CSR

 

We have a responsibility to make a positive impact on our business and its influence. At MKDT Studio, we acknowledge that, like any other brand or company involved in product creation, achieving complete sustainability is not possible. However, we strive to do more and better. We stay committed to continuously working towards reducing our environmental footprint and promoting longevity for our brand.

Over the past years, we have focused on establishing a strong foundation, gathering the necessary information, resources, and partnerships to propel us forward. Now, we can confidently set our sights on the future.

Our present and future endeavors are guided by a comprehensive sustainability strategy that revolves around four core commitments. These commitments address the challenges faced by our industry and highlight the areas where we see the greatest potential for improvement.

 

  • People. The individuals involved in designing, cutting, sewing, packaging, and shipping our products play a vital role in bringing our creative vision to life and ensuring us that our customers' wardrobes are adorned with our creations. It is our commitment to ensure safe working conditions for each one of them, emphasizing social compliance throughout our supply chain.
  • Product. Creating and introducing products into the world requires the use of natural resources, which are becoming increasingly scarce. Hence, we pledge to take action to minimize our environmental impact and enhance circularity in our designs.
  • Planet. Our planet is under mounting pressure, and we all have a responsibility to make changes in our lives and businesses to counterbalance our impact. Currently, we are implementing a CO2 measurement concept to gain insights into our logistics-related carbon emissions. This empowers us to identify and address areas of inefficiency, working diligently to reduce our overall carbon footprint. Consequently, we commit to reducing the overall environmental impact of our organization.
  • Platforms. Honesty and transparency are essential values. We are committed to learning from one another and continually improving. Thus, we pledge to uphold transparency in our external and internal communications.

 

Progress
With a keen focus on quality and craftmanship, our attention has especially been directed toward our commitment to our product. The creation of a material strategy with well-defined and specific objectives has helped set a course and guide our efforts in this aspect. Consequently, we are well on our way to achieve our 2025 goals.

 

To exemplify, we have dedicated considerable time to increase the use of our preferred fibers in our products. As such, we have reached 38% in our preferred category in 2023. This includes organic and certified cotton (53% of total cotton) as well as recycled and certified synthetic fibers (46% of total synthetic fibers). Both are well above our goals for 2023.

 

 

  • Organic cotton. Switching to organic cotton is no difficult decision to make. Unlike conventional cotton, the cultivation of organically grown cotton requires no hazardous chemicals, pesticides, and GMOs. In turn, water contamination is prevented, biodiversity and soil health are supported, and the health of field and factory workers is protected.

 

  • Recycled polyester. One of the most prevalent fabrics in clothing is polyester. With benefits such as durability, wrinkle and shrinking resistance, polyester constitutes a tempting solution for most companies. However, it is made from plastic, a far from sustainable material. To avoid producing more and contributing to landfills while still taking advantage of its benefits, you can use recycled polyester. When recycled, polyester retains most of its strength and durability.

 

We have not yet finished our sustainability efforts, though. To live up to our four core commitments, we endeavor to continue our progress and work toward our 2025 goal of having 75% organic or recycled cotton and 75% recycled or certified synthetic fibers.

 

 

Our due diligence

A part of our corporate responsibility is to do our due diligence. For us, that includes having policies and a code of conduct in place, both of which must be signed by our suppliers. Most of our collaborations involve partnering with suppliers located within the EU. This means they are close in proximity, allowing us to visit them and verify working conditions firsthand more easily.

 

To gain a comprehensive overview of and ensure traceability in our supply chain, we are currently mapping it. We have concluded mapping of Tier 1 and 2 and are now working on mapping Tier 3, which is a 2025 goal. Furthermore, we perform risk assessments in order to remain proactive instead of reactive.

 

Like this, we hope to contribute to a healthier industry, doing our part to make a difference.

 

Love,

MKDT Studio