Christopher Nieper OBE is the managing director of David Nieper, a womenswear business in Alfreton in Derbyshire. The firm was set up by Christopher's parents sixty years ago and is now one of the most vertical textile operations in the UK. Christopher recently invested in state-of-the-art digital printing equipment so that the factory can print it's own fabric onsite. David Nieper already prints all their own catalogues and produce their own knitwear in house, alongside the garment production.
In this episode you can hear about the research Christopher commissioned from Nottingham university looking at the greenhouse gas emissions produced to make clothing at the David Nieper factory in Derbyshire. The study then compared these findings to the emissions produced by making garments in China, Turkey and Bangladesh and then shipping them to the UK. It makes for very interesting insights into how making in the UK can be quantified as more sustainable. A big advocate for slow fashion, Christopher has also found that his customers keep and wear his clothes 10 times longer than average. Listen to this episode to discover:
This episode is the recording of a talk that Christopher did at Make it British Live! Online event in October 2020.
About David Nieper
Watch my Instagram reel showing behind the scenes at the David Nieper factory.
David Nieper website
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Make it British website
300 - Words of wisdom from UK manufacturers featured on this show
299 – A Visit to Vagabond Bags
298 – What’s going on with UK manufacturers? [with special guests]
297 – The Biggest Mistake Made by Product Businesses
296 – Behind the Scenes at KC Manufacturing with Adam Robertson and Nina Falk
295 – 4 Reasons NOT to Make in the UK
294 – How to get people onto your mailing list
293 – Save English Fine Cottons
292 – Reviving the UK Button Making Industry with Courtney & Co Button Makers
291 – Micro Factories & Supply on Demand: UK Manufacturing at its Best
289 – Creating Adaptive Clothing with Caron McLuckie from Bealies Adaptive Wear
288 – Why You Should Visit Your Factory
287 – How To Sell Your Products
286 – 21 Tips for Building a Great British Brand
285 – I Never Looked at Manufacturing Anywhere Else with Catherine Bedford, Dashel Cycle Helmets
284 – Repair Is The New Cool with Thami Schweichler, United Repair Centre
283 – Tackling Textile Waste as a Slow Fashion Designer with Lydia Bolton
FAQ: Where’s The Best Place To Source Fabrics?
FAQ: How Many Factories Should I Sample WIth?
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