Sustainable choices are becoming increasingly fashionable due to the environmental and social issues raised by fast fashion. Even so, sustainable fashion is a complex issue. It is sometimes difficult to find information about where the garments were produced, the conditions under which they were made, or whether the whole process was ethical. Komodo believes that as a brand, the future of the planet is something we should all be held accountable for. Strongly committed to producing eco-friendly fashion since 1988, the brand sets the bar high for other eco-conscious apparel brands. Komodo’s founder, Joe Ellyatt, was backpacking through Asia in 1988 when he was inspired by its colors and culture. Komodo continues to set the trend among sustainable fashion brands. A key element of their work is that they use exclusively organic materials while continuing to create innovative textures with eco-friendly polyurethane coatings or even recycling PET from plastic bottles to integrate into their fabrics. And, of course, all Komodo products are vegan and reject any kind of cruelty to animals. In addition, Komodo also expresses its intention to protect the environment through its work and contributes to the protection of tropical habitats through the 1% for the Planet initiative. By combining Eastern and Western ideas, Komodo became the trendy brand that it’s known for today, becoming the label to watch at fashion shows in London, Paris, Florence, and Tokyo. Making high-end men's and women’s streetwear, Komodo ensures that the workers receive the best working conditions as well as supports the local community through social projects. As it stands, the fashion industry produces a staggering 10% of global carbon emissions, and Komodo’s aim is to help consumers to make informed and responsible choices for their wardrobe.
Materials All of Komodo’s garments are made from sustainably sourced materials to minimize their environmental impact, made in safe and fair working conditions. Komodo is a holder of the Soil Association Organic Standard. Its licensees must meet strict European laws about the production of organic food and materials, as well as enforcing animal welfare, human health, and safeguarding the environment. Organic Cotton Using conventional cotton is problematic as it uses pesticides. Organic cotton seeds are left untreated, whereas non-organic seeds are sprayed with insecticides and fungicides which are genetically modified. In the process of clothes manufacturing, non-organic cotton uses synthetic fibers. Organic cotton production emits around 46% less C02 emissions compared to normal cotton. That’s why Komodo sources GOTS certified organic cotton, offering an extensive range of cardigans, sweatshirts, and crewnecks. Recycled Polyester Every year, mountains upon mountains of textile waste are accumulating in landfills and incineration, showing no signs of slowing down. As the situation currently stands, recycling methods turn less than 1% of non-reusable textiles back into new garments, in addition to the ever-increasing amount of plastics being produced. In a conscious effort to use recycled materials, Komodo uses recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) to make fiber for its collections. TENCEL™ Rayon Owned by the Austrian company Lenzing AG, TENCEL™ is a type of rayon fabric. As a popular choice for eco-friendly brands, it’s light and versatile and therefore often used for casual wear and activewear. In the manufacturing process, wood pulp is dissolved in a chemical process and then pushed through an extruder to produce the fibers. Komodo employs the use of this award-winning fiber as it’s highly economical, biodegradable and it feels soft to touch. Linen Linen is the fiber derived from flax cultivation. It is a rare textile as it only represents 0.4% of the world’s textile fibers. Linen is thermoregulatory: cool in summer, warm in winter, and therefore widely popular. It’s easily maintained. Linen is an ideal fabric for sustainable fashion, as it’s breathable and versatile and it’s a great ally for the eco-fashion movement. Komodo sources organic linen for its summer collections due to its lightweight properties, with a distinctive natural look and feel. Komodo’s Supply Chain Since the brand’s early days, Komodo has produced its garments by working closely with its factories in Kathmandu, Bali, and India. These factories are medium-sized, family-run businesses that have grown with the brand over the years. Ethics have always been a top priority for the brand, manufacturing products that are sensitive both to the environment and to its employees at every stage of the process. Employees receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and are treated with the utmost respect. In order to make sure these standards are being upheld, the Komodo team visits the factories regularly to discuss logistical improvements with them. The majority of Komodo’s factories have received sustainable certifications by SA8000 as well as GOTS.