Where fashion meets sustainability
The clothing industry has become known for ‘fast fashion’, where new styles are developed quickly and in large quantities to keep up with what’s in vogue.
When I, Marita Setas Ferro, a Climate Pact Ambassador from Portugal, founded Marita Moreno, my dream was to do things differently – to show that creativity, ethics and sustainability can coexist.
From the start, we’ve focused on limiting waste, cutting our reliance on fossil-based materials and keeping production local – reducing energy use and minimising our environmental impact through thoughtful design and craftmanship.
Sustainable fashion rooted in tradition
Our work has always been guided by environmental sustainability, social impact and conscious production, proving that fashion and responsibility can go hand in hand.
We develop handcrafted textiles in small workshops in northern Portugal, producing limited series to reduce waste.
“We want to encourage conscious choices and a stronger, more personal connection to the garments and accessories people wear.”
Our limited collections – such as the Foz Côa Line, inspired by the prehistoric engravings of the Côa Valley; the Azores Line, woven with traditional island patterns; and the Handcrafted Line, created with certified Portuguese artisans – celebrate heritage through contemporary design.
All our creations are handmade in Portugal using carefully selected materials and thoughtful design processes that reflect the brand’s commitment to sustainability. We honour craftsmanship, create good jobs and help preserve traditional techniques in a world that too often forgets them.
Transparency and impact
At Marita Moreno, transparency shapes every step. Each product is made in small series to avoid overproduction and is accompanied by its own story – shared on our website, product labels and social media channels. Customers can see where a piece was crafted, who made it and the inspiration behind its design.
In our Marita Moreno Limited line, that story often honours Portuguese heritage. Individually numbered and limited to just 100 pieces, these designs highlight culture, craftsmanship and the rarity of owning something truly unique.
We also work with ZeroPact, an independent platform that measures each product’s impact across water use, energy sources, carbon emissions and material choices. This data helps us refine our practices and empower customers to make informed, climate-conscious decisions.
To encourage long-lasting use, we share care instructions and repair tips that help customers keep their favourite pieces in good condition – a small way to promote durability and reduce waste.
So far, we’ve sold around 1,250 products to climate-conscious consumers in nine EU countries, through a mix of online platforms and selected retail partners. While we’re a boutique brand in the global fashion landscape, we’re proud to offer a meaningful alternative for those seeking quality and conscience.
Putting sustainability at the heart of every decision
As a European Climate Pact Ambassador, I look at every decision as an opportunity to shape a greener Europe.
That’s why our collections are designed with traceability and circularity in mind, using low-impact materials sourced from certified European suppliers – including Portuguese cork, reclaimed wood, recycled fabrics and plant-based or upcycled leather.
Local sourcing helps us cut transport-related emissions and energy use, while natural and recycled materials reduce waste and fossil-fuel dependence.
“We avoid using plastics and conventional synthetics to cut down on microplastics polluting our oceans and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”
Our efforts have been recognised with awards such as the Global Vegan Award, the Global Footwear Award and the German Design Award.
Local sourcing keeps transport distances short and our carbon footprint low, while recycled packaging and minimal plastics reinforce our commitment to cleaner production.
Using fashion to inspire meaningful change
Beyond our products, we use fashion as a tool for awareness and education. Our community can explore our website, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for everyday tips on sustainable living – from circular design and ethical consumption to behind-the-scenes stories of our creative process.
Through our partnership with ZeroPact, we also help customers understand and offset the CO₂ emissions of their purchases, making each transaction more transparent and climate conscious.
We want to show that it’s possible to create an ethical, sustainable and financially viable business model – and that small brands can play big roles in Europe’s green transition.
“Our impact isn’t just measured in how much waste we cut or how many emissions we lower. It’s ultimately measured in the people we inspire to make meaningful change.”