How it's made
How Shakti is made is about more than the bottom line. We're mindful about who we work with, and the materials we source. We're lucky to have production partners that reflect the goodness we want to see in the world.
OUR PARTNERS
After almost 10 years of working hands-on with our partners, we have learned just how complex ethical manufacturing is. We don’t do it because it’s easy, but because it’s the right thing to do, and we believe we can do better for everyone who comes in contact with Shakti. The relationships we have with our partners are much more than simple transactions. We look for people who share our values and bring them into our family, supporting their people as we do our own.
OUR VALUES
WE PARTNER LONG-TERM.
This provides economic security for the people making your tools. Building long-term relationships also gives us meaningful access and influence to ensure our standards are met.
WE TAKE A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO ETHICS.
This means we have a full-time representative living in India and regular visits from senior leadership. They travel regularly to each place of manufacture, ensuring that what we see is what happens day-to-day.
WE LEAN ON INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.
This ensures transparency and accountability. We have an established code of conduct and ensure it is upheld via independent Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA) audits, which our suppliers must pass to work with us.
WE GO BEYOND COMPLIANCE.
We are always searching for ways to go further for our team and our partners. A large focus of ours has been seeking opportunities to support the communities around our places of manufacture.
The Gratitude Factory, Varanasi
The original home of the Shakti Mat is the holy city of Varanasi. In the rural outskirts of the city, it can be difficult for females to find meaningful employment. When the Gratitude Factory was first formed in 2008, the vision was to create a sanctuary for female employees where they could become self-sufficient and financially independent in an inclusive and safe space.
All women employed at The Gratitude Factory are paid a living wage, sick leave and holiday leave. They are provided weekly meals, time for daily puja, free medical care, and an emergency medical fund for them and their families.
Kishor Exports, Ranchi & Agra
Kishor Exports are a renowned garment manufacturer based in Ranchi and Agra. Originally founded by a husband and wife team in 1978, they carry almost every certification a stringent buyer could ask for.
They're past winners of the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Practice award at the World CSR Congress. All of their employees receive a living wage, fair working hours, transportation, medical support, medical insurance and retirement funds.
Shakti has been working with Kishor since 2022 and we're excited for what the future holds. As it stands, Shakti Premium Mats and Pillows and a range of Shakti Acupressure Tools are made in one of their Fairtrade-certified facilities.
The Shakti Network, Delhi
Shakti Delhi is not one factory but a network of small family businesses all playing their part in crafting each mat. The working model is built around prioritizing family empowerment, financial independence, and flexible working hours.
The network is led by our partner Matman Plastics, who takes responsibility for the final delivery of Shakti products. Craftspeople are supported with living wages, overtime pay, end of year bonuses and ESI medical insurance to ensure the wellbeing of them and their families is looked after.
Independent audits
In addition to our hands-on approach, we also lean on independent audits to ensure complete transparency and accountability across our network. This means all partners are audited by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA).
SMETA audits assess labor standards such as fair wages, working hours, non-discrimination, and the elimination of child labor, health and safety such as workplace safety, emergency procedures, and employee well-being, environment such as management systems and sustainability practices, and business ethics such as business practices, anti-corruption policies, and responsible purchasing.
Independent audits
In addition to our hands-on approach, we also lean on independent audits to ensure complete transparency and accountability across our network. This means all partners are audited by Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audits (SMETA).
SMETA audits assess labor standards such as fair wages, working hours, non-discrimination, and the elimination of child labor, health and safety such as workplace safety, emergency procedures, and employee well-being, environment such as management systems and sustainability practices, and business ethics such as business practices, anti-corruption policies, and responsible purchasing.
OUR MATERIALS
Enormous thought goes into each component of our products. We consider all of our stakeholders including the environment, the craftsperson, and you, our customer. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the materials we use to better serve our communities and planet.
Blissfoam™
The original home of the Shakti Mat is the holy city of Varanasi. In the rural outskirts of the city, it can be difficult for females to find meaningful employment. When the Gratitude Factory was first formed in 2008, the vision was to create a sanctuary for female employees where they could become self-sufficient and financially independent in an inclusive and safe space.
All women employed at The Gratitude Factory are paid a living wage, sick leave and holiday leave. They are provided weekly meals, time for daily puja, free medical care, and an emergency medical fund for them and their families.
ABS plastic
The last time we tried recycled plastic it just wasn’t sharp enough, and pointless mats are about as useful as white crayons. It’s why we currently use ABS for its performance, durability, and safety on skin.
Our spikes are arguably our most important asset. And while everything we make comes with a 5-year guarantee, there are Shakti Mats from 2014 that still provide the sensations and benefits we expect today.
A force for good
Every Shakti purchase helps us use business as a force for good. This means at least 10% of profits donated to causes in India and a tree planted for every Shakti Mat purchased.