ABOUT
Kowtow is a sustainable label committed to circularity and to creating positive change, by using renewable and sustainable fibres and ethical manufacturing. They design minimalist pieces made with the best ethical and sustainable practices. They have physical stores in Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand.
IMPACT
People
Kowtow engages with a slow production chain. Hence, their collections take 18 months from design to delivery. This is the basis for Kowtow’s values, to ensure workers rights and environmental protection. Their garments are certified by non-profit, internationally recognised organisations. Kowtow also makes all of their garments at SA8000 certified organisations in India. It is a standard to encourage clothing manufacturers to develop, maintain, and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace and helps ensure that the workers at their production facilities receive the following benefits: guaranteed minimum wage, social security fund, pension fund, paid holiday leave, sick pay, medical insurance, subsidised lunches, overtime pay, workplace unions and free transport to their workplace. They work with manufacturers in India and Germany and source their Merino wool from New Zealand*.
Product
For production, all of their organic cotton is certified by Fairtrade Labelling Organizations (FLO) and prints and fabrics are dyed using the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) approved inks. Other fabrics they use include light-weight jersey and denim made from the same fair trade organic cotton, finished with OEKO-TEX certified nickel-free tacks in Germany. They also use Lenzing® Tencel, ethical Merino wool, and ECONYL® regenerated nylon. They only use sustainably sourced trims—using buttons made in Italy from recycled hemp and their denim hardware is nickel-free and made in an SA8000 certified factory in Germany.
Packaging
Kowtow uses entirely recyclable packaging from FSC approved swing tags to boxes. In addition, they print their packaging with soy-based and petroleum-free inks. They also implement oxo-biodegradable plastic bags for shipping.
Planet
Kowtow uses natural fibres and recycled materials while ensuring they have a sustainable water management system. This is to minimise usage and ensure responsible treatment of water in our supply chain. They also commit to the highest grade of animal welfare, environmental care and social responsibility. Kowtow also offers a repair and take-back programme to promote its circular philosophy. They are currently in research and development, exploring options for recycling and repurposing in the most sustainable way.
Principles
They make their collections from organic, renewable, biodegradable and regenerated fibres. In addition to their commitment to fair trade production, they design with longevity in mind. Additionally, Kowtow is sustainable from the moment the cotton seed is planted and ensures everyone in the production chain is being rewarded fairly for what they do. From raw material to finished product, they make sure their supply chain is easily and certainly traceable.
