Manufacturing
Ethics and Sustainability
We hope that whenever you purchase a KOOKAÏ garment you can feel confident it is giving more to the world than it is taking away.
The KOOKAÏ Australia and New Zealand story began in 1992 when the founders, Robert Cromb and Danielle Vagner, had a vision to introduce the Parisian label into the lives, and wardrobes, of the Australian woman. The concept was simple: fashionable, high quality pieces at accessible prices.
Ethics Statement
KOOKAÏ is a family-owned and run business, based out of Melbourne, Australia. Since our beginnings in 1992, we have continued a pursuit of an ethical and meaningful existence in the fashion world. This mantra governs the way we conduct our business across all facets of KOOKAÏ.
Fashion is so much more than creating beautiful clothing and an engaging in-store experience – it’s also about the footprint we leave on the planet and the impact we have on all those who contribute to the creation of the KOOKAÏ collection.
In 2018, we established our Ethics & Sustainability committee with representatives from our executives, supply chain management, legal, retail, branding, store design and IT departments. The focus of the committee is to ensure we are keeping sustainability initiatives at the core of everything we do - from head office right through the supply chain and our retail stores.
Environmentally Responsible
While trends change, we don’t believe fashion should be disposable. Each of our garments are carefully constructed and designed to last and be well-loved essentials in our customers’ wardrobes. Our garments are built with a quality aesthetic that stands the test of time.
We are on the journey of understanding and improving our environmental impact. We are consciously working towards incorporating sustainable materials and responsible production measures into our designs, and are committed to actively working together with our suppliers to identify and implement more environmentally sustainable solutions. KOOKAÏ is working towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Mindful Manufacturing
KOOKAÏ cares about how our garments are manufactured, by who, and the employees’ working environment. Working conditions and worker welfare is of paramount importance and is why we have chosen to own and operate our own manufacturing facilities in Fiji and Sri Lanka.
Dissatisfied by the working conditions of some of the factories we had visited internationally, we made this decision to improve transparency in our supply chain and to ensure we have full control and visibility of the conditions of employment for our factory workers, and the quality of products produced.
KOOKAÏ is proud to have a vertically integrated model, from design, to manufacture, to retail. Our Australian head office is in constant communication with our factories, with representatives from both head office and our manufacturing facilities meeting regularly and visiting often.
The payment of a living wage to employees involved in the KOOKAÏ supply chain is enshrined in KOOKAÏ’s Code of Labour Conduct, which any suppliers to KOOKAÏ must adhere to. KOOKAÏ is committed to ensuring workers within its supply chain are paid a living wage and is actively working with suppliers to achieve this goal.
Working together with our valued suppliers
Social compliance audits are performed regularly to ensure safe and hygienic work conditions, an engaged and motivated workforce, strong governance and accountability, and payment of fair wages. KOOKAÏ insists on conducting social compliance audits within our own facilities in addition to requiring audit documentation for third party suppliers through our supply chain. The audit results are monitored and KOOKAÏ works closely with both of its factories on any improvements that need to be made.
Where are our primary manufacturing facilities located?
Magi Enterprises Fiji
Address: Daniva Rd Valelevu, Nasinu, Fiji
We now employ just under 1,000 Fijian residents, 78% female employees who produce the majority of the KOOKAÏ Basics collection
Magi Lanka
Address: Suduwella, Kaluaggala, Hanwella, Sri Lanka
Our factory in Sri Lanka employs just under 600 Sri Lankan Residents, 76% female employees who produce the majority of the KOOKAÏ Fashion Collection.
Fabric and Textiles
KOOKAÏ values its relationship with its suppliers and is working with them to trace the ultimate source of raw materials used in KOOKAÏ products.
The raw fabrics and textiles used for KOOKAÏ's basics range is sourced from ABMT Textiles, a global leader in natural fibre performance, lifestyle and fashion textiles. KOOKAÏ has a long term relationship with ABMT, which is committed to quality, traceability, ethical and environmental responsibility.
ABMT Pty Ltd
100-128 Ferris Road
Melton VIC 3337
More information about ABMT can be found here www.abmt.com.au