10 Australian companies leading environmental sustainability efforts

Most Australians (75%) choose brands for their waste reduction programs, according to new data from Commbank’s October Consumer Insights report.

This means that we become more attentive to the companies we choose to shop with and are less likely to buy from those that are not environmentally conscious.

Commbank research also found that 64% of Australians think businesses should do more to embrace the circular economy, while 34% of consumers are willing to pay more to support businesses that embrace circular principles.

The circular economy is a framework that tackles global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution.

So which Australian companies are environmentally friendly?

Being a sustainable buyer can cost more, and not everyone has the luxury of being able to afford it. But if you can, it’s important to avoid the big fast fashion chains and opt for smaller companies or those that take steps towards sustainability.

Here are 10 companies doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint and help the environment by using organic materials.

1. Boody: Boody is an eco-friendly underwear company that sells men’s and women’s clothing, underwear, pajamas and socks. Their clothes are made from ethically grown bamboo. Bamboo is good for the environment because its plantations produce 30% more oxygen than an equivalent area of ​​trees and also absorb more carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. Boody donates 1% of its online profits to non-profit organizations that help protect the environment. You can buy Boody products directly from their site or from other retailers such as The Iconic.
2. Patagonia: US retailer Patagonia is known for clothing that can be worn as casual wear or outdoor activities. It is a company very concerned about ethical standards and environmental impacts. For example, Patagonia is proud that 100% of the virgin down used in its garments is certified to the Advanced Global Traceable Down Standard, that 100% of the virgin cotton in its garments is organically grown, and that 94% of its range uses recycled materials. Patagonia also has an initiative called Worn Wear, where customers can bring in their pre-loved Patagonia clothes and exchange them for credit and they are then recycled.
3. The Iconic: The Iconic is a large online business that sells items from hundreds of different brands. It launched the “Considered” edition in 2019, which labels all items made from sustainable materials or made in a location that has a lower environmental impact. These items can be found here. The “considered” modification is a good step to help people buy in a sustainable way.
4. Kathmandu: Kathmandu is a company that emphasizes the use of ethically sourced products. It uses 100% ethically sourced goose and duck down in its products, as well as sustainable cotton and polyester, made from recycled items such as plastic bottles. The company also aims to reduce carbon emissions and become carbon zero by 2025.
5. TJ Swim: Australian swimwear company TJ Swim says it “continually strives to reduce its overall carbon footprint and environmental impact.” The company uses environmentally friendly packaging materials to reduce single-use plastics and premium fabrics to ensure the long life of the products. In 2021, TJ Swim launched its first sustainable swimwear collection made entirely from premium recycled polyester.
6. Outland Denim: This company was founded as a source of employment and training for sex-trafficked women in Cambodia. These girls received training and a salary to help them get back on their feet. Today, the Cambodia team is made up of 75% women. Their denim supply chain is said to be 94% traceable and 100% vegan. They also use organic cotton and the production uses techniques to reduce energy and water consumption as well as chemical and energy waste.
7. Nobody Denim: Nobody Denim is a denim brand that has received an Ethical Clothing Australia award. The company manufactures clothing in Melbourne, which reduces the miles traveled and minimizes the carbon footprint. Since 2017, the company has reduced its water consumption by 50%. Most recently, it partnered with tech company FibreTrace to launch a capsule edition using Australian-grown, fully-traceable cotton.
8. Veja: The French sneaker company started with the goal of designing an eco-friendly shoe. Since the company’s launch, all the cotton in its products has been certified organic. The company also publishes production statistics every year to be completely transparent with its customers. Because Veja uses fair trade and organic raw materials, the sneakers cost five times more to produce than other top brand sneakers.
9. Bassike: Since 2006, Bassike has been manufacturing organic cotton clothing and 95% of its clothing is made in Australia. Producing products locally shortens the supply chain and reduces the company’s carbon footprint. Bassike’s signature cotton fabric has been recognized as 100% carbon neutral and 95% of its cotton jersey garments are made with organic fabric. Certified by Climate Active, a Bassike t-shirt produces 43% less carbon emissions than a classic cotton t-shirt. It also uses only non-toxic natural indigo dye to reduce emissions.
10. Glassons: A well-known Australian and New Zealand brand, Glassons has introduced ethical and sustainable fashion at a decent price. By the end of 2020, Glassons aimed for at least 30% of its clothing range to be sustainably sourced and took steps to eliminate single-use plastic. In 2021, 81% of its swimwear range was made from recycled fabrics and 48% of its product mix was sustainably sourced. The company also received an “A” in the 2021 Rated Ethical Fashion Report for these efforts.

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