In a news report published by CNN, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reveals that the last eight years from 2015 up to 2022 have been the warmest recorded years we’ve had to endure, and the forecast continues to be alarming for the future of Earth.
While the environmental crisis is a global issue requiring systemic change and action from all, Malaysian-based bamboo apparel company Kualesa has been actively taking steps in an effort to minimise damage to the planet.
Get to know what Kualesa is doing to be a force for good. If you’re a business owner, we hope you find inspiration from these initiatives!
1. Choosing sustainable raw materials
Right at its core, the eco-conscious brand Kualesa stands for greener practices in the apparel industry. One of the significant ways the company reduces its impact is by using more sustainable and diverse raw materials like bamboo to craft clothing instead of man-made synthetic fibres such as nylon, acrylic, and polyester whose processes contribute a devastating load of carbon emissions globally.
Compared to its contemporaries, bamboo fabric stands out because as an evergreen crop, bamboos are incredibly easy to grow and harvest. This means a manufacturer won’t have to worry about resources since they have one that regenerates naturally.
Another great thing about clothes made of bamboo textile is that since it stems from nature, they’ll come back to nature once you’re ready to toss them. For comparison, synthetic fibres will need thousands of years to decompose; meanwhile, the Bamboo Lyocell Kualesa will only need 12-18 months.
If you want to know more about how Kualesa processes bamboo to become comfortable, stylish apparel, read here.
2. Rethinking packaging
Plastic bags are one of the biggest culprits of pollution. In recent years, single-use plastics have generally been frowned upon by consumers and legislators alike. With this, brands are slowly shifting to more ethical packaging choices to decrease the number of wasteful plastics in our landfills and oceans.
From the start, Kualesa’s commitment to being an eco-friendly enterprise is evident due to its decision to utilise biodegradable, compostable mailer bags made from cornstarch and printed with water-based inks. Additionally, they use 100% recycled paper to create thank you cards and hangtags included in every purchase.
Now that we’re facing the real threat of irreversible environmental destruction, no detail is too small to be overlooked. If you’re looking for other greener, plastic-free packaging ideas for your business, try canvas tote bags, box packaging, and eco-pouches made from wood pulp starch.
3. Giving back through initiatives like replanting trees
Did you know that every year, more than 200 million trees have to be cut off just to reach the demand for cellulosic fibres? These include rayon – which you could be wearing right now!
It’s no secret that the fashion industry largely contributes to our planet’s deforestation. Collectively, we already have so many clothes; companies are churning out collection after collection (high-end brands launch an average of 5 to 6 collections per year). Given this fact, it only makes sense to be involved in tree-planting initiatives to fight the depressing state of our forests and restore their former natural abundance and beauty.
With a clear awareness of its industry’s environmental footprint, Kualesa launched its own replanting program, vowing to plant one tree in the local Malaysian rainforests for every order a customer makes. With the guidance of conservation specialists, they’ve identified Kuala Tahan in Pahang, Malaysia, as the site for their reforestation initiative. The brand hopes to help stimulate and enliven biodiversity in the region as more and more trees stand tall once again in its deforested parts.
If you’re looking to implement a similar program for your business, make sure to connect with local environmental experts and authorities so they can guide you in the process.
4. Raising awareness by harnessing the power of its platforms
Brands and companies invest in marketing to– first and foremost– sell. Of course, at the end of the day, a business has got to make money in order to sustain itself. However, in this day and age where everyone is battling it out for clout to gain the most number of likes and followers, it is quite a noble thing to do when a brand lends its platform for advocacy and uses its voice to raise awareness on our planet’s most pressing issues.
As an eco-driven company, Kualesa publishes blogs centred around taking care of our environment. The Kualesa Blog is a portal for Mother Earth must-knows, plus, it’s filled with lifestyle tips to help you become an eco-conscious individual!
Want to browse the blog? Check out this practical guide to staying cool during the heatwave season.
5. Replanting Program - Planting a tree for every order
Kualesa's replanting program (we plant a tree for every order!) is an initiative that aims to restore biodiversity and wildlife habitat with current location in Kuala Tahan, Pahang within Taman Negara (Malaysia's National Park).
The program involves planting a variety of tree species, including hardwoods and fruit trees, on 1,600 acres of land that require rejuvenation - with the hopes of bringing back a diversity of wildlife back to their former habitat. The program also employs local Orang Asli to assist in planting, cultivating, and maintaining the replanting area. The goal is to plant a tree for every order, and contribute to the revitalization of the region's ecosystem.
Being eco-conscious will never go out of style
As a consumer, your buying decisions will also make an impact on the environment – just ensure it’s a good kind of impact. We hope you continue to support brands that truly care for our planet. With an undertaking as huge as saving our one and only home, no step is too small or too minute to make a lasting difference.
Wanna transition to an eco-friendly lifestyle? Start with your wardrobe. Shop Kualesa’s sustainably-made clothes today!
References:
- Kottasová, I. (2023, January 10). 'A world rapidly warming': The past eight years were the eight warmest on record for Planet. CNN. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/10/world/eight-warmest-years-climate-copernicus-intl/index.html
- What is eco-friendly packaging? (and why it's important for your sales). Rooland. (2019, November 14). Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://www.rooland.com/what-is-eco-friendly-packaging/
- Håkansson, E. (2022, January 29). How the fashion industry contributes to deforestation. Sustainably Chic. Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://www.sustainably-chic.com/blog/how-the-fashion-industry-contributes-to-deforestation
- How many fashion collections to produce: Lessons for beginner designers. Italian ELearning Fashion School RSS2. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2023, from https://ielfs.com/news/how-many-fashion-collections-to-produce-lessons-for-beginner-designers/#:~:text=Typically%2C%20high%2Dend%20brands%20release,future%20collections%20twice%20a%20year
