New Zealand is at the forefront of the global sustainability movement, thanks to its leading eco-friendly brands aligning their business practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These brands are setting remarkable examples of how environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility can contribute to achieving the UN SDG goals. From organic spirits to innovative footwear and eco-friendly household products to sustainable fashion, this article highlights New Zealand’s top 10 eco-friendly brands that are revolutionising their respective industries. Each brand demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability, showcasing how eco-conscious practices can drive positive change while contributing to a healthier planet.
1. All Birds: Comfort Meets Sustainability
Allbirds is a popular brand that specialises in creating eco-friendly footwear and clothing. Founded in New Zealand in 2014 by Tim Brown and Joey Zwillinger, the brand has become well-known worldwide for its efforts to use sustainable materials like merino wool, eucalyptus fibre, and sugarcane-based foam. Allbirds is also committed to reducing its carbon footprint by measuring and offsetting it. To achieve this, the brand constantly searches for new materials, such as Trino™ and SweetFoam™. Allbirds offers many products, including shoes, loungewear, and comfortable and stylish accessories. They cater to both casual and active lifestyles.
Allbirds is a certified B corporation that embodies ethical production and environmental stewardship. The brand’s journey from an idea to a global presence reflects its values of transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices. Allbirds demonstrates that style, comfort, and eco-friendliness can be achieved through innovative product design and materials.
2. Kathmandu: Adventure with a Conscience
Kathmandu is an outdoor gear brand from Christchurch that emphasises ethical production and sustainability. They offer outdoor apparel and equipment for men, women, and children. Kathmandu is committed to fair labour practices and safe working conditions throughout its supply chain. The brand uses organic and recycled materials and holds a B Corp certification, reflecting its dedication to balancing profit and purpose.
Kathmandu is more than just a retail brand. The company also prioritises environmental stewardship and community engagement. They are actively involved in different sustainability initiatives and community programmes. This reinforces Kathmandu’s philosophy of combining adventure with conscience. The brand is a leader in the outdoor retail space due to its ethical manufacturing, durable and high-quality products, and commitment to sustainability.
3. Ecostore: Eco-Friendly Household Solutions
Auckland-based Ecostore is a top sustainable brand in New Zealand. They offer eco-friendly home cleaning and personal care products with natural ingredients that are safe for people and the planet. Under the leadership of Pablo Kraus, Ecostore has invested in sustainable packaging solutions, such as sugar plastic made from renewable sugarcane, to reduce its carbon footprint.
Ecostore’s philosophy goes beyond product formulation and packaging. They have set ambitious targets to combat plastic pollution. They actively engage in initiatives like the New Zealand Plastic Packaging Declaration and the global ‘A Line in the Sand: A Global Commitment’ to tackle plastic pollution. This approach to sustainability reinforces Ecostore’s commitment to eco-friendly products and environmental advocacy, setting a standard for corporate responsibility in the green economy.
4. Moin: Luxurious and Conscious Loungewear
Moin is a sustainably minded brand that offers luxurious loungewear and sets new standards in the fashion industry by prioritising sustainability and conscious production. The brand is known for using certified natural fibres in its clothing, ensuring that each piece is comfortable and environmentally friendly. Moin’s product line is proof of their dedication to luxury without compromising ethical values. Their loungewear is made in Aotearoa, reflecting their commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainability.
Moin is a female-led company that values ethical production. They prioritise natural materials and ethical manufacturing to create luxury, comfortable, and socially responsible fashion. Moin stands out in New Zealand’s sustainable fashion landscape and fosters a culture of mindfulness and sustainability in the fashion industry.
5. Jasmine Sparrow Jewellery: Ethical Elegance
Jasmine Sparrow Jewellery, a boutique brand based in Auckland, epitomises ethical elegance in accessories. The brand is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and ethical jewellery-making practices. At the heart of its ethos, Jasmine Sparrow uses ethically sourced stones and recycled metals to demonstrate a profound respect for people and the planet. This approach ensures that every piece of jewellery carries aesthetic value and a responsible and conscious creation story.
Jasmine Sparrow Jewellery produces high-quality and personalised pieces designed to last, promoting a sustainable approach to fashion. Ethical sourcing, sustainable materials, and timeless design make the brand a leader in New Zealand’s sustainable fashion scene. Each piece is a statement of environmental stewardship and ethical craftsmanship.
6. Hastings Distillers: Organic Spirits from Heartland
Located in the heart of Hastings, Hastings Distillers has established a unique position in the world of spirits by adopting an organic and biodynamic approach. They are the first distillery in New Zealand to produce organic spirits and liqueurs, setting a high standard for quality and sustainability in the industry. The family-run distillery uses its winemaking expertise to create an outstanding range of gins and apéritifs. Their commitment to using organic and biodynamic botanicals, which are foraged and grown, is a testament to their deep respect for the environment and the purity of their products.
Hastings Distillers offers a unique range of high-quality organic gins and aperitifs. Visit their tasting room on Heretaunga Street to experience the range firsthand. The forthcoming launch of their eau de vie is a testament to their ongoing innovation. They embody a sustainable and responsible production ethos, contributing to the local economy.
7. Live2Give Organics: Nourishing the Community
Formally known as Wholegrain Organics, Live2Give Organics is a Palmerston North-based business that promotes sustainable and healthy eating. They produce organic whole foods, operate a café serving organic vegan food, and act as a training ground for the Hands-On Food programme. This initiative teaches young people about farming, baking, and cooking nutritious, sustainable food, fostering a sense of community and environmental responsibility.
The impact of Live2Give Organics is multifaceted. Not only do they provide healthy, organic food options to the local community, but their profits are reinvested into educational programmes that teach sustainable food practices. This approach nourishes the body and enriches the mind, encouraging a new generation to appreciate and engage in sustainable living. Live2Give Organics extends its reach by delivering its products to cafes and organic stores across New Zealand and offering nationwide delivery, spreading the values of health, sustainability, and community engagement.
8. Untouched World: Fashion with Purpose
Founded by Peri Drysdale, Untouched World is a sustainable fashion brand in Christchurch that emphasises environmental and social responsibility. Unlike fast-fashion labels, they release only two collections annually, focusing on quality over quantity to reduce waste and environmental impact and promote sustainable consumer habits.
The brand’s product line stands out for its fashionable and practical designs that emphasise sustainable materials. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Untouched World prioritises ethical practices in its manufacturing processes. It also supports local artisans and communities and positions itself as a leader in the shift towards a more environmentally conscious fashion industry, thereby symbolising fashion with a purpose.
9. Penny Sage: Crafting Timeless Elegance
Penny Sage is an independent clothing label by designer Kate Megaw. This noteworthy fashion line is known for its timeless elegance and commitment to sustainability. Penny Sage differentiates itself by creating handcrafted clothing with a deep appreciation for natural textiles, quality fabrics, and long-lasting design. The brand’s philosophy centres around creating fashion that endures, taking a clear stance against the fast fashion industry. Penny Sage’s dedication to craftsmanship ensures that each piece is not just an article of clothing but a work of art meant to be cherished and worn for years.
Penny Sage is a sustainable and ethical fashion brand that uses natural materials and local artisans to reduce environmental impact and support the local economy. The brand represents a unique and responsible fashion statement.
10. Bear and Moo: Reusable Solutions for Modern Families
Bear and Moo is an innovative New Zealand brand that provides eco-friendly, reusable solutions tailored for modern families. With a focus on reducing waste and promoting sustainability, Bear and Moo specialise in high-quality, reusable cloth diapers, aiming to offer a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable diapers. Their product range extends beyond cloth diapers to include other reusable items designed to meet the needs of families looking to make sustainable lifestyle choices.
Founded by Hannah Porter in 2018, the business is committed to giving New Zealand families good, affordable, eco-friendly options. This commitment to sustainability aims to reduce the environmental footprint of families. Their approach encourages conscious consumption, contributing to a global effort to foster sustainable practices. They believe that small changes can lead to a more sustainable future and strive to significantly impact how families approach everyday living.
