An Earth Day Spotlight: 5 Fashion Brands that are Investing in our Planet
As Earth Day approaches, it’s a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect our planet and invest in a sustainable future. The fashion industry has come under scrutiny for its impact on the environment, but there are brands committed to sustainability and doing their part to make a positive impact. That’s why in our Earth Day celebration this year, we’re shining a spotlight on five sustainable fashion brands that are investing in our planet by reducing their environmental footprint and engaging in other sustainable practices.
From materials and manufacturing to waste reduction and ethical practices, these brands are making a difference while creating stylish and high-quality fashion items. Join us in celebrating Earth Day and learn about the brands that are making a positive impact on our planet.
Covering all the circular bases
a o i f e® is a sustainable fashion brand committed to reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. The company is dedicated to reforestation, planting a tree for every product they sell to combat deforestation. They also support Healthy Seas, a foundation started by Aquafil and other 2 partners, that works with stakeholders of the fishing sector toward marine litter prevention and cleanups of the seas with volunteer divers, by donating a percentage of their profits to support the educational program that Healthy Seas developed for children aged 6 to 18.
Their focus is on maintaining a circular business model. a o i f e® uses sustainable materials in their products, including the ECONYL® regenerated nylon and cactus leather from Desserto®. They also partner with textile companies in Italy that have excellent environmental credentials and fair and safe working conditions for their employees. They have a repair service for products that develop a defect and take back your bag at its end-of-life so its materials can be recycled, regenerated, and redesigned into new products. By using their sustainable materials, a o i f e® reduces their energy use, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, protects natural resources, and reduces water usage.
The heart of sustainability: the human touch
State of Matter™ is a new men’s clothing brand that aims to produce their clothing with as close to 100% sustainable materials as possible. They use innovative fabrics made with ECONYL® regenerated nylon and have a 360° Afterlife Program where customers can send back their retired apparel for another life discount on their next purchase. The brand will clean and donate the apparel or recycle the fibers to create new clothing items.
State of Matter™ believes that sustainability is not just about using sustainable materials and reducing carbon footprints, but it also means caring for the people who make their vision possible. They work with mills and factories that meet their high standards for ethical treatment and fair wages. For instance, their shirts are made in an Egyptian factory that is both known for its exceptional quality and WRAP certified, and their blazers, pants, and jackets are made in Indonesia, a member of the Better Work program. Better Work is a comprehensive program aimed at improving working conditions and respect for labor rights for workers, focusing on fair compensation, contracts, occupational safety, health, and working time. State of Matter™ is committed to constantly improving their supply chain sustainability.
A clear vision for sustainability
The eyewear company Karün aims to generate change by proposing a different model of thinking, producing, and consuming. First, the brand focuses on its materials. Karün collects discarded waste like ropes, fishing nets, and metals from the coast of Chile and uses them as seed capital and raw materials for their high-quality sunglasses. The collected material is then recycled, with the nylon from fishing nets transformed into ECONYL® regenerated nylon by their partners in Aquafil. All their products are made with natural, noble, and/or recycled materials, and customers can send back their sunglasses for recycling and receive a discount on their next purchase. The aim is to avoid new waste on the planet.
They have also launched a transparency initiative that measures and labels the carbon footprint of each product and developed a responsive web platform for the management and traceability of the supply chain, which empowers the customer and certifies the answers to important questions about the product. The traceability system uses Blockchain technology to secure each transaction executed by the back-office system, and the Karün Traceability System allows customers to track their eyewear throughout the production process. The company hopes to inspire and catalyze the commitment of other companies to reduce carbon emissions globally and make transparency and traceability the new standard for companies.
Sustainability is a team sport
KoKoTé is a Swiss brand that prides itself on producing unique, elegant and high-quality bags and accessories that are durable, waterproof, and robust. Sustainability is also a top priority for them, which is why they use ECONYL® regenerated nylon in their products. The brand’s commitment to social responsibility is reflected in their training and mentorship programs, which help integrate refugees into the Swiss labor market. During education days, refugees are taught German, mathematics, and general education to help them gain the skills they need for a self-determined future. All KOKOTÉ products are made by hand in Uri, Switzerland, by a diverse team of men and women who believe in the power of intercultural exchange and integration through work and education.
Where Sustainability Meets Self-Care and Growth
Feel Fit is a sustainable fitness brand that provides high-quality coaching in non-judgmental, non-intimidating environments. Their mission is to empower anyone to live better in the long term. They have established the first eco-powered fitness studio in Bristol and have a range of award-winning sustainable activewear made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon and Eco Olympus made from recycled PET. They also offer UK-based retreats to help people disconnect and reconnect with themselves.
The founder, Ellie, started Feel Fit with a clear purpose – a stronger future for both people and the planet. They aim to make sustainable fashion stylish, affordable, and comfortable, and to move with you. They offer personalized plans for nutrition, supplements, and training, and you can train with them from anywhere in the world thanks to their Feel Fit training app. Feel Fit is also dedicated to sustainability in all aspects of their operations. They use 100% compostable packaging made from recycled materials and plant a tree for every item sold. Their indoor spin bikes power their ECO store, with 74% of the energy harvested from workouts sent back to the local grid, making them carbon neutral.
Much more than just a product
Sustainability goes beyond just the materials you use. It’s about creating a lasting positive impact on the environment, society, and economy through responsible and ethical business practices that prioritize long-term thinking over short-term gains. It’s a commitment to creating a better future for the planet and all its inhabitants. We honor these brands’ commitment to our planet, as well as all our other partners who are dedicated to the cause. Together, we can continue to innovate and push for a more sustainable and equitable world.
Author: Giuseppe Scandariato
