Boll & Branch

Founded: 2013
Founder: Scott and Missy Tannen
Headquarters: 1200 Morris Tpke Ste A226, Short Hills, New Jersey, 07078, USA
Phone: 908-473-9920
Number of employees: 150
Website: www.bollandbranch.com

Overview

Founded in 2013, Boll & Branch is an American e-commerce company specializing in the sale of luxury bedding products. The company was co-founded by Scott and Missy Tannen with the primary goal of revolutionizing the textile industry with a focus on ethical production. The Tannens were inspired to start Boll & Branch after discovering the unethical practices common in the industry, particularly the use of forced and child labor. They envisioned a different approach to textile manufacturing, one that prioritized the well-being of the workers involved as well as the environment.

Product Offerings

Since its inception, Boll & Branch has set itself apart by being the first bedding brand to receive Fair Trade certification, ensuring that all its products are made from organic cotton and produced under fair and safe working conditions. Boll & Branch offers a wide range of luxury, ethically-sourced, and sustainably-made home goods. Here are some of the main product categories:

1. Bed Sheets: Boll & Branch offers a variety of sheet sets, including their Signature Hemmed, Banded, and Embroidered Sheet sets. These come in different sizes and colors.

2. Duvet Covers: The company offers duvet covers that match their sheet sets for a coordinated look. These also come in different sizes and colors.

3. Pillows and Pillowcases: Boll & Branch provides a range of pillows and pillowcases. Their pillow offerings include down pillows and down alternative pillows, and their pillowcases are available as part of their sheet sets or separately.

4. Blankets and Throws: They offer a variety of blankets and throws, including cable knit throws, waffle blankets, and baby blankets.

5. Quilts and Coverlets: Quilts and coverlets in various designs and sizes are also part of their product line.

6. Bath Products: This includes towels, bath sheets, bathrobes, and bath mats, all made from their organic cotton.

7. Mattresses: In 2019, The company expanded into the mattress category. They offer a luxury, handcrafted mattress made with organic cotton, wool, and latex.

8. Bedding Basics: This includes mattress pads, pillow protectors, and box spring covers.

9. Gifts: They also have a range of products perfect for gifting, like a baby gift set and a spa set.

Boll & Branch Funding Rounds

Information about Boll & Branch’s funding rounds is limited, with precise details and amounts not publicly disclosed for all rounds. Here are some of the funding rounds of Boll & Branch:

1. 2014: Boll & Branch launched with personal investment from the co-founders, Scott and Missy Tannen. The exact amount of initial investment is not publicly disclosed.

2. 2015: The company raised its first venture funding round. Investors included the Ducker Family and Ken Langone, the co-founder of The Home Depot, among others. The amount raised in this round was not publicly disclosed.

3. 2020: Boll & Branch completed a $100 million Series C funding round. This funding round was led by L Catterton, a private equity firm with a strong focus on consumer brands.

Boll & Branch Partnerships

Boll & Branch has established several key partnerships over its operating history these include:

1. Chetna Organic: Boll & Branch partners with Chetna Organic, an Indian farmer cooperative, to source its organic cotton. This partnership not only ensures the quality of the cotton used in Boll & Branch products but also supports sustainable farming practices and provides fair wages to farmers.

2. Not For Sale: Boll & Branch has a partnership with Not For Sale, a non-profit organization committed to fighting human trafficking and modern slavery. A portion of Boll & Branch’s sales is donated to this organization to fund its initiatives.

3. Manufacturing Partnerships: Boll & Branch has cultivated relationships with ethical manufacturers in India, Portugal, and the United States. These partnerships are central to the company’s commitment to fair trade and safe working conditions.

4. Retail Partnerships: As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, Boll & Branch products were available in select Nordstrom stores and on the Nordstrom website, indicating a retail partnership.

Awards and Recognition

Here are some of the awards and recognition that Boll & Branch has received:

1. Oprah’s Favorite Things: In 2016, The company was included in Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Favorite Things’ list, an annual list curated by Oprah herself featuring her top product picks for the year.

2. Good Housekeeping: Boll & Branch’s Signature Hemmed Sheet Set was recognized in Good Housekeeping’s ‘Best Bed Sheets of 2020’ list. Good Housekeeping is a well-established magazine that has been producing product reviews and recommendations for over a century.

3. Fair Trade Certified: Boll & Branch is the first bedding company to receive Fair Trade certification. This certification is given to companies that adhere to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards to protect the health and safety of workers and the environment.

4. Organic Certified: Boll & Branch products are certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibers.

Boll & Branch Commitment to Sustainability

Boll & Branch is known for its commitment to sustainability and has implemented several strategies and practices to promote environmental consciousness in its operations and products these include:

1. Organic Cotton: Boll & Branch uses 100% organic cotton in its products, which is grown without the use of harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This not only reduces the chemical burden on the environment but also supports healthier soils and biodiversity.

2. Fair Trade Certification: As the first bedding company to receive Fair Trade certification, Boll & Branch is committed to fair and safe labor practices, which include a sustainable approach to agriculture and production that helps protect the environment.

3. Water Conservation: The company’s commitment to organic cotton farming significantly reduces water usage compared to conventional cotton farming. Organic cotton uses up to 90% less water by utilizing rainwater more efficiently.

4. Energy Efficiency: Boll & Branch prioritizes working with manufacturers that implement energy-efficient practices, including the use of solar panels and recycling heat waste.

5. Responsible Packaging: The company aims to minimize waste through its packaging practices. The company uses boxes made from recycled materials and opts for plastic-free packaging whenever possible.

6. Product Life Cycle: Boll & Branch designs its products to be durable and long-lasting, thereby reducing the need for replacement and the subsequent environmental impact.

7. Partnership with Chetna Organic: Through its partnership with Chetna Organic, an Indian farmer cooperative, Boll & Branch supports organic farming practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and a more balanced ecosystem.

Social Initiatives

Boll & Branch has demonstrated a strong commitment to social initiatives since its inception these initiatives include:

1. Fair Trade Certified: Boll & Branch is the first bedding company to receive Fair Trade certification. Fair Trade standards ensure safe working conditions, protect workers’ rights, and prevent forced and child labor. This certification demonstrates Boll & Branch’s commitment to ethical labor practices.

2. Direct Partnerships with Farmers: Sources its organic cotton directly from farmers in India through its partnership with Chetna Organic, a farmer cooperative. This partnership allows farmers to earn a fair price for their cotton, which contributes to their financial stability and well-being.

3. Donations to Not For Sale: Boll & Branch partners with the non-profit organization Not For Sale and contributes a portion of each sale to support its mission of ending modern slavery and human trafficking.

4. Promotion of Gender Equality: In their sourcing practices, Boll & Branch supports the promotion of gender equality. Many of the farmers in their partnership with Chetna Organic are women, who are offered equal opportunities and wages.

5. Employee Empowerment: Boll & Branch ensures ethical labor practices not only in their cotton farms but also in their manufacturing units. They provide living wages, reasonable working hours, and a safe working environment for all their workers.

6. Organic Certification: The company’s commitment to using 100% organic cotton in its products contributes to the health and safety of the farmers and workers who cultivate and process the cotton. This is a significant social initiative, as conventional cotton farming often involves exposure to harmful pesticides and chemicals.

Boll & Branch has set a high bar in the textile industry for ethical and sustainable practices, with a focus on premium, luxury products. Its dedication to improving industry standards, worker conditions, and consumer awareness is evident in every aspect of its operation. Despite its relative youth as a company, Boll & Branch has made a significant impact on the industry, transforming consumer expectations and inspiring other brands to prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.

Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.