Kiku Boutique
Rating: Good
Price: $ $ $ $
Location: United Kingdom
Kiku Boutique is a sustainable brand that strives to make a positive impact on the environment. With a ‘good’ environment rating, the brand is committed to using eco-friendly materials, including recycled materials, in a medium proportion. By incorporating these materials in its products, Kiku Boutique aims to reduce textile waste and minimize its carbon footprint.
One of the key ways in which Kiku Boutique promotes sustainability is by adopting a made-to-order approach. This means that each product is created only when it is ordered, eliminating excess production and reducing the amount of textile waste generated. By producing in small quantities and focusing on quality rather than quantity, Kiku Boutique ensures that its products are made with care and attention to detail.
When it comes to the production process, Kiku Boutique takes measures to limit the use of chemicals, water, and wastewater. By using eco-friendly materials, the brand reduces the need for harmful chemicals during production. This not only benefits the environment but also ensures that the final products are safer for consumers. Additionally, by minimizing water and wastewater usage, Kiku Boutique aims to conserve this valuable resource and reduce water pollution.
While Kiku Boutique’s labor rating is ‘it’s a start,’ the brand takes steps to ensure ethical production. Its products are manufactured in-house by a small team, allowing for better control and oversight of the manufacturing process. By keeping production in-house, Kiku Boutique can ensure that its workers are fairly treated and provided with safe working conditions.
The brand also traces some parts of its supply chain, indicating a commitment to transparency. While it is important for brands to fully trace their supply chains, Kiku Boutique’s efforts in this area demonstrate an awareness of the importance of ethical sourcing.
However, one area where Kiku Boutique can improve is in ensuring fair wages for workers in its supply chain. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that the brand pays a living wage to its workers. Paying a living wage is essential in promoting social sustainability and ensuring that workers are able to meet their basic needs. It is an area that Kiku Boutique can focus on in order to further enhance its labor rating.
In terms of animal welfare, Kiku Boutique has a rating of ‘it’s a start.’ While the brand does not use exotic animal hair, fur, down, angora, or exotic animal skin in its products, there is no evidence to suggest that it has an animal welfare policy in place. However, Kiku Boutique does use leather and recycled wool in some of its wool products. While the use of recycled materials is commendable, it is important for the brand to ensure that the sourcing and production of these materials do not harm animals.
Overall, Kiku Boutique is rated ‘Good’ for its commitment to sustainability. Through its use of eco-friendly materials, made-to-order approach, and efforts to limit chemicals and water usage, the brand demonstrates a genuine commitment to minimizing its environmental impact. While there is room for improvement in the areas of labor practices and animal welfare, Kiku Boutique is taking steps in the right direction and has the potential to become an even stronger advocate for sustainable fashion.
