Kowtow founder Gosia Piatek wants to fulfil her responsibilities towards her fellow human beings as well as towards nature, as is exemplified by the A grade her label earned in the 2018 Ethical Fashion Report. Piatek makes minimalist and very wearable clothes, using ethically responsible and environmentally friendly materials such as Fairtrade certified organic cotton. The farmers handpicking the cotton refrain from using genetically modified seeds or harmful chemicals, and they receive fair wages in return. The cotton is dyed according to GOTS standards, i.e. without heavy metals or formaldehyde.

In addition, Kowtow is fond of ZQ merino wool (the ZQ merino standard showing the farmers’ commitment to animal welfare), which is dyed using the Bluesign system, banning chemical substances and wasting less water. The brand uses recycled hemp for its buttons, while its swimwear is made from ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon (i.e. fishing nets and other waste turned into yarn). The latter material can be recycled infinitely, which is why the label offers a take-back programme for its swimwear.

Kowtow entrusts a special manufacturer in Bali (whom the brand thoroughly and regularly audits) with the production of its swimwear collection, while the rest of the garments are made by SA8000 certified organisations in India. The SA8000 standard ensures that workers at the production facilities receive benefits such as medical insurance, pension funds, paid leave, overtime pay as well as subsidised lunches.

Finally, all Kowtow packaging material – from tags to bags – is made from FSC certified paper and completely recyclable.