Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Brands in New Zealand (2026)

New Zealand has a growing number of brands that take sustainability seriously, not as a marketing angle, but as a core part of how they operate. This guide covers the best sustainable and eco-friendly brands across fashion, food, household products and more.

Sustainable fashion brands

Kowtow

Kowtow uses 100% certified organic cotton and operates a fully transparent supply chain from seed to garment. Based in Wellington, the brand runs a repair programme and take-back scheme for worn garments. Kowtow holds Fairtrade certification and has built a reputation for understated, well-made basics that last.

Maggie Marilyn

Maggie Marilyn was founded by Maggie Hewitt in Auckland. The brand shifted to a fully circular model in 2020, using recycled and deadstock fabrics and offering a buy-back programme. Maggie Marilyn is a certified B Corp and has been recognised internationally for its approach to responsible luxury fashion.

Untouched World

Founded by Peri Drysdale in Christchurch, Untouched World was one of the first fashion brands in the world to be recognised by the United Nations for sustainability. The brand uses New Zealand merino, organic cotton and recycled fibres and releases just two collections per year to reduce waste. It is a certified B Corp.

Little Yellow Bird

Little Yellow Bird produces workwear and everyday essentials from 100% organic cotton with full supply chain transparency. The company runs a textile recycling programme and has built partnerships with corporate clients who want ethical uniforms and branded clothing.

Penny Sage

Penny Sage designs and produces small-batch collections in New Zealand, using natural fibres and sustainable production methods. The brand focuses on timeless, functional pieces designed to last years rather than seasons.

Nisa

Nisa produces ethical underwear and activewear, employing refugee women in New Zealand as part of its social enterprise mission. The brand uses sustainable fabrics and focuses on inclusive sizing.

Eco-friendly household and lifestyle brands

Ecostore

Ecostore makes plant-based household cleaning products, personal care items and baby care from its Auckland factory. The brand uses refill stations in supermarkets across New Zealand and has pioneered sugarcane-based plastic bottles. Ecostore has been operating since 1993 and is one of the country’s most established sustainable brands.

Again Again

Again Again operates a reusable cup network across New Zealand cafés, replacing single-use takeaway cups with a borrow-and-return system. Participating cafés lend cups to customers who return them at any partner location.

Bear and Moo

Bear and Moo makes reusable cloth nappies and family products, offering a practical alternative to disposable nappies. The brand ships throughout New Zealand and has built a loyal following among parents looking to reduce household waste.

Sustainable food and drink

Allbirds

Co-founded by Tim Brown, Allbirds started in New Zealand and pioneered the use of merino wool, eucalyptus fibre and sugarcane-based foam in footwear. The brand measures and offsets its carbon footprint across every product and is a certified B Corp.

Hastings Distillers

Hastings Distillers produces organic gins and spirits in Hawke’s Bay, using locally sourced botanicals and sustainable distilling practices. The distillery operates with minimal waste and sources ingredients from the surrounding region.

Live2Give Organics

Live2Give Organics combines an organic food brand with a café and educational programmes focused on sustainable living. Based in Auckland, the company runs community workshops on organic growing and conscious consumption.

Finding sustainable brands

Not every brand that calls itself sustainable has earned it. Look for third-party certifications (B Corp, Fairtrade, organic certification), transparent supply chains and specific commitments rather than vague claims. The brands on this list have verifiable credentials and a track record of operating sustainably over years, not just marketing campaigns.

For more on New Zealand businesses worth knowing, see our guide to the Best business ideas in New Zealand or browse Profiles of NZ entrepreneurs behind these brands.