The importance of "Made-in-France" in French eyes
Since awareness of the working conditions of textile factory employees in certain countries, and the desire to support the local and French economy to overcome unemployment, the "Made-in-France" appellation has been increasingly used to reassure consumers. In fact, studies carried out in 2016 and 2017 by Ifop (the French public opinion institute) showed that 3 out of 4 French people were prepared to spend more money on a product "made in France", and that clothing was the second sector where French origin was preferred by consumers, just after the food sector.
An often misleading name
Even so, "Made-in-France" is often a marketing tool designed to appeal to consumers and give them confidence, rather than a real demonstration ofcommitment on the part of the brand or manufacturer using it. In fact, it is compulsory in the food sector to indicate the origin of products, but not in the clothing sector. So it's a matter of choice whether or not a garment is labelled "Made in France".
However, in Europe, the origin of a product is defined according to the country in which the last "substantial" transformation (i.e., one that truly modifies the nature of the product) or an important manufacturing stage takes place, and not according to the entire production process. A very vague and easily circumvented regulation.
And since this designation is purely declarative, if an investigation is not carried out by the authorities and customs, brands can run the risk of misleading consumers by illegally using the designation.
The "Origine France Garantie" label
This is where the " Origine France Garantie " label, created by the Pro France Association, comes in since 2010. It aims to provide consumers with better information and promote products that are genuinely made in France. A brand or manufacturer can only use the label after rigorous assessment and verification by the certifying body. And to ensure that compliance is maintained, the verification is also renewed every year. This label therefore guarantees that 50% to 100% of the unit cost price (i.e. the sum of all the product's production costs) is French, and that the product takes its essential characteristics from France.
Elia panties are certified "Origine France Garantie" and made entirely in France. While our cotton and eucalyptus-based absorbent tencel come from abroad (the French climate doesn't lend itself to their cultivation), everything else in our production chain is 100% French. From product design to cotton weaving, from panty assembly to delivery to your mailbox, everything happens in France! That's our commitment, and our pride.
Sources :
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The French and Made in Francesurvey by Ifop in partnership with the "Origine France Garantie" label (2017): https://www.ifop.com/publication/les-francais-et-le-made-in-france-2/
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"Made in France: What do the French think?Ifop survey in partnership with Crédit Agricole and MIFEXPO (2016): https://www.ifop.com/publication/made-in-france-que-pensent-les-francais/
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http://www.originefrancegarantie.fr/comment-obtenir-la-certification/cahier-des-charges/
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