Purnaa Nepal: 2025 Highlights and What’s Ahead for Ethical Manufacturing in 2026
- Ruby Neville
- 15 minutes ago
- 5 min read
As 2026 begins, we've taken time to reflect on the past year and identify key goals for the next 12 months. 2025 was a meaningful year for our team, with important equipment updates, encouraging feedback, and most importantly the continued nurturing of a healthy and supportive environment grounded in Fair Trade principles where employees can grow and develop.
This blog brings together some of the key updates from Purnaa’s journey as an ethical manufacturer in Nepal in 2025 and we look ahead to what the team is focusing on in 2026.
Fair Trade Guaranteed (again) & 12 Years of Purnaa!
In 2025, Purnaa was re-audited and we’re happy to share that we’ve retained our Guaranteed Fair Trade Manufacturer status. The responsible practices we have in place were built over many years, and our Fair Trade status confirms that Purnaa goods are made in a socially and environmentally responsible way - with transparent pricing, long-term partnerships, and a focus on safe work.
The year also marked Purnaa’s 12th anniversary. Over that time, the factory has grown steadily year on year with more people than ever now employed.
Purnaa Marg Completed: Improved Road Access Around the Factory
One of the most practical changes in 2025 was developing Purnaa Marg ('Purnaa Road' in English). Collaboration with the local community combined with construction investment from Purnaa, meant that road access around the factory has improved. This has made daily travel safer for delivery drivers, team members, and neighbours. This small infrastructure change has had a real impact on everyday life here.
We Extended Workplace Benefits Extensively
Support for working parents continued to develop. During 2025, Purnaa began to provide childcare and after-school support to 43 children and further improvements in this area are planned for 2026. Access to reliable childcare not only enables women to participate fully in the workforce but also supports career growth, confidence, and independence.
The factory also introduced scooter lessons and swimming lessons for women to enhance safety, confidence, and independence beyond work hours.
Another huge step taken by our Staff Development team included the launch of trauma healing groups. The programme follows six core lessons focused on understanding emotional wounds, grief, listening, and forgiveness. Team members can also now access in-house counselling. This work is ongoing, and the intention is to continue offering these spaces in 2026.
Work also continued on sustainable transportation programmes, promoting safer, more responsible movement of both goods and people. We have three bus services operating to and from Purnaa across different areas of the city, providing workers with consistent and reliable transportation.
100+ Visitors Were Welcomed On Our Factory Tours
As the factory has grown, so has interest in how it works. In 2025, Purnaa increased the number of factory tours offered, including hosting 40 homeschoolers and their parents. These visits created space for questions, learning, and open conversation about ethical manufacturing.
Learning and Dialogue increased Internally and Externally
Purnaa took part in a human rights dialogue session in Nepal, working with the UN Global Compact and UN Women. Gender peer learning sessions explored how responsible business practices can continue to improve working conditions and equality.
Internally, the team used weekly value time to explore topics ranging from work styles and efficiency to recognising scams, phishing, identity theft, and fraud. These sessions focused on practical awareness and protecting both personal and company information.
Production and Capability Updates
Our Cap and Headwear Options Expanded
Throughout the year, Purnaa expanded and refined its production capabilities, introducing several new techniques to support greater design flexibility.
These included the following options, to give partners more creative options when developing their products:
Puff embroidery
Rope features
Printed patches
Alongside these technical additions, several new cap styles were also introduced in 2025:
We Launched a Range of New Guides and Resources
A new Cap Catalogue was launched, alongside updates to Cap Tech Templates. You can check out all of our cap resources here:
Machinery Update: New Sublimation Printer Installed
Purnaa invested in a sublimation printer. While a single machine may seem like a small update, it addresses real challenges faced by factories in Nepal. The printer allows for improved colour quality, faster turnaround times, more consistent results, and lower minimum order quantities.
Alongside these changes, several new product styles were introduced. These will continue to be refined and scaled based on partner needs and sales growth in 2026.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Team Growth Underway
This year we’ve already hired:
30 new knitters, increasing both capacity and access to stable employment.
A Product Development Manager and a Business Development Manager were hired to support product quality, innovation, and long-term planning.
Workplace Wellbeing to Grow Further in 2026
In 2026, Purnaa plans to continue building on what is already in place. The year ahead is expected to include:
More employee appreciation days
Continue to prioritise group gatherings such as employee Easter picnics
Increased greenery around the factory, supported by a new gardener
The focus remains on steady growth, transparency, and care for the people and systems that make the factory work. Purnaa will continue sharing updates along the way!
Thinking Ahead to 2026 Production - Checklist ✅
If you’re planning production for 2026, check our handy checklist below to get off to the most efficient start.
Plan beyond the next season: Consider where you want your product range to be in late 2026 or early 2027, and work backwards. For new styles or categories, allow 3–6 months for sampling, refinement, and testing.
Involve your factory early: Bringing your manufacturing partner into conversations at the concept stage helps ensure designs are realistic, efficient, and aligned with responsible production practices.
Work with locally available materials: Using materials that are readily accessible to your manufacturer can reduce lead times, lower environmental impact, and support more resilient supply chains.
Look beyond your core products: Explore whether your factory offers additional techniques or product categories that could complement your existing range and open up new opportunities.
Start conversations early in the year: Early planning helps secure production timelines, supports smoother collaboration, and allows space for thoughtful decision-making rather than last-minute pressure.
If you’re considering expanding your range or introducing caps in 2026 and aren’t sure where to begin, explore our 2026 Cap Trend Guide for insights into upcoming styles, materials, and production possibilities.
Want to learn more about ethical manufacturing with Purnaa?
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Thinking of developing a new range or product? Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your ethical manufacturing needs! Follow this link.
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