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| About Underthenile |
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About Underthenile
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Under the Nile offers an alternative to conventional cotton apparel for infants
and children. All products are made from 100% handpicked organic cotton, without
the use of pesticides or chemicals throughout the entire production process.
Grown exclusively in Egypt, the products reflect the extremely soft and durable
features that Egyptian cotton is known for. Under the Nile's dyeing process
uses metal-free or vegetable dyes. Accessories such as buttons and zippers are
made from organically friendly elements such as wood, shell or nickel-free metals.
The line is EDI compatible.
Prior to founding Under the Nile in 1997, company president Janice Masoud worked
as an apparel designer for 14 years. When searching for organic products for her
young children, who were experiencing allergic reactions to conventionally
manufactured products, she discovered organic Egyptian cotton at the Sekem
Initiative Farms in Egypt, and immediately started working with the farm on a
line for the U.S. market.
Back then, organic cotton was not readily available, so I thought about starting
a company to make organic baby clothes that could benefit my own children as well
as others,. explained Janice.
The Sekem Farm provides a worldwide model community for biodynamic agriculture
and a workplace that is fully supportive of its workers, from educational programs
to health care. From the cottonseed to the spinning and weaving of yarn to the
sewing process, Under the Nile ensures that every manufacturing step is completely
toxin free.
Under the Nile Apparel
Under the Nile offers a comprehensive line, from fashion items to basics.
With every item geared towards comfort, the line includes colorful fashion
collections in prints and solids, basics for everyday use, short johns and underwear,
diapers, bibs, burp cloths and hats. Sizes range from newborn to 4T for most items.
Underwear runs from newborn to boys and girls XL. The company also offers toys and
other related accessories and 100% organic Egyptian brushed cotton blankets and rugs.
Under the Nile Natural Toy Collection
All Under the Nile toys are hand crafted and stuffed with organic cotton. Most of
the toys on the market are stuffed with "fluff" that cause allergic reactions and
respiratory problems in many babies. All Under the Nile toys are toy tested
according to the ASTM government standard
Production Profile
All Sekem farms are "Demeter" and COAE (Center of Organic Agric. in Egypt) Certified.
Demeter certification is the highest certification in the world, ensuring that the
entire process, from growing the cotton, spinning, weaving, dying all the way to
sewing the garment is certified. All Under the Nile hangtags feature the Demeter logo.
Sekem's group of biodynamic engineers assists all its organic cotton farms with any
issues that may arise. A farm that has transitioned into organic farming can be
certified after three years, which means absolutely no pesticides, insecticides,
defoliants, or harmful chemicals can be used on the land for three consecutive years
prior to certification. During this transitional period, Sekem helps the farmers trade
their cotton on the local market for a fair price. After that period, Sekem purchases
the certified organic cotton at above market price.
Sekem employs 700 people in its production facility, with 2,000 farm workers, and a
co-op of 50 farmers who grow organic cotton on approximately 12,000 acres.
Fair Trade
Under the Nile exemplifies fair trade principles, practicing fairness towards all
those involved in the entire production chain. A fair price is paid to all workers,
from cotton growers to weavers. The company ensures that are employees work in a
comfortable environment that includes open space, sufficient light, fresh air, along
with exercise activities during the day. Two organic meals are served to all its
workers on a daily basis.
Sekem Farm offers all workers (including the neighboring communities) full service
health care that includes emergency service, dentistry and even surgery.
Sekem also offers a school, located at its headquarters, which goes from kindergarten
to high school, and is available to all workers. children as well as children from
neighboring villages. Without this school many children would never be educated.
It is vital to any community to educate their children as they will be the next
generation moving the community forward,. explained Janice. Sekem brings artist,
musicians, and even athletes to the farm to teach the children a special skill for
the semester. It is incredible to see village children playing an instrument that
they never even heard of, and they do a great job! she continued. I have been to
many concerts given by the children, and to see their faces shine when they are
playing an instrument or dancing to music is very touching.
Well-known customers include
Laura Dern
Courtney Cox
Kelly Preston
Heidi Klum
Noah Wylie (from the television series ER)
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Explore the majestic sea life!
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Take huge discounts on most of our seasonal items!
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Celebrate the arrival of baby with our organic gift basket!
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Develop a positive attitude towards vegetables
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