Etiko is the streetwear brand taking sustainability and ethics in their stride. Oh and they also have a Human Rights Award.
Throughout their supply chain, Etiko makes sneakers, clothes and sports equipment using a business model that is entirely ethical and sustainable, every step of the way. The brand’s slogan, ‘Wear No Evil’, is proudly represented throughout the entire production process. They are committed to ensuring no harm is done to people, the planet or animals in their name.
“We started Etiko way back in 2005 after finding that no matter how hard we tried we couldn’t buy stuff such as sports balls, clothing, and footwear, which we could be 100% confident hadn’t been made by a child or some poor worker being ripped off in a developing country,” explains founder and director Nick Savaidis.
Etiko Black and White High Tops | International shipping
Today, Etiko source organic cotton and purchase Fair Trade products from marginalized producer groups in developing countries. Every step in their production process is traceable and transparent. Plus their products are 100% vegan.
Walking The Walk
From the very beginning stage of sourcing raw materials, Etiko exclusively sources the cotton for its tees and sneakers from organic certified farms. This means no pesticides, no herbicides, no chemical fertilizers, and no genetically modified seeds are used.
While this alone saves the environment from dozens of pollutants and drinking water contaminants, Etiko products are also certified by Global Organic Textile Standard, which means there are added regulations in the processing of their fabrics. This applies to the washing, bleaching, and low-impact dyeing of their textiles and final products, as well as the waste treatment of their facilities. They also use sustainable latex and their dyes are PCP and AZO free.
Etiko is also certified Fairtrade and guarantees a livable wage and labor rights for its workers in every aspect of production. Not only are Etiko’s clearly outlined practices and claims verified by an independent third party, being FLO accredited means the company gives back.
Men’s and Women’s underwear | International Shipping
As Etiko grows and prospers, so do the communities and families of farmers and workers they employ. The organization charges a 15% premium for all of Etiko’s goods which then goes back to these employees and – most mind-blowing of all – is used in ways that they get to democratically decide on. So far it seems the emphasis has been on health care, after-school programs and reducing the cost of food staples.
See what I mean by walking the walk?
I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that Etiko has been rated GREAT 
on the Good On You app for their impact on people, animals and the planet. Alongside this, they were recently recognized for their success in promoting supply chain ethics to the broader community, winning an Australian Human Rights Award for business, and has also achieved the Australian Fashion Report’s highest ranking for ethical production for three years in a row.
All in all, this company is a true rarity, but hopefully a sign of what’s to come in the future ethical fashion and consumers. It’s incredibly impressive to see a business so committed to their protection of the environment, and the workers they owe their sucess to.
Discover more sustainable fashion in the app!
Bethany is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Good On You. She is passionate about sustainable living, is a purveyor of vintage and ethical fashion and loves to travel the world meeting local artisans. You can follow her on Twitter at @bethanynoble.
This article used part of Etiko Takes Sneakers to a New Level by Lindsay Schiffhauer.
Images via: Instagram
The post Etiko: Ethical Sneakers That Are Good For Your Sole appeared first on Good On You.