More Than Merch - We Stand for So Much More

Let’s be real, plenty of brands slap a bird on a T-shirt and call it a day. That’s easy. That’s why there’s so much ‘bird merch’ out there. But LYFER? We’re not just making products, we’re building something bigger.

Every choice we make—from our designs to materials and manufacturers—focuses on creating ethically made birding gear. Here’s exactly how we do it:

• No shortcuts: We don't believe in mass-produced "birding merch."
• Artisan partnerships: We carefully partner with skilled artisans and small businesses.
• Responsible sourcing: All our products are crafted with sustainability at their core.
• Quality first: It's not the cheapest approach, but it’s the right one.

And what about supporting locals? We get it. Of course, we factored it in. But for us, the right people mattered more than their location. We took a global approach because the best ethically made birding gear comes from everywhere, great materials, ethics, and craftsmanship exist worldwide.

Lyfer isn’t bound by borders. Just like birding isn’t tied to one country or culture, neither are we. We work with top artisans globally to create responsibly sourced birding products that truly stand for something meaningful.

This first journal highlights the makers behind some of our key products, people whose craftsmanship and values align with what LYFER stands for. Let’s introduce you to the people behind the products:

Field Mug – Emalco (Poland)

Emalco does things differently. They use traditional enamelling techniques, natural materials, and avoid harmful chemicals like lead and cadmium. Their enamelware is built to last, reducing waste and replacements. For every custom order we place, they plant a tree. Quality, sustainability, and real action, exactly why Emalco fits our commitment to responsibly sourced birding products.

T-Shirts & Apparel – Lyons Apparel (Peru)

Lyon Apparel in Peru brings 45+ years of expertise, crafting premium Pima Cotton apparel with ethical production and fair wages. Their in-house design team made our collaboration seamless, turning ideas into high-quality gear. Committed to sustainability, they minimise waste, prioritise responsible sourcing, and keep their process transparent. Quality, craftsmanship, and a conscience, that’s what they do best.

Adjustable Bino Strap – Local Artisan (Türkiye)

A small team of skilled artisans in Türkiye is keeping traditional craftsmanship alive, handcrafting premium bino and camera straps with precision and care. They take pride in every detail, ensuring durability, comfort, and quality that stands the test of time. When we partnered with them, they were truly honoured, and for us, that meant everything. The team are passionate about nature and devote much of their life to hiking and exploration.  Working with people who not only excel at what they do but also share a deep respect for nature made this collaboration even more meaningful.

Headwear – Topiku (Indonesia)

Topiku, based in Indonesia, is redefining headwear by transforming waste into high-quality hats. They up-cycle materials like HDPE plastics and fabric offcuts, diverting them from landfills to create sustainable products. Local artisans in Indonesia handcraft each hat, ensuring fair wages and ethical working conditions. 

Topiku's commitment to transparency is evident through their publicly available carbon footprint reports, setting a new standard in environmental accountability. Collaborating with Topiku means aligning with a partner who shares Lyfer’s dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community empowerment.

They are Certified B-Corp, Climate Neutral Certified &  Member of 1% for the Planet

Field Notepad – Ston2Pack (India)

Ston2Pack is bringing sustainable innovation to India with stone paper, an eco-friendly alternative made from recycled construction waste and bonded with non-toxic resin. Unlike traditional paper, it’s tree-free, water-efficient, chemical-free, and lowers CO₂ emissions, making it a smarter choice for the planet. With a focus on reducing environmental impact, their work aligns with the push for more responsible materials in packaging and stationery.

So there you have it, transparency at its best. Every LYFER product tells a story because we don’t simply slap a logo on something. We partner with good people, artisans, and small businesses who care deeply about their craft.

That's why LYFER gear isn’t the cheapest option out there. Doing things the right way, creating ethically made birding gear, costs more, takes longer, and matters more.

We choose quality, we back people making a difference, and when you choose LYFER, you're part of that choice too. Happy families!