About production and ecology

The fabrics that Kaiko uses are manufactured and Kaiko's products are sewn in Portugal. The GOTS certified cotton we use is grown in Turkey where it is also spun into yarn. Some of our garments contain recycled polyester in order to reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process. We use recycled polyester made from used plastic bottles. We at Kaiko are continuously striving to find even more ecological alternatives to use alongside our current materials.

Organic cotton

Kaiko uses organically grown GOTS certified cotton. The organic cotton tricot and jersey fabrics that we use feel lovely on your skin. They withstand wearing and washing without losing their shape or softness.

Elastane

We want our clothes to be worn often and particularly the clothes for small kids should be comfortable to wear. That is why elastane is incorporated in the material of some of our garments. It helps clothes fit better and makes them stretchier and thus more comfortable.

Cashmere

Cashmere is a luxurious and soft material but it is also delicate and needs good care. With proper care, it will last for years to come. Cashmere wool is one of the warmest natural fibres. This is thanks to the fluffiness of the fibre, which creates small pockets of air that provide insulation. Because of this softness and fluffiness, cashmere knitwear pills easily. This is a feature though, not a flaw, and with good care the elegant look of your garment is restored. As the fibres set over time, the pilling will decrease.

Linen union

The material of our garments made of linen union (50% linen, 50% organic cotton) combines the lustre of linen and the softness of organic cotton. This natural material will just get better and softer as you wash it and wear it and it feels lovely on your skin.

Recycled polyester

Our jersey that contains recycled polyester is similar to Kaiko's traditional cotton jersey. In addition to organic cotton and elastane, the material of some jersey garments also contains recycled polyester, which enhances the durability of the fabric. The use of recycled polyester reduces the environmental impact of the garment.

Lyocell

Lyocell is a regenerated fibre made of wood cellulose. The manufacturing process is similar to that of viscose but the solvents used in making lyocell are non-toxic, organic compounds. Lyocell is thus a more ecological alternative to viscose. Manufacturing lyocell requires significantly less water than making cotton. Lyocell is soft and it hangs beautifully. It is breathable and feels lovely on your skin. Also, it does not build up static electricity. Lyocell is a biodegradable material.

Rubber

The elastic bands in our products are made of natural rubber i.e. latex.

Care instructions

Please check the washing label of your new garment before washing and follow the care instructions. You can wash most of our garments in 40 degrees Celsius. We do not recommend tumble drying as it may cause colours to fade and increase shrinkage.

We recommend washing without fabric softeners and with similar colours. After washing, it is good to reshape the garment slightly whilst damp. With items that contain Lyocell, we recommend you use a wash bag and, if necessary, iron the garment from the inside after washing and drying. For tights, we recommend hand washing and reshaping whilst damp.

Particularly garments with prints should be turned inside out before washing. Do note that the hook-and-loop and zip fasteners on garments may damage other items in the laundry. Garments may shrink in the first wash by 5–8% depending on the item.

It is good to remove possible stains right when they occur but we recommend treating stains at least before putting the garment in the washing machine. However, prolonged soaking in cool water may be damaging to prints and colours.

You can – and it is good to – lengthen the interval at which you wash particularly women's garments by airing them after use.

Kaiko directs 7% of the profit of all sold clothing to educate women in Nepal. Our charity partner is Women's Bank that develops, expands and strengthens local women's institutions that promote social, economic and cultural rights in the region. Together with our customers, we've been able to donate over 28 000 € to the Women’s Bank’s cooperatives’ program in Lalitpur, Nepal.

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