Etiko is Likely a Fully Vegan Brand

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Brand Highlights

Etiko's ethos is "Wear no evil." All of their products are manufactured by workers in countries and regions typically disempowered and exploited by mainstream businesses, and therefore trapped in cycles of poverty. Through its fair trade purchasing model, Etiko ensures that each product it sells reduces inequality and tackles poverty. Here are some things that stand out to us about this brand, and its products:

About Etiko

"Cause minimal harm to people, animals and the planet. That’s why we use organic cotton and hemp (sustainably farmed and naturally biodegradable), why we pay a living wage to our manufacturing staff and cotton farmers, and why our brand has always been vegan. It’s also why we’ve introduced recycling programs for our old shoes and thongs." - Etiko

Is Etiko an intentionally vegan brand?

Etiko appears to be an intentionally vegan brand, rather than one that uses vegan materials out of convenience, or for other reasons. They aim to "cause minimal harm to people, animals and the planet."

What materials are used to make Etiko shoes and sandals?

According to Etiko, their sneakers are made from cotton canvas which has been certified Organic (GOTS) and FairTrade (FLO), and feature a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified natural rubber latex sole. Their shoes are also REACH compliant, meaning that they are free from harmful chemicals. Their thongs are made from a blend of FSC certified natural and recycled rubber. With regard to the glues and dyes used, Etiko says, "we use zero animal glues and non-toxic dyes.”

Are Etiko shoes eco-friendly/sustainable?

With regard to the materials used to make them (natural/recycled rubber, organic cotton, organic hemp), Etiko shoes are quite sustainable, possibly among the most sustainable available. With regard to their carbon-neutrality, Etiko's first CRI report showed that their carbon footprint was: 66.48 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, which they claim is "significantly lower than the industry standard," while acknowledging that they can do better. The company claims that they are on track for carbon-neutrality; we have asked them how they are progressing, and they've told us "we are pretty confident that we are in fact carbon-neutral... just haven't got around to measuring it that is why we are working with Impact Sustainability. Our aim is to become Carbon Positive."

Does Etiko use green shipping methods?

Etiko has informed us that "99% of all our shipments are via sea freight. We are currently working with Impact Sustainability to measure our carbon footprint and with With One Seed to offset it."

Does Etiko use eco-friendly packaging?

Yes! Etiko uses FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified cardboard and paper to pack their shoes (FSC is an international non-profit that promotes the responsible management of the world's forests). According to Etiko, in areas where they are forced to use plastics due to a lack of suitable alternatives, they use biodegradable and compostable plastic packaging from Natur-tech.

Are Etiko shoes recyclable or compostable?

Etiko is currently working on a project with RMIT to check the biodegradability/compostability of their sneakers. According to the brand, "theoretically, everything in the sneakers should break down… the natural rubber latex sole should break down as well as the organic canvas, and the metal eyelets should rust. The only part that won’t break down are the plastic tips at the end of the laces."

How should I dispose of my worn out Etiko shoes?

Aside from potential compostability, Etiko has a Take Back Program that allows them to recycle worn out Etiko sneakers and thongs at the end of their life. They describe this program as their "first step towards circular fashion." All footwear returned to Etiko will be recycled via a Melbourne-based company called Save Our Soles. Initially, the returned footwear will be made into indoor matting whilst Etiko continues to assess the best way to incorporate them into future Etiko sneaker soles.

Where can I buy Etiko shoes?

Aside from buying directly from their website, Etiko shoes can be purchased at their own branded store in Victoria, Australia, as well as through select retail partners in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, South Korea, and other countries.

Do Etiko shoes ever go on sale?

Yes! Etiko will email you a 10% discount code if you subscribe to their newsletter when visiting their website.

Are Etiko shoes ethically made?

Yes! In fact, Etiko was the first clothing company in the southern hemisphere to achieve FairTrade certification (2006). FairTrade certification is considered the ‘gold standard’ for consumer and business trust, holistically addressing crucial social and environmental issues in global supply. According to Etiko, their products have supported the human and labour rights of cotton growers, rubber tappers, workers in apparel, sports ball and shoe production, and their families. They also claim to pay premiums to all of their employees to ensure they get proper living wages. Etiko is also a Certified B Corporation, which means they meet high standards of overall social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. If that's not enough, Etiko is also a member of Social Traders, which fosters growth of businesses across Australia who use profits for social causes ultimately to improve the lives of people, community, animals and the environment. BONUS: You can peek behind their production curtain on their Supply Chain page.

Does Etiko promote ‘slow fashion’ or a ‘circular economy’?

Etiko incorporates several elements of a circular economy/slow fashion model, such as employing fair labour, using eco-friendly materials, working with a shoe recycling partner, working towards carbon positivity, and constantly striving to improve on all of these efforts. Also of note, they choose sea freight over air freight, which is literally slow fashion.

Is Etiko a charitable company?

Etiko purchases ethical/social/environmental carbon credits from Timor-Leste via Carbon Social, who work with subsistence farmers in Baguia to replant trees, improve livelihoods and build village economies.

Etiko Product Range

Etiko makes classic canvas sneakers in timeless styles for men and women. They make low and high-top cap-toed shoes (including vegan, sustainable and fair trade "Chuck Taylors"), as well as slip-on low tops, and thong sandals.