For Saint Patrick's Day, we will explore a few Irish companies, that are true gems.
We will start with Riley. Now, as a woman, Riley is a company to my heart. The company is established by Fiona and Áine, who found out in 2020 that our menstruation products are riddled with hormone disrupting chemicals. No less than 24 chemicals that disturb the hormonal balance were found in products such as pads and tampons. The two friends decided to join forces and address this problem. Together they founded Riley, a company that makes period products from 100% certified organic cotton. Their entire product line is made in Europe, and by ethical manufacturers who are paying their workers fairly and provide safe working conditions.
Another sustainable product, made in Ireland, are McWilliam bags. The bags, handmade by sailmakers in Crosshaven, Cork, are sturdy, durable and water-resistant. The bags come in distinguished primary coloured stripe patterns. McWilliam bags is also a proud sponsor to the Irish Sailing Team. As a company that has been around since 1971 they have definitely earned their stripes in bag making.
The last company of today is Aran. The name comes from the Aran Islands, where people have been knitting jumpers by hand since 500 bc. The Celts who then inhabited the Aran Island designed the intricate patterns that can still be found in the sweaters made by Aran today. Every jumper is handmade and contains 100% natural merino wool.