Sustainability
Handmade with fair conditions in Kenya. Plain and simple – good stuff for good people.
How we work
Malaika Cotton aims to support local businesses – on both large and small scales – in becoming sustainable. We believe that economic and environmental sustainability are intrinsically linked. As much as possible we source materials in Kenya in order to minimize our carbon footprint . Our products are handmade, recycled with fair conditions from Kenya. We encourage our customers to care for their clothes and our designs are often versatile and have multiple usesPlain and simple – good stuff for good people.
Fair conditions & transparency
We prioritize social responsibility and transparency in our projects, preferring to work collaboratively with a wide range of artisans, craftsmen and collectives. Our production is done in small workshops in Kenya where we have direct relationships and work to ensure fair conditions.
Our producers
Our textile samples are made in our own workshop on the Mombasa Coast. For larger productions we collaborate with Kiboko, the only fairtrade production facility in Kenya run mainly by women and employing women as a way to empowerment. Our jewellery and home items are produced by various artisans and collectives in Kenya.
OUR MATERIALS
We work with several producers of textiles both from Kenya and India depending on the garments. We are constantly seeking new materials and expression. Our skilled textile printer in India prints our signature organic fabrics used for our kimonos with non-harmful/non-toxic dyes. Organic cotton leaves a lighter footprint and supports biodiversity in the regions where it’s grown. Produced without toxic chemicals it provides a healthier environment for the farmers.
Most of our jewellery is made of brass recycled from old doorknobs, handles and hinges, welded in small batches. The bone is recycled from cows where no cows have been harmed in the production. We source wood from various sustainable craftsmen. Our wool comes from sheep in the Kenyan highlands where we work with small collectives.
Scraps, leftovers and deadstock
We never discard our scarps and leftover pieces. We always find ways to create meaning or produce- if we find appealing deadstock (overproduced textiles) we are happy to incorporate in our collections.
OH, By the way..
Did you know that all our packaging such as bags, boxes and wrapping is made of recycled paper.
Be a part of the change
We highly recommend reading up on how you can be a part of a positive change.
