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Impact Driven
Economic Impact
Handicrafts for Social and Economic Impact
For craft's future being part of the global stage is fundamental. Handicraft production has the potential to provide stable income and reduce rural to urban migration in vulnerable areas, while also preserving culture and traditions. Supporting artisans can balance gender inequality and promote regenerative design and culture, contributing to sustainable development.
We build a strong artisan supply chain by working hand in hand with existing projects that have been working hard for years in the making and are emerging business but strongly established back in South America, ensuring that all parties involved benefit from the project.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Craft Industry
While South America has a rich tradition of handicraft production and talented artisans, political and economic instability can hinder the craft industry's growth. Cooperative efforts are necessary to bring handicraft to the forefront. ALLWINA collaborates with existing projects and emerging businesses in South America to overcome difficulties and create opportunities for artisans. We ant to address the necessity of providing support, especially when difficulties arise
Benefits of Craft-Projects for Local Communities
Multiple precise economic and social benefits can reach communities and towns, due to a Craft-project. Crafts can promote community cohesion, pride, and dignity, as well as support important village development activities and social functions. Increased availability of cash from handicraft production can support domestic consumption and small local businesses, benefitting extended family members. Income from handicrafts can also improve housing, nutrition, clothing, and education, while teaching better use of resources and hopefully connecting communities to the world.
Sustainable Design and Prioritizing Skills
ALLWINA prioritizes sustainable design and focuses on creating one-of-a-kind pieces that can be used for a lifetime, rather than following the unsustainable seasonal collection model. By prioritizing the skills of the people involved in the production process, ALLWINA ensures that artisans are valued for their expertise and can continue to pass down their traditions. Sustainable design and prioritizing skills are key to promoting a more equitable and sustainable future for the craft industry.
Colour System and Sustainability
Cultural Significance of Dyes in Sustainable Products
The introduction of colour is an attribute of some weaving communities for whom colour is part of their DNA, it is associated with cultural heritage.
At Allwina, we recognize the importance of preserving traditional dyeing techniques and working with artisans who have knowledge and expertise in this area. We celebrate the beauty of colour and believe that it can be incorporated into sustainable practices in a responsible way. By working with artisans who use natural and lead-free mineral dyes, we ensure that the dyeing process is both sustainable and safe for the people and communities involved.
Water consumption
Artisans are highly skilled at dying, measuring the precise amount of dye and water to ensure no excess water is leftover as part of the process. If colored water remains, the pot is refilled with more water to obtain lighter shades.
Note on the lead-free mineral dyes, any leftover water can be safely used to water the ground or for animals to drink.
Dyeing process
When dying, artisans employ mostly natural dyes like plants, soot, and vegetable peels, as well as lead-free mineral dyes. They use eco-friendly mordants such as white vinegar, salt, or alum stone to enhance mineral dyes without using harmful metals or petroleum.
Especially when the dye is a mineral, the artisans do it meticulously because resources are truly scarce, and -unlike plants, which are basically those that are in the area- mineral dyes are bought, so it has a specific economic cost they look for economise.
Craftsmanship and Wellness
At Allwina, we believe that there is a strong connection between craftsmanship and well-being. We choose our partners for their exceptional craftsmanship, as well as their work and efforts to preserve culture, traditions and skills. When it comes to materials, we believe that humans naturally come down to materials. The materials are the best that can be sourced locally.
The artisans are not only skilled in their art but also experts in challenging contexts. Each piece symbolizes cultural heritage and resilience. We want to ensure a better future for artisans, there we see wellbeing. On our clients hands, by supporting these artisans and acquiring their work, you not only contribute to fighting inequalities and poverty, but also experience a sense of well-being through the enjoyment of their unique, worldwide quality creations.
ALLWINA is an indigenous fuelled project. Allwina promotes South American artisans’ economic and emotional independence as part of its impact on local economies.
Wool Traceability and Certifications
Our Argentine line of rugs ensures a reliable sourcing process. While it doesn’t carry formal certifications due to the challenges faced by impoverished producers living remotely in harsh conditions, the fibre (pure hand-spun wool) is directly sourced from the artisans’ own animals. In cases where artisans lack sufficient fibre, they rely on bartering with family or neighbours, ensuring the fibre remains deeply rooted in the local community. The production process aligns with the Andean belief system ("Andean Cosmovision"), which honours the equality between animals and people and reflects local traditions and sustainable practices.
Our alpaca is made from 100% Peruvian alpaca fibre, locally sourced and of the highest quality. All raw materials are certified with international standards that guarantee animal welfare, fibre traceability, good production practices, and fair trade: RWS, RAS, Fair Trade Peru, and Alpaca Blend Mark. Additionally, each batch is tested under REACH and OEKO-TEX to ensure it is free of harmful substances. We work with highly skilled artisans with whom we maintain direct and long-term relationships. Every stage of the process — from spinning and washing to dyeing and weaving — is entirely manual and carried out with meticulous care. A single rug can involve over 180 total hours of work.