Ethics

ETHICS, YEAH?

Let's start with the big reveal. We're all-in, 100% vegan. But we don’t stop there. We're on a relentless journey, striving for more - more sustainability, more kindness, more of the good stuff. This page is our personal billboard, a glimpse into the Koi machine, revealing how we work behind the scenes to make things better, bit by bit.

THE STUFF WE USE

So what’s in our shoes? We're glad you asked. We've got polyurethane (PU), stepping up to the plate as our stand-in for leather. And as for that suave suede look? That's all down to faux suede, or polyester microfibre, if you want to get technical about it.

HOW DO WE DO IT?

PU manufacturing ain't what it used to be. Thanks to the magic of technology, we've levelled up. We're working smarter, not harder.

  • THE OLD WAY

    There are two methods for creating PU that you need to know about. First, there's the old-school way, combining solvents and heavy metals with polyurethane. Sounds nasty? Well, it is.

  • THE KOI WAY

    But there's another way. Our eco-friendly waterborne coating technique skips the heavy metals, cuts energy consumption by 55%, and even saves water by an impressive 95% compared to the traditional method.

HOW DO WE DO IT?

So you're wondering how we can tell if we're really using Water-PU? Well, the best way to be absolutely sure is to go all CSI on it (meaning we carry out independent chemical tests). If there's zeo trace of solvents, it's a surefire sign we're using a water-based method. And guess what? Our test reports below confirm just that.

100% VEGAN. ALWAYS.

There's more to a vegan shoe than just the surface material, from glue to lining, stitching, insoles, outsoles and coatings. During production, we specify that everything has to be animal-free. Our factories even sign a confirmation statement, guaranteeing that no part of the process involves animal products or testing.But we're not just taking their word for it. We've teamed up with The Vegan Society, who double-check everything for us, conducting a deep-dive analysis of every component used in the manufacturing process.

PACKAGING? WE'VE GOT IT COVERED

Our packaging is a work in progress. As technology and knowledge evolve, so do we. We've kicked plastic and polystyrene to the curb, opting for paper and cardboard instead (recycled, wherever possible). Even our shoe boxes are made from recycled cardboard.

VALUING OUR PARTNERS

We don't own the factories that make Koi shoes, but we do maintain strict control through proficient managers and factory owners who follow our code of conduct. Regular independent audits by BSCI and SMETA ensure they stay committed to continuous improvement.

  • FOSTERING FAIRNESS

    As part of our mutual journey towards continuous improvement, Koi stands as a proactive brand, setting higher standards within the industry.

  • POSITIVE WORKPLACES

    How do we make sure our production teams aren't being treated poorly? It's all about the audits. They cover everything from hiring practices to discrimination, forced labour, child labour, working hours, and wages and leave provisions.

  • GREEN FACTORIES

    The audits aren't just about working conditions. They also scope out the factory's environmental footprint, looking at waste management, EIA assessments, water usage, and much more.

  • CERTIFICATIONS

    Some of our products have been certified by The Vegan Society.