At Ruff Retreat, sourcing decisions are guided by defined standards rather than broad sustainability claims.

We work with a small number of manufacturers and makers who meet clear expectations around labour practices, materials, transparency, and long-term accountability. These standards apply whether production takes place in the UK or overseas, and they inform how we assess partners, products, and materials across our range.

Supporting British Manufacturing

We prioritise working with UK-based manufacturers and artisans wherever this allows us to meet our quality, material, and production standards. Working locally enables closer oversight and long-term relationships with makers.

Support local economies and traditional craftsmanship

Maintain shorter, more transparent supply chains that allow closer oversight and traceability

Maintain close relationships with makers to ensure quality, traceability, and ethical practices

Ensure alignment with UK labour laws and environmental regulations

British-made products form the foundation of our range, and we prioritise local production where it allows us to meet our sourcing and quality requirements.

Fair Trade & Accredited Global Partnerships

Where production takes place outside the UK, we work selectively with international partners whose operations can be independently verified. These relationships are held to the same standards we apply across our entire supply chain.

We only engage overseas partners who meet the following requirements:

Accreditation through WFTO, Fair Trade International, amfori BSCI, or equivalent bodies

Transparent, traceable supply chains

Verified fair wages, safe working environments, and zero tolerance for forced or child labour

Use of materials selected for durability, performance, and responsible sourcing

Willingness to undergo ethical audits and maintain open, cooperative communication

These partnerships allow us to incorporate specific materials or craftsmanship not available locally, while remaining true to our ethical values.

Clear Standards and Exclusions

Ruff Retreat will not engage with any supplier who:

Misrepresents their ethical or environmental credentials

Fails to meet compliance with relevant labour or environmental standards

Uses exploitative labour practices, unsustainable production, or excessive plastic packaging

Lacks transparency in sourcing or production

Shared Responsibility

We believe in long-term, transparent, and mutually supportive partnerships with all our suppliers. To that end, we ask every supplier—whether UK-based or overseas—to commit to:

Upholding the principles outlined in this Code of Conduct

Participating in open dialogue around accountability and improvement

Reviewing materials, processes, and packaging choices as better options become available, without compromising product performance, animal welfare, or manufacturing integrity.

We recognise that responsible sourcing is not a static destination. Standards evolve, materials improve, and expectations change. Our approach is to remain transparent about how products are made, who makes them, and why specific sourcing decisions are taken at a given time.