Sustainability

Being naked is the most sustainable, our swim is the second.

FASHION REVOLUTION IS A GLOBAL MOVEMENT CALLING FOR A FAIRER, SAFER, CLEANER, MORE TRANSPARENT FASHION INDUSTRY

Today, both people and the environment suffer as a result of the way fashion is made, sourced and consumed.

This needs to change.

At the moment, most of the world lives in a capitalist economy. This means companies must increase sales growth and make profits in order to succeed — but crucially, not at the expense of peoples’ working conditions, health, livelihoods, dignity and creativity and not at the expense of our natural environment.

Source :Fashion Revolution

ECO FRIENDLY SWIMWEAR: WHY WE STARTED

With people now utilising more clothes than they did 15 years ago, it only made sense that we try to create products with purpose that would shift shopper’s perspectives on the impact of what they buy. We are ocean lovers born to inspire better choices in the fashion industry globally. Our bikinis are sustainable, our prints are unique and our shipping is carbon neutral.

We are not only committed to making our bombshells look sexy, embrace their natural bodies and live the best life possible, but also ensuring our product contributes to Environmental change and Sustainability.

Helping the environment one bikini at a time.

Sustainable swimwear should be an affordable option

SUSTAINABILITY: WE USE REGENERATED FABRICS

The amount of plastic manufactured in the past 15 years was on par with the total produced in the last century! After being used a handful of times, it is treated as waste and thrown out into landfill to release toxins for thousands of years.

So how do we help fix this? We use only the highest of quality recycled synthetic fabrics.

Our soft and durable recycled nylon is constructed in various countries and made from industrial and post-consumer waste such as fishnets, carpets, plastic bottles and textiles that would otherwise pollute our beautiful land and oceans. It is certified Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex; the world’s leader in testing fabrics to regulate harmful substances.

Our fabric supplier uses the world’s most efficient industrial system for the production of Nylon from 100% regenerated waste materials.

Vita by Carvico is sustainable techno-fabric, made of a ECONYL® regenerated Nylon that turns waste problems into fashion and interior solutions. Vita is versatile, hyper-resistant, thin, elegant, stretch, soft and breathable: a unique mix of muscular compression and comfort. Thanks to its innovative construction, it is twice as resistant to chlorine and suntan creams and oils than competitors’ fabrics.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR DYE?

We use only water based ink to achieve our rich and vibrant colours. Water based inks are proven to be a more eco friendlier dying option in comparison with commercial plastisol inks which contain PVC and phthalates that are harmful to the environment + have been linked to numerous medical disorders.

WHERE IS OUR SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR MADE?

Ozkinis is designed, fitted and shot in Queensland by Australians. Our creative directors create all the artwork by hand, print and sew initial designs right here in Australia. We carry out fittings on Australian women from our home office in Redland Bay, Brisbane and also do all our shoots in Australia.

We are proud to say that once our initial designs are finalised, they are produced in bulk by incredibly talented seamstresses in China and Indonesia. In some cases where the fabric is produced by us from scratch, then all the bulk production happens right here, in Australia. We’ve partnered up with an amazing manufacturer who are genuinely concerned about ethics and sustainability, about environmental issues and worker welfare. Our partner employs single mothers and disadvantaged families who have lost the main income due to injury or poor health. Ozkinis felt it was our responsibility to support a business who is trying to do the right thing. Ozkinis has no racial bias when it comes to who we work with. Our approach was born out of the appreciation of high quality goods

In our research, most of the best manufacturers for long lasting and high quality garments are located offshore. Australia has wonderful manufacturers for swimwear, but for our designs, sustainable fabrics and eco dyes, the only resources that were up to the challenge were in China.

ETHICALLY PRODUCED: WORKERS RIGHTS

In August 2018 we visited our manufacturer and conducted a supplier audit. This audited the following: no employment discrimination, no child labour, safe workplace, guaranteed minimum wage and overtime pay, freedom of movement and no excessive overtime. Worker benefits include social security fund, pension fund, paid maternity leave, paid holiday leave, sick pay, medical insurance, subsidised lunches, overtime pay, workplace unions and free transport to their workplace.

As well as:

- Seamstresses are encouraged to hand make each swimsuits slowly and carefully. They are not paid on the amount they produce, meaning they are not pressured to reach a certain quantity by a certain time.

- Employees work in a well ventilated, well lit and spacious working space.

- Regular staff parties and get togethers, excellence awards and surprises for workers with birthday gifts!

Our garments are made at SA8000®-certified organisations. The SA8000 Standard encourages clothing manufacturers to develop, maintain, and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. SA8000 organisations are audited by certification bodies accredited by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS).

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING

When purchasing our swimwear, you can rest easy knowing you’re not only investing in a sustainable swimwear brand but also environmentally friendly packaging. All of our online orders are shipped in a comPOST pack. Made from corn starch and non-toxic resin, these babies are 100% biodegradable and compostable.

All you need to do is remove the shipping label and pop it straight in your home compost system, worm farm or green waste bin.

As long-time ocean lovers, the conscious choice to use recycled and sustainable materials in all of our collections was an easy one. While there is much to be done to protect the earth, we’re playing our part in preserving our beautiful oceans for our children, and our children’s children.