Primary's Sustainability Initiative

Dear Friends,

As co-founders of Primary and as parents ourselves, we are deeply committed to sustainability and our collective stewardship of the planet. Our comprehensive sustainability initiative started in 2015, and will be fulfilled this year: From the fabrics we source, to the manufacturing partners we choose, to the packaging of our products, we’ve consistently raised our standards and are excited to share all our progress over the last six years with you. Because it isn’t just about the clothing we make for babies and kids, it’s about the planet they’ll inherit from us.

We are committed to quality that lasts.

To us, part of sustainability is being intentional about what gets produced in the first place. Since our launch in 2015, we have deliberately avoided trend-focused fast fashion that floods stores today and landfills tomorrow. Unlike other clothing brands, our assortment is purposefully small, thoughtfully curated, and classically evergreen. Our focus has always been on outstanding affordable quality and timeless styles intended to be passed from one child to another, and relevant year after year. We love that many customers’ introduction to Primary is with a hand-me-down from a friend or family member.

We are committed to sustainable fabrics.

We introduced select styles (primarily for babies) in Certified Organic Cotton in 2020, manufacturing them in Certified GOTS facilities. Furthermore, we have taken a stand against deforestation by excluding all non-certified viscose, modal and rayon fabrics in our entire assortment.

We launched Feel Good Denim in 2019 featuring our first sustainable synthetic fabric, made with recycled materials. In spring 2020, we introduced over 35 sustainable swimwear styles as well as new sustainable synthetic options in our activewear. In 2020, we met our goal to have 100% sustainable materials for all synthetic styles, including our puffer and fleece jackets. 

We are committed to sustainable packaging.

January 2021 marked the beginning of our transition to sustainable, plastic-free packaging. We are completely eliminating the individual poly bags on each product, replacing them with 100% compostable belly bands and hang tags attached by recycled swift tack. Our previously plastic shipping bags are being replaced by 100% compostable shipping envelopes. Our new gift wrap bags are also made with recycled materials, ready to be reused again and again.

(Please note that this packaging transition will take some time to flow through and until it is complete, orders may include items with our old packaging.) 

We are committed to keep going.

Although our current goals will be achieved in 2021, we will continue to pursue better, smarter options for our customers and our planet everyday, updating this page as necessary to share them with you. If you have specific questions regarding our initiatives, please email sustainability@primary.com.

In this together,

Galyn Bernard & Christina Carbonell
Co-founders