FAIR TRADE, ORGANIC AND VEGAN They may look similar to a well-known brand but these bad boys are radically different.
Let’s start with the sole ...its actually all natural, made from sustainable latex and certified by the FSC (which means the rubber was actually tapped from a tree in a well managed and growing forest instead of being made from petro-chemicals like most other ‘rubber’ products). Then on to the canvas and laces which are made with cotton which has been certified both organic (GOTS) and fairtrade (FLO). Next stop are the dyes used on the canvas ...they are PCP and AZO free. Finally we even put some thought into the shoe box, yes we know it looks cool but it’s actually made from post-consumer waste. So there you have it ...a sneaker that is more than just a sneaker!
By the way though they are made with certified fairtrade cotton, in an accredited fairtrade factory and we pay a social premium to both the rubber producers in Sri Lanka and to the shoe stitchers in Pakistan these sneakers aren’t certified fairtrade. The reason for this is that, at this stage, there is no fairtrade standard for footwear ...though we hope there will be one soon.
Meanwhile we will continue to lead the way in the production of eco/ethical footwear. Finally, please note all Etiko sneakers are 100% Vegan. No animal glues (common in most footwear) or leather inserts.
Etiko is a family owned and operated apparel, footwear and sports ball business that has had the respect and promotion of human rights at its core for a decade.
Products without child labour and worker exploitation were the impetus for Nick Savaidis (Founder) to create the business a decade ago. Nick started Etiko at the end of 2005 after finding that, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t buy items such as sports balls, clothing & footwear, which he could be 100% confident hadn’t been made by a child or some poor worker being ripped off in a developing country. Sweatshops, corporate greed, globalisation, call it what you want, Nick knew that it sucked and it was time for an alternative.
Over the last 10 years, Etiko has been committed to upholding and campaigning for human rights of those working in traditionally exploitative industry supply chains while achieving business success. Etiko has achieved the top rating - an A+ for ethical production - in the 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Australian Fashion Reports (there was no report in 2014) which investigates the supply chains of fashion brands retailing in Australia.
All of Etiko’s products are manufactured by workers in countries and regions typically dis-empowered and exploited by mainstream businesses, and therefore trapped in cycles of poverty. The key raw materials in its shoes and garments are typically produced in ways that pollute and degrade local ecosystems and trap farmers in poverty.
Through its fair trade purchasing model, Etiko ensures that each product it sells reduces inequality and tackles poverty. The business’ commitment to organic and FSC certified inputs also means its products create a cleaner, greener world.
“Through its fair trade purchasing model, Etiko ensures that each product it sells reduces inequality and tackles poverty.”
Overall, Etiko’s sourcing relationships with its suppliers rewards them for doing the right thing, helps them grow successful businesses and supports their communities.