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How Sustainable And Ethical Is Monki (of The H&M Group)?

I recently bought a beige coloured knitted belt and a cardholder from Monki, and both had vegan-friendly labels on them. Interesting, I thought. This was the first time I’ve ever seen eco-friendly or vegan-friendly products by Monki.


Photo by J Williams on Unsplash

I have a confession: I am a sucker for all things Monki. From its colourful and vibrant paper bags to its quirky clothing and vegan products, I’d shop at Monki’s from time to time.

As a sustainability and ethical product/brand supporter, it got me thinking just how true Monki’s claims were of its sustainability products, especially the vegan ones.

So I did what most conscious shopaholic do: dug around and found out about the truth. Okay, it’s not as dramatic as it sounds, but the revelation is eye-opening and somewhat…exciting (I do LOVE LOVE LOVE Monki, after all).

Truthfully speaking, I’m still transitioning to be a 100% conscious consumer who only buys thrifted items or new things from ethical and eco-conscious brands; even if it would burn a hole in my wallet. And it has been challenging so far.

I recently bought a beige coloured knitted belt and a cardholder from Monki, and both had vegan-friendly labels on them. Interesting, I thought. This was the first time I’ve ever seen eco-friendly or vegan-friendly products by Monki.

It’s a start…for now

I read up on Monki’s sustainability rating on Good On You, one of the most reliable and trustworthy sustainability rating platforms, and it’s even endorsed by Emma Watson. The platform’s rating system basically works by basing everything on transparency, starting with the data they source.

Their ratings tech and independent analysts compile and verify the most robust third-party indices (like the Fashion Transparency Index and CDP Climate Change and Water Security projects) and certifications/accreditations (like Fair Trade, Fair Wear Foundation, Cradle to Cradle, OEKO-TEX Made in Green, and the Global Organic Textile Standard), as well as brands’ own public reporting.

Their 1-5 rating scale is pretty simple and straightforward:

  • 1 (We Avoid)
  • 2 (Not Good Enough)
  • 3 (It’s A Start)
  • 4 (Good)
  • 5 (Great)

Brands receive an overall score, which is based on an average of their score in three key areas—people, the planet, and animals. Here’s a breakdown on Monki’s ratings:

🌎 Planet: 3 out of 5

👥 People: 3 out of 5

🐁 Animal: 4 out of 5

Monki’s overall rating is 3, which means it’s a start. The brand is getting there, according to Good On You. This result is in line with Monki’s Circularity Project goal, of which it aims to design all its products for circularity by 2025.

The brand’s page claims that it is on a journey to becoming a circular business by maximising the value of products and resources and enabling them to be reused and repaired as much as possible before they are finally recycled.

Part of the brand’s effort to achieve its circularity goal is by working on a few projects, which include the following:

The Black Dresses Collection

A new occasionwear collection designed for circularity, this limited edition drop features three black dresses in timeless styles: a mini babydoll dress, a wrap dress with puff sleeves, and a bandeau maxi dress, all made from 100% recycled polyester.

The Jeans Redesigned Collection

This special denim drop designed with the circular principles of the Jeans Redesign project includes classic denim blue wash jeans that feature bar tacks instead of traditional rivets, a laser printed logo instead of classic Monki logo patch, and aluminium buttons that require no electroplating.

Traditional polyester thread is replaced with EcoVero thread which is a mix of recycled polyester and more sustainably sourced cotton. The pocket bags are crafted from 100% organic cotton instead of a cotton and polyester mix, making the garments 100% cellulosic and more easily recyclable.

The Up:Cycle Capsule Collection

The Monki Up:cycle capsule collection is made from leftover organic cotton garments, including recycled thread and zippers, and eco-hardware and wash.

Upcycle is a word that comes from the word recycle, it means to not only reuse but repurpose in a new way – often resulting in a unique and high-quality product, less or no waste and promotes a circular society.

The Wear. Love. Recycle. Collection

This online exclusive drop has been designed to be recycled and to be put back into the fashion loop – as life moves in circles, so does fashion too.

The collection features six garments with a timeless and minimalist aesthetic. Key pieces include the reversible quilted coat made from 100% recycled polyester and recycled polyester buttons.

A pair of asymmetric waist jeans made from 100% organic cotton featuring screw buttons designed for disassembly and can be worn two ways.

The verdict is in: I can still shop at Monki without feeling guilty or hypocritical! That said, I’d have to be really careful to not buy items that are not part of the circularity project by checking out the tags (they usually have labels like “Vegan-Friendly” and the likes). By the way, Monki is part of The H&M Group.

Now that’s another story for another time.

Until then, shop consciously, people! 😀

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