More Than Merch - We Stand for So Much More - Part 2 of 2

[Estimated read: 5 minutes]

Part 2 and the final chapter in the More Than Merch Avian Journal series brings together the full crew of LYFER’s manufacturing partners.

From day one, we set out to build more than just a business that puts bird designs on stuff. A Lifestyle brand for birders carry weight, and we knew if we were going to do this, it had to mean something. Creating ethical birding gear meant creating products with purpose, and working with manufacturers who care about quality, people, and the planet just as much as we do. 

A few of our Manufacturing Partners credentials & verified standards

In Part 1, we introduced some of those incredible partners. Now, we round things out with a full recap, and a few new legends in the mix:

• Field Mugs  – Fired in Poland by Emalco

• T-shirts  – Cut and sewn in Peru by Lyons

• Adjustable Binocular Straps  – Woven in Türkiye by local artisans

• Headwear  – Crafted and hand-made in Indonesia by Topiku

• Field Notepads  – Created, pressed and printed in India by Ston2Pac

And yes, we get asked why we haven’t gone Australian made. The short answer? We really tried. We searched hard. But the right partners just weren’t here. So, we looked globally and found makers who are doing things the right way, not the easy way. The world is full of extraordinary people, and the teams we’ve met continue to inspire us every step of the way.

Socks – Faria Da Costa (Portugal)

Who doesn't love Portugal? 

Faria Da Costa have been making socks since 1998, their factory just outside of the magnificent, Porto. They only use premium materials like wool and recycled yarns so we knew that we would be getting durable and comfortable socks that also have a lower environmental footprint. 

Investing in solar energy to cut CO₂ emissions, they take real action for the planet. Beyond materials, their design team played a key role in shaping Lyfer socks, working closely with us to blend function, style, and sustainability.

They have over 100 employees and are committed to fair working conditions. They prove that great design and ethical production can go hand in hand.  Collaborating with our designated team has been really rewarding for us.

View the range of Lyfer socks here. 

Original Straps – Local Artisan (Greece)

Our Original Paracord straps are handcrafted by a small team of artisans from the Peloponnese, Greece. They blend traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. 

They prioritise durability and sustainability, focusing on reducing waste and repurposing materials wherever possible. But their work goes beyond their talents as artisans, they’re avid nature lovers, actively supporting their community through fire volunteer services and a wolf protection scheme.

Their commitment to both quality and conservation makes them the kind of people we’re proud to work with.

View the Original Lyfer Bino & Camera Strap here. 

Thermo Bottle – Everich (China)

Sometimes, going artisan isn’t an option, scaling production means working with manufacturers who can handle demand without compromising on quality or values. If we’re going to support mass production, we want to be sure it has a purpose. 

That’s why we chose Everich. Based in China, they’re proof that large-scale manufacturing can still be responsible, innovative, and people-focused. 

Their commitment to sustainability runs deep, with certifications like RCS, GRS, GLF, and ISCC ensuring their materials and processes meet global environmental standards.

Beyond environment sustainability, working with our designed team has been a joy, their young, dynamic team brings passion, precision, and some of the best customer service in the world.

View the Lyfer Thermo Bottle here.

Tote Field Bag – Known Supply (India/California)

Now this is something we are really proud to share with you. Known Supply isn’t just a manufacturer. they’re on a mission to humanise production, ensuring the people behind every product are valued and supported. Their collaborative approach and commitment to fair wages, ethical manufacturing, and community impact immediately resonated with us. 

LYFER’s founders were inspired by their vision, especially after hearing co-founder Kohl Crecelius’ TED Talk on “The Power of Knowing Who Made Your Clothes.”

Working with them goes beyond making our Tote Field Bags, it’s about supporting a purpose-driven company that proves business can be a force for good.

Choosing the right manufacturing partners wasn’t about finding the cheapest or easiest option, it was about finding the right people. The ones who care about their craft, their impact, and the bigger picture. 

Whether it’s up-cycled materials, ethical production, or pushing sustainability forward, every partner we work with brings something real to the table.

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