like the ginning process, the spinning process is also certified by the external audit body.
5. Fabric Production:
   The yarns then journey to Thessaloniki, where they are transformed into fabric and then final product by Athos Pallas and their partners. The entire production process, from yarn to fabric to garment, occurs within a 250 km zone, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting local economies.

From the meticulous selection of seeds to the final stitch, each step of the journey embodies our commitment to transparency, sustainability, and uncompromising quality.

Sustainability Protocol: CSF certification

At Vyssos, sustainability is not just a principle; it's a practice ingrained in every partnership and process. Our commitment to ethical fashion extends to our collaboration with BASF and together we implement the Certified Sustainable FiberMax (CSF) protocol.

The CSF Protocol:
CSF protocol aims to highlight cotton clothes produced from FiberMax varieties. This method of production prioritizes social justice, financial sustainability, and environmental adaptability, ensuring that every garment meets stringent sustainability criteria.

Implementation and certification:
The implementation, control, and certification of the CSF program are conducted by third-party and independent bodies, namely Aeiforiki and QmsCert. These trusted organizations oversee every stage of the process, from cotton cultivation to garment production, to ensure compliance with sustainability standards.

Impact on partners:
By participating in the creation of our clothes, our partners experience tangible benefits:

• Farmers enjoy premium prices: Our commitment to fair trade practices ensures that farmers receive a premium price for their cotton, empowering them economically.
• Community support: We actively engage in activities and sponsorships to support the local community, fostering social cohesion and development.
• Environmental protection: We set measurable goals every year for environmental protection, striving to minimize our ecological footprint and preserve natural resources.
• Education and safety: Attention is given to educating farmers on environmental and personal safety issues, promoting awareness and empowerment within the community.

Through CSF certification and our collaborative efforts, we are not only creating sustainable fashion but also fostering positive social and environmental impacts.